Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, and compliance for small businesses.
- 2#2: OnPay - Unlimited payroll runs with automated tax filing and expert support for SMBs.
- 3#3: Patriot Software - Affordable, user-friendly payroll processing with direct deposit and new hire reporting.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting.
- 5#5: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll platform with advanced reporting and compliance tools for growing businesses.
- 6#6: Paychex - Reliable payroll services with automated tax management and W-2/1099 filing.
- 7#7: SurePayroll - Simple online payroll with guaranteed accuracy and next-day direct deposit.
- 8#8: Wave Payroll - Low-cost payroll with automatic calculations for taxes and filings in select states.
- 9#9: Square Payroll - Streamlined payroll integrated with Square for retail and service businesses.
- 10#10: Payroll4Free - Free basic payroll software for small companies with up to 25 U.S.-based employees.
We evaluated tools based on automation strength, tax compliance accuracy, ease of navigation, and overall value, ensuring each entry offers a balance of robust features and practical usability for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right payroll software requires balancing features, cost, and usability, with offerings spanning from streamlined solutions to comprehensive platforms. This table breaks down popular tools like Gusto, OnPay, Patriot Software, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, and more, comparing their strengths in automation, tax handling, and scalability. Readers will gain clarity on which option best fits their business size and unique needs, from small operations to growing teams.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, and compliance for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | OnPay Unlimited payroll runs with automated tax filing and expert support for SMBs. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Patriot Software Affordable, user-friendly payroll processing with direct deposit and new hire reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll platform with advanced reporting and compliance tools for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Paychex Reliable payroll services with automated tax management and W-2/1099 filing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | SurePayroll Simple online payroll with guaranteed accuracy and next-day direct deposit. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Wave Payroll Low-cost payroll with automatic calculations for taxes and filings in select states. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Square Payroll Streamlined payroll integrated with Square for retail and service businesses. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 10 | Payroll4Free Free basic payroll software for small companies with up to 25 U.S.-based employees. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, and compliance for small businesses.
Unlimited payroll runs with automated tax filing and expert support for SMBs.
Affordable, user-friendly payroll processing with direct deposit and new hire reporting.
Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting.
Scalable payroll platform with advanced reporting and compliance tools for growing businesses.
Reliable payroll services with automated tax management and W-2/1099 filing.
Simple online payroll with guaranteed accuracy and next-day direct deposit.
Low-cost payroll with automatic calculations for taxes and filings in select states.
Streamlined payroll integrated with Square for retail and service businesses.
Free basic payroll software for small companies with up to 25 U.S.-based employees.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, and compliance for small businesses.
End-to-end automated tax filing and payments for all jurisdictions, eliminating manual compliance work
Gusto is a leading payroll software that automates payroll processing, including wage calculations, direct deposits, and comprehensive tax withholdings for W-2 and 1099 workers. It handles federal, state, and local tax filings automatically, ensuring compliance across all 50 states with unlimited payroll runs. Designed for simplicity, it offers an intuitive dashboard and employee self-service portal for payslips and time tracking integration.
Pros
- Automated federal, state, and local tax calculations and filings
- Unlimited payroll runs with fast direct deposit options
- User-friendly interface with quick onboarding and strong mobile app support
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, less ideal for solo operators
- Full tax compliance features require the higher-tier plans
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic payroll without extras
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking hands-off, compliant payroll processing with multi-state support.
Pricing
Simple plan starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month; Plus at $80 + $12/employee/month; Premium is custom quote.
OnPay
enterpriseUnlimited payroll runs with automated tax filing and expert support for SMBs.
100% payroll tax filing accuracy guarantee with on-time delivery
OnPay is a comprehensive payroll software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering unlimited payroll runs, automated tax calculations, filings, and payments at federal, state, and local levels. It supports multi-state payroll, direct deposit, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. With a focus on accuracy and compliance, OnPay guarantees 100% on-time and accurate tax filings, making it a reliable choice for streamlined payroll processing.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs with no extra fees
- 100% accuracy guarantee on tax filings
- Excellent multi-state payroll support and integrations
Cons
- No built-in time tracking (requires integration)
- Setup process can be time-intensive for new users
- Pricing scales with employee count, less ideal for very large teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable, full-service payroll with strong compliance and support without needing extensive HR tools.
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6 per employee/month; includes multi-state taxes and unlimited runs.
Patriot Software
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly payroll processing with direct deposit and new hire reporting.
Unlimited monthly payroll runs included in the per-employee fee, eliminating overage charges for frequent processing.
Patriot Software offers a dedicated payroll solution tailored for small businesses, automating wage calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and federal/state tax filings. It supports unlimited payroll runs each month and generates essential forms like W-2s and 1099s. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, with options for both in-house processing and full-service support where Patriot handles filings.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing with unlimited payroll runs
- User-friendly interface ideal for non-experts
- Reliable tax filing and direct deposit capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Few integrations with other business tools
- No built-in time tracking or mobile app
Best For
Small businesses with straightforward payroll needs seeking a low-cost, easy-to-use solution without complex HR requirements.
Pricing
Basic plan starts at $17/month + $4 per employee (full-service tax filing); in-house option from $10/month + $4 per employee.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting.
Intuit-assisted tax filing with penalty protection guarantee
QuickBooks Payroll is a robust payroll solution from Intuit that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports unlimited pay runs, employee self-service portals, and compliance tools like W-2/1099 forms. While optimized for integration with QuickBooks accounting, it operates effectively as a standalone payroll service with strong automation features.
Pros
- Automated tax calculations, payments, and filings with accuracy guarantees
- Unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit
- Comprehensive reporting and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Higher pricing structure compared to dedicated payroll-only competitors
- Full feature set shines more with QuickBooks integration
- Steeper learning curve for non-QuickBooks users
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing reliable, automated payroll with strong tax compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/active employee; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee (billed annually).
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll platform with advanced reporting and compliance tools for growing businesses.
Payroll error guarantee and PEAC-approved accuracy, ensuring 100% compliance or ADP covers penalties.
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, streamlining payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It offers automated compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, along with customizable reports and employee self-service portals. While primarily focused on payroll, it integrates basic HR tools but excels in core payroll accuracy and reliability.
Pros
- Highly accurate automated tax filing and compliance guarantees
- Robust customer support with dedicated specialists
- Mobile app for on-the-go payroll management and employee access
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with per-employee fees for larger teams
- Initial setup may require assistance due to configuration complexity
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing reliable, compliance-focused payroll processing without extensive HR features.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4/employee for Essential plan; higher tiers up to $149/month + $11/employee, with custom quotes available.
Paychex
enterpriseReliable payroll services with automated tax management and W-2/1099 filing.
100% payroll accuracy guarantee with guaranteed on-time tax filing
Paychex is a robust payroll processing platform designed for businesses of all sizes, offering automated payroll calculations, direct deposit, and comprehensive tax filing and compliance. It handles multi-state payroll, garnishments, and deductions with high accuracy, backed by expert support. While it excels in payroll-specific functions, it often bundles with HR tools, making it suitable for standalone payroll needs.
Pros
- Exceptional tax compliance and automated filing across multiple states
- Reliable accuracy guarantee and 24/7 expert support
- Scalable for small to mid-sized businesses with growing payroll needs
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to pure payroll-only competitors
- Interface feels dated and has a moderate learning curve
- Less flexible for highly customized payroll setups
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking dependable payroll processing with strong compliance and support without needing full HR integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $80/month base plus $5-$6 per employee/pay period; payroll-only plans available but often bundled.
SurePayroll
enterpriseSimple online payroll with guaranteed accuracy and next-day direct deposit.
Tax penalty protection guarantee ensuring accurate filings or they cover penalties
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll software tailored for small businesses, providing essential payroll processing including wage calculations, direct deposits, and automated tax filings for federal, state, and local requirements. It supports W-2 and 1099 form generation and offers a user-friendly dashboard for quick payroll runs. As a standalone payroll solution, it focuses on simplicity without bundled HR or benefits management features.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for running payroll in minutes
- Automatic tax calculations and guaranteed on-time filings
- Reliable direct deposit and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Limited advanced features like built-in time tracking
- Fewer integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
Best For
Small businesses with simple payroll needs and fewer than 50 employees who want hassle-free tax compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month base fee + $4.99 per active employee/month; extra fees for direct deposit ($1/employee) and some tax services.
Wave Payroll
specializedLow-cost payroll with automatic calculations for taxes and filings in select states.
Free unlimited payroll runs for 1099 contractors
Wave Payroll is a straightforward, cloud-based payroll solution tailored for small businesses, particularly those already using Wave's free accounting tools. It enables quick payroll runs for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, with automatic tax calculations, direct deposits, and optional tax filing services. Primarily serving US and Canadian users, it emphasizes simplicity and affordability over advanced HR functionalities.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing, free for contractors
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Automatic federal and state tax calculations and filings
Cons
- Limited to US and Canada markets only
- No phone or live chat support
- Lacks advanced features like benefits management or time tracking
Best For
Small US or Canadian businesses and solopreneurs seeking simple, budget-friendly payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Free for 1099 contractors; $20 base + $6/active employee/month (US self-service), plus $4+ for tax filing.
Square Payroll
specializedStreamlined payroll integrated with Square for retail and service businesses.
Native integration with Square POS for automatic time tracking and tip allocation
Square Payroll is a straightforward payroll solution tailored for small U.S. businesses, especially those using Square's POS and payment systems. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and generation of W-2/1099 forms, with support for same-day direct deposits. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to run payroll in minutes via mobile or web.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for time tracking and payments
- Affordable pricing with automatic tax filing and compliance
- Quick setup and mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go payroll
Cons
- Limited advanced features like robust reporting or multi-state complexities
- U.S.-only support with no international payroll
- Best suited for Square ecosystem users; less ideal standalone
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses already using Square POS that need simple, affordable U.S. payroll.
Pricing
$35/month base fee + $6 per active employee/month (full-service plan); contractor-only option at $5/month + $0.25 per payment.
Payroll4Free
specializedFree basic payroll software for small companies with up to 25 U.S.-based employees.
Lifetime free payroll processing for small teams without hidden fees or trials
Payroll4Free is a web-based payroll software tailored for small businesses, offering free payroll processing including wage calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposit setup. It generates essential forms like W-2s, 1099s, and handles federal and select state tax filings automatically. While basic in scope, it focuses solely on core payroll functions without HR or time-tracking integrations.
Pros
- Completely free for businesses with up to 25 one-time employees
- Handles federal taxes, W-2/1099 forms, and direct deposits
- Simple, intuitive interface with quick setup
Cons
- Limited to basic payroll; no advanced reporting or integrations
- Free tier caps at 25 employees; additional users cost extra
- State tax support varies and customer support is email-only
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with fewer than 25 employees seeking a no-cost, straightforward payroll solution.
Pricing
Free for one company with up to 25 one-time employees; $15-$20/month per additional company or employee beyond limits.
Conclusion
The top 10 payroll software tools offer diverse strengths, with Gusto leading as the best choice, excelling in automating payroll, taxes, and compliance for small businesses. OnPay and Patriot Software follow closely, providing strong alternatives—OnPay with unlimited runs and expert support, and Patriot with affordability and user-friendly processing. Regardless of specific needs, these top options deliver reliable solutions to streamline payroll management.
Take the first step to efficient payroll—try Gusto, your top-ranked tool, and discover how its full-service features can simplify your processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison