Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Cloud-based payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll solution offering compliance, reporting, and HR integration for businesses of all sizes.
- 3#3: Paychex - Full-service payroll and HR platform with tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service.
- 4#4: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management system unifying payroll, HR, IT, and finance operations.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll service that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for small businesses.
- 6#6: OnPay - Affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited runs, expert support, and multi-state tax compliance.
- 7#7: Paylocity - Modern payroll and HCM platform with employee engagement and performance management tools.
- 8#8: BambooHR - User-friendly HR software with integrated payroll, onboarding, and time tracking features.
- 9#9: Patriot Software - Simple, low-cost payroll software with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small businesses.
- 10#10: Paycom - Comprehensive HCM suite providing payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app.
We evaluated these tools based on feature robustness (automation, tax handling, HR integration), user experience, consistent performance, and value, ensuring a comprehensive guide to reliable, industry-leading solutions.
Comparison Table
Navigating payroll software can be challenging, so this comparison table breaks down top tools like Gusto, ADP RUN, Paychex, Rippling, and QuickBooks Payroll to help you identify the best fit. Readers will discover key features, pricing structures, and user experiences to make informed decisions tailored to their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Cloud-based payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll solution offering compliance, reporting, and HR integration for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Paychex Full-service payroll and HR platform with tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Rippling All-in-one workforce management system unifying payroll, HR, IT, and finance operations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll service that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | OnPay Affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited runs, expert support, and multi-state tax compliance. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Paylocity Modern payroll and HCM platform with employee engagement and performance management tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BambooHR User-friendly HR software with integrated payroll, onboarding, and time tracking features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Patriot Software Simple, low-cost payroll software with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Paycom Comprehensive HCM suite providing payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Cloud-based payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR for small to medium businesses.
Scalable payroll solution offering compliance, reporting, and HR integration for businesses of all sizes.
Full-service payroll and HR platform with tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service.
All-in-one workforce management system unifying payroll, HR, IT, and finance operations.
Integrated payroll service that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for small businesses.
Affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited runs, expert support, and multi-state tax compliance.
Modern payroll and HCM platform with employee engagement and performance management tools.
User-friendly HR software with integrated payroll, onboarding, and time tracking features.
Simple, low-cost payroll software with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small businesses.
Comprehensive HCM suite providing payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app.
Gusto
specializedCloud-based payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR for small to medium businesses.
Full-service payroll with automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states plus localities
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It also handles employee onboarding, time tracking, performance management, and benefits administration like health insurance and 401(k)s. With robust integrations to accounting software and a user-friendly interface, Gusto simplifies compliance and HR tasks for growing teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits management
- Automatic multi-state tax filing and compliance
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app and customer support
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, which can add up for larger teams
- Limited advanced reporting in base plans
- Contractor-only plan lacks full employee features
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a scalable, compliant payroll solution with integrated HR and benefits.
Pricing
Simple ($40/mo base + $6/employee), Plus ($80/mo + $12/employee), Premium (custom); contractor plan at $35/mo base + $6/contractor.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll solution offering compliance, reporting, and HR integration for businesses of all sizes.
99% accuracy guarantee on payroll tax filings with automatic updates for changing regulations
ADP RUN is a robust payroll software solution from ADP tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and compliance management. It integrates HR functionalities like employee self-service, benefits administration, and time tracking to streamline operations. With scalable plans and advanced reporting, it supports businesses as they grow while ensuring regulatory adherence across multiple states.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll automation with multi-state tax support
- Strong compliance guarantees and error-free filing
- Integrated HR tools and scalable for growth
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams
- Initial setup requires some learning
- Customer support varies by plan level
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing reliable, compliant payroll with HR integration.
Pricing
Tiered plans (Essential, Enhanced, Complete) start at ~$59/month base + $4-$12 per employee/month, with custom quotes for larger teams.
Paychex
enterpriseFull-service payroll and HR platform with tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service.
100% Payroll Accuracy Guarantee backed by in-house tax experts for worry-free compliance.
Paychex is a full-service payroll and HR software platform that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and compliance for businesses of varying sizes. It integrates HR tools like employee self-service, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management into a single ecosystem. With options for both self-service and fully outsourced payroll, Paychex ensures accuracy through its expert support team and guarantees.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits integration
- Excellent multi-state tax compliance and automated filings
- Dedicated U.S.-based support specialists available 24/7
Cons
- Higher cost for small businesses with minimal needs
- Interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Some advanced features require additional modules or outsourcing fees
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with strong compliance support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $80/month base + $4-5 per employee, with outsourced options higher.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce management system unifying payroll, HR, IT, and finance operations.
Automatic provisioning/deprovisioning of apps, devices, and benefits tied to payroll and employee status changes
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and finance operations. It automates payroll processing, including multi-state and global payroll in over 100 countries, tax compliance, and benefits administration. The software syncs employee data across modules to streamline onboarding, offboarding, and lifecycle management, reducing manual errors and administrative time.
Pros
- Seamless integration across HR, payroll, IT, and finance
- Robust global payroll and compliance automation
- Advanced employee lifecycle management with auto-sync
Cons
- Higher pricing for full suite access
- Steep initial learning curve for complex setups
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses seeking a unified platform for HR, payroll, and IT management.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for core HR, with payroll add-on at $10-11/user/month; custom enterprise pricing based on modules and scale.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedIntegrated payroll service that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for small businesses.
Deep, native integration with QuickBooks accounting software for real-time syncing of payroll data to books
QuickBooks Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution from Intuit, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses to handle employee payments, tax withholdings, and compliance. It automates payroll runs, direct deposits, W-2 and 1099 filings, and integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software for unified financial management. Additional features include time tracking, benefits administration, and employee self-service portals for viewing pay stubs and tax forms.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting for automated bookkeeping
- Automated federal, state, and local tax calculations and filings
- Robust employee self-service portal and mobile app access
Cons
- Relatively high pricing, especially for small teams with add-on fees per employee
- Full feature set requires higher-tier plans or QuickBooks subscription
- Steeper learning curve for non-QuickBooks users
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using QuickBooks that need integrated payroll and accounting.
Pricing
Core: $50/month + $6/employee; Premium: $80/month + $9/employee; Elite: $125/month + $11/employee (billed annually; requires QuickBooks Online subscription).
OnPay
specializedAffordable, full-service payroll with unlimited runs, expert support, and multi-state tax compliance.
100% payroll accuracy guarantee with reimbursement for any penalties due to OnPay errors
OnPay is a full-service payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing unlimited monthly payroll runs, automated federal and state tax filings, and direct deposit capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, and includes HR features such as onboarding, benefits management, and time tracking. The platform emphasizes compliance, accuracy, and user-friendly automation to simplify payroll processing.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at a flat rate per employee
- Exceptional 24/7 customer support with live US-based experts
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states
Cons
- No free trial, only demos available
- Limited advanced reporting for very large enterprises
- Higher cost for businesses with few employees due to base fee
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable, compliant payroll with strong integrations and support without complex setup.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per active employee per month; add-ons for HR ($12/employee) and time tracking ($8/employee).
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll and HCM platform with employee engagement and performance management tools.
Paylocity Community, a social intranet that boosts employee engagement alongside core payroll functions.
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with robust payroll processing capabilities, handling everything from automated paycheck calculations and tax compliance to direct deposits and multi-state payroll support. It integrates seamlessly with HR functions like benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management, providing a unified employee experience. The platform emphasizes accuracy, scalability, and regulatory adherence for businesses across industries.
Pros
- Integrated payroll with full HR suite for streamlined operations
- Strong compliance tools and automated tax filing
- Mobile-first employee self-service portal
Cons
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for small businesses
- Implementation and onboarding may require significant time
- Customization options limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized companies needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with employee engagement tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-$40 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
BambooHR
specializedUser-friendly HR software with integrated payroll, onboarding, and time tracking features.
Native integration of payroll with full HR suite for real-time employee data sync and automated workflows
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform that includes an integrated payroll module designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses in the US. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing seamlessly with employee data, time tracking, and benefits administration. Although not a standalone payroll specialist, it excels in providing a unified HR-payroll experience with strong reporting and compliance tools in supported states.
Pros
- Seamless integration between HRIS and payroll reduces data entry errors
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for employee self-service
- Automated tax compliance and filings in 50+ US states
Cons
- Limited international support and availability only in the US
- Payroll requires an add-on subscription, increasing costs
- Less robust for complex enterprise-level payroll needs compared to dedicated providers
Best For
Small to mid-sized US-based businesses seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution without needing advanced customization.
Pricing
Core HR starts at ~$6-12 per employee/month (quote-based); payroll add-on ~$4-6 per employee/month plus base fee.
Patriot Software
specializedSimple, low-cost payroll software with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small businesses.
100% payroll tax accuracy guarantee with free penalty coverage if they make an error
Patriot Software offers cloud-based payroll solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including automated payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposit, and multi-state support. It provides two main plans: Patriot Basic for DIY users and Patriot Full Service, which includes tax filing handled by experts. Additional add-ons cover HR basics, time & attendance, and onboarding, making it a straightforward option for core payroll needs.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing with low per-employee fees
- Outstanding U.S.-based customer support and free expert setup
- 100% accuracy guarantee on payroll taxes with penalty protection
Cons
- Limited advanced HR and reporting features compared to enterprise competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations than larger platforms
- Employee self-service portal lacks a dedicated mobile app
Best For
Small businesses seeking reliable, budget-friendly payroll processing with hands-on support and minimal complexity.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month (DIY); Full Service Payroll: $37 base + $4/employee/month (expert tax filing); add-ons extra.
Paycom
enterpriseComprehensive HCM suite providing payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app.
Employee-driven payroll via 'The Paycom Way' self-service portal, where workers input their own data for accuracy and efficiency.
Paycom is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in payroll processing, HR management, time and labor tracking, and talent acquisition. It stands out with its 'The Paycom Way' approach, enabling employees to self-manage payroll data via a single employee portal, reducing HR administrative burden. The software automates payroll calculations, tax compliance, and benefits administration while integrating seamlessly with other HR functions for mid-to-large enterprises.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering payroll, HR, and talent management
- Robust employee self-service portal minimizes errors and HR workload
- Strong compliance tools and customizable reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- Higher pricing compared to standalone payroll solutions
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses seeking an integrated HCM solution with heavy emphasis on employee self-service for payroll.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $60-$120 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 payroll software tools, Gusto shines as the leading choice, excelling in automating payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR for small to medium businesses. ADP RUN stands out as a versatile, scalable solution with robust compliance and HR integration, while Paychex offers a comprehensive full-service platform with valuable employee self-service features. Each tool has unique strengths, but Gusto’s all-in-one approach makes it the top pick for many.
Begin streamlining your payroll and HR operations by trying Gusto—discover how its automation and integrated tools can simplify your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison