Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Cloud-based payroll platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that unifies employee management, payroll automation, and global payments with seamless integrations.
- 3#3: ADP - Comprehensive payroll and HR solution offering automated payroll runs, tax compliance, time tracking, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
- 4#4: Paychex - Full-service payroll software with features for processing, direct deposit, tax management, and HR tools tailored for growing businesses.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll solution within QuickBooks that handles employee payments, tax calculations, forms, and time tracking for small businesses.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Modern payroll and HR platform providing real-time payroll processing, employee self-service, benefits enrollment, and advanced reporting.
- 7#7: BambooHR - HR management system with built-in payroll that streamlines employee data tracking, payroll runs, and performance management.
- 8#8: OnPay - Affordable payroll software focused on unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and easy setup for small businesses.
- 9#9: Justworks - PEO-powered payroll and HR platform offering compliant payroll processing, benefits, and employer-of-record services for SMBs.
- 10#10: Patriot Software - Simple, full-featured payroll software for in-house processing, tax filings, and full-service options at low cost for small businesses.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature richness, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust functionality and exceptional performance to meet modern business demands.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top payroll tracking tools—including Gusto, Rippling, ADP, Paychex, and QuickBooks Payroll—to highlight key features, usability, and cost structures, helping readers identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Cloud-based payroll platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that unifies employee management, payroll automation, and global payments with seamless integrations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP Comprehensive payroll and HR solution offering automated payroll runs, tax compliance, time tracking, and analytics for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Full-service payroll software with features for processing, direct deposit, tax management, and HR tools tailored for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll solution within QuickBooks that handles employee payments, tax calculations, forms, and time tracking for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Modern payroll and HR platform providing real-time payroll processing, employee self-service, benefits enrollment, and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR HR management system with built-in payroll that streamlines employee data tracking, payroll runs, and performance management. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | OnPay Affordable payroll software focused on unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and easy setup for small businesses. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Justworks PEO-powered payroll and HR platform offering compliant payroll processing, benefits, and employer-of-record services for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Software Simple, full-featured payroll software for in-house processing, tax filings, and full-service options at low cost for small businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
Cloud-based payroll platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that unifies employee management, payroll automation, and global payments with seamless integrations.
Comprehensive payroll and HR solution offering automated payroll runs, tax compliance, time tracking, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
Full-service payroll software with features for processing, direct deposit, tax management, and HR tools tailored for growing businesses.
Integrated payroll solution within QuickBooks that handles employee payments, tax calculations, forms, and time tracking for small businesses.
Modern payroll and HR platform providing real-time payroll processing, employee self-service, benefits enrollment, and advanced reporting.
HR management system with built-in payroll that streamlines employee data tracking, payroll runs, and performance management.
Affordable payroll software focused on unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and easy setup for small businesses.
PEO-powered payroll and HR platform offering compliant payroll processing, benefits, and employer-of-record services for SMBs.
Simple, full-featured payroll software for in-house processing, tax filings, and full-service options at low cost for small businesses.
Gusto
enterpriseCloud-based payroll platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
Full-service payroll with automated tax handling and next-day direct deposit guarantee
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments. It offers robust time tracking, employee self-service portals, direct deposit, and benefits administration to streamline workforce management. With features like multi-state payroll support and compliance tools, Gusto ensures accuracy and reduces administrative burdens for growing teams.
Pros
- Automated payroll runs with guaranteed accuracy and on-time tax filings
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for employees and admins
- Seamless integrations with time tracking, accounting, and benefits providers
Cons
- Higher costs for larger teams or premium features
- Limited support for international payroll outside the US
- Onboarding can be time-intensive for complex setups
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll, HR, and compliance solution.
Pricing
Plans start at $40/month base + $6/employee for Simple; Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium is custom quote.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that unifies employee management, payroll automation, and global payments with seamless integrations.
One-click global payroll that auto-adjusts for local taxes, currencies, and regulations across 100+ countries
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and benefits into a single system, enabling automated payroll processing and real-time tracking across global teams. It handles payroll runs, tax compliance, time tracking, and expense reimbursements with deep integrations that sync employee data instantly. Designed for scalability, Rippling minimizes manual work by automating onboarding, offboarding, and compliance checks tied directly to payroll.
Pros
- Comprehensive global payroll support in 100+ countries with automatic compliance
- Seamless integration with HR, IT, and time tracking for unified employee data
- Advanced automation for payroll runs, deductions, and real-time reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Custom implementation can take time for complex setups
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing an integrated HR-payroll-IT platform for global workforces.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per user/month for core HR; payroll add-on ~$40+ per active employee/month, with custom enterprise quotes.
ADP
enterpriseComprehensive payroll and HR solution offering automated payroll runs, tax compliance, time tracking, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
ADP DataCloud for AI-powered payroll analytics and predictive insights
ADP is a leading payroll and HR software platform that provides end-to-end payroll processing, including automated calculations, direct deposit, tax withholding, and compliance filings across multiple states and countries. It integrates time tracking, employee self-service portals, and advanced reporting for accurate payroll management and audit trails. Designed for scalability, ADP serves businesses from small teams to large enterprises with robust customization options.
Pros
- Comprehensive tax compliance and automated filings for all 50 states and 140+ countries
- Deep integrations with HR, accounting, and time-tracking tools like QuickBooks and Kronos
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for payroll insights and forecasting
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for non-experts
- Pricing can be expensive, especially for small businesses with per-employee fees
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises requiring scalable, compliant payroll processing with global capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count; small business plans (ADP RUN) start at $59-$149/month base + $4-$12 per employee, with enterprise options higher.
Paychex
enterpriseFull-service payroll software with features for processing, direct deposit, tax management, and HR tools tailored for growing businesses.
Paychex Flex unified platform with AI-driven payroll insights and automated multi-state tax compliance
Paychex is a comprehensive payroll software solution that automates payroll processing, including wage calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and compliance filings for federal, state, and local regulations. It integrates seamlessly with HR management, time tracking, and benefits administration tools to provide a unified platform for workforce management. Designed for scalability, Paychex Flex offers real-time reporting, employee self-service portals, and robust analytics to help businesses track and optimize payroll efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive automation for tax compliance and multi-state payroll
- Scalable integrations with over 300 third-party apps including time tracking
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support and dedicated implementation specialists
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers less ideal for very small businesses (under 10 employees)
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Some premium features require additional add-on costs
Best For
Mid-sized businesses (10-500 employees) needing integrated payroll processing, HR tools, and compliance management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on employee count and features; typically $80-$150 base fee per month + $4-$6 per employee/month, with payroll-only plans starting lower.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll solution within QuickBooks that handles employee payments, tax calculations, forms, and time tracking for small businesses.
Deep integration with QuickBooks accounting for real-time data sync and automated reconciliations
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a comprehensive payroll solution designed to automate payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance for businesses. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, allowing for synchronized financial tracking and employee payments via direct deposit. The platform also offers employee self-service portals for viewing pay stubs, managing benefits, and time tracking integration.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated federal and state tax filings and payments
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app for accessibility
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and employee count
- Best suited for QuickBooks users, less ideal as standalone
- Customer support can be slower during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks that need integrated payroll and accounting management.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/employee; Premium at $80/month + $8/employee; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee (billed annually).
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll and HR platform providing real-time payroll processing, employee self-service, benefits enrollment, and advanced reporting.
On-demand pay access allowing employees to withdraw earned wages before payday
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and integrated HR management. It automates payroll calculations, handles multi-state tax compliance, garnishments, and direct deposits while providing robust reporting for wage and hour tracking. The platform also offers employee self-service tools for accessing pay stubs, PTO balances, and benefits information in real-time.
Pros
- Automated payroll with strong compliance and multi-state support
- Integrated time tracking, scheduling, and HR tools
- Mobile app for employee self-service and manager approvals
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses
- Initial setup and configuration require significant time
- Some advanced reporting lacks deep customization
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing an integrated payroll, time tracking, and HR solution with scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-$40 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
BambooHR
enterpriseHR management system with built-in payroll that streamlines employee data tracking, payroll runs, and performance management.
Deep HR data integration that automatically syncs employee info, time tracking, and benefits into payroll runs.
BambooHR is primarily an HR management platform that offers payroll tracking through native capabilities in select regions (like Canada and UK) and integrations with providers like Gusto or ADP in the US. It enables tracking of employee hours, time off, deductions, and basic payroll processing while tying into comprehensive HR workflows. However, it is not a dedicated payroll solution, making it better suited for businesses wanting HR-payroll synergy rather than standalone payroll power.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface that's easy for HR teams to adopt
- Strong integrations with time tracking and HR modules for streamlined data flow
- Employee self-service portal for pay stub access and updates
Cons
- Limited native payroll in the US, requiring third-party integrations
- Lacks advanced payroll features like multi-state tax compliance or complex benefits
- Pricing scales per employee and can become expensive with add-ons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated HR and basic payroll tracking without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Quote-based, typically $6-$12 per employee/month for core HR; payroll via integration (extra cost) or native in select regions (~$4-$6/employee/month add-on).
OnPay
specializedAffordable payroll software focused on unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and easy setup for small businesses.
100% accuracy guarantee on payroll processing and tax filings
OnPay is a full-service payroll software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering unlimited payroll runs, automated tax calculations, filings, and payments. It includes benefits administration, compliance tools, and seamless integrations with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform emphasizes simplicity and accuracy, with dedicated support to handle complex payroll needs.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at a flat rate
- Automated tax filing and 100% accuracy guarantee
- Excellent customer support with live experts
Cons
- Limited to US-based businesses only
- No built-in time tracking (requires integrations)
- Fewer advanced HR tools compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses needing affordable, reliable payroll processing without the complexity of larger platforms.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per active employee per month; free setup, trial, and first month.
Justworks
enterprisePEO-powered payroll and HR platform offering compliant payroll processing, benefits, and employer-of-record services for SMBs.
PEO co-employment model that assumes legal employer liabilities for payroll compliance and risk mitigation
Justworks is a full-service PEO platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering robust payroll processing alongside HR, benefits, and compliance tools. It automates payroll runs, handles tax filings, direct deposits, and wage calculations while integrating time tracking from various sources. The software emphasizes error-free payroll through built-in compliance checks and employee self-service portals for payslip access.
Pros
- Automated payroll compliance and tax filing across all jurisdictions
- Seamless integration with HR and benefits administration
- Intuitive dashboard with employee self-service for tracking and payslips
Cons
- Higher per-employee pricing may not suit very small teams
- PEO co-employment model required, limiting flexibility for some users
- Fewer advanced customizations for complex payroll structures compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one outsourced solution for payroll tracking, compliance, and HR management.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $59/employee/month + $49 base fee (Basic), up to $149/employee/month + $149 base fee (Full Service), billed monthly.
Patriot Software
specializedSimple, full-featured payroll software for in-house processing, tax filings, and full-service options at low cost for small businesses.
We Run Payroll guarantee: If users can't process payroll on time due to software issues, Patriot completes it for free
Patriot Software offers reliable online payroll solutions tailored for small businesses, handling payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposits, and filings. It includes time and attendance tracking, HR tools, and benefits administration in its Full Service plan. The platform emphasizes user-friendly interfaces and dedicated U.S.-based support to simplify compliance and operations.
Pros
- Exceptional U.S.-based customer support with quick response times
- Affordable pricing suitable for small teams
- Strong accuracy guarantees including 'We Run Payroll' for on-time processing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Basic interface may lack customization for complex needs
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking straightforward, cost-effective payroll without needing extensive HR ecosystems.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service: $37 base + $4/employee/month (billed annually; multi-state taxes extra)
Conclusion
After evaluating all 10 tools, Gusto leads as the top choice, excelling in automated payroll, tax compliance, and benefits administration for small to medium businesses. Rippling stands out as a versatile all-in-one platform with seamless integrations, while ADP impresses with comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes, including advanced analytics. Each tool offers unique strengths, but Gusto’s balanced approach makes it the clear leader for many.
Simplify your payroll process—start with Gusto today to experience its powerful automation, tax support, and employee-friendly features, designed to streamline operations and reduce stress.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison