Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - All-in-one payroll, benefits administration, and HR management platform tailored for small businesses.
- 2#2: BambooHR - Cloud-based HRIS for streamlined employee onboarding, performance tracking, and applicant management in small teams.
- 3#3: Rippling - Unified platform automating payroll, HR, IT, and benefits to manage global workforces efficiently.
- 4#4: Zenefits - Comprehensive HR software handling payroll, benefits enrollment, compliance, and employee self-service.
- 5#5: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll and HR solutions powered by AI for small businesses with automated tax filing and reporting.
- 6#6: Paychex Flex - Integrated payroll, HR, and benefits outsourcing service designed for small business growth and compliance.
- 7#7: OnPay - Affordable online payroll and HR tool with unlimited payroll runs and dedicated support for small teams.
- 8#8: Justworks - PEO platform providing payroll, HR compliance, and employer-sponsored benefits for small businesses.
- 9#9: Paycor - Modern HR and payroll software with talent management and analytics for small to mid-sized companies.
- 10#10: Patriot Software - Full-service payroll and HR software offering in-house support and simple pricing for small businesses.
We evaluated and ranked these tools based on a blend of functionality (including payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance tools), ease of use for non-experts, platform reliability, and overall value for small businesses—ensuring they balance depth with accessibility to meet the unique demands of growing teams.
Comparison Table
Navigating small business human resources software can be challenging, but this comparison table eases the process, highlighting tools like Gusto, BambooHR, Rippling, Zenefits, ADP RUN, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and usability insights to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto All-in-one payroll, benefits administration, and HR management platform tailored for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | BambooHR Cloud-based HRIS for streamlined employee onboarding, performance tracking, and applicant management in small teams. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Rippling Unified platform automating payroll, HR, IT, and benefits to manage global workforces efficiently. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Zenefits Comprehensive HR software handling payroll, benefits enrollment, compliance, and employee self-service. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll and HR solutions powered by AI for small businesses with automated tax filing and reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Paychex Flex Integrated payroll, HR, and benefits outsourcing service designed for small business growth and compliance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | OnPay Affordable online payroll and HR tool with unlimited payroll runs and dedicated support for small teams. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Justworks PEO platform providing payroll, HR compliance, and employer-sponsored benefits for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Paycor Modern HR and payroll software with talent management and analytics for small to mid-sized companies. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Software Full-service payroll and HR software offering in-house support and simple pricing for small businesses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
All-in-one payroll, benefits administration, and HR management platform tailored for small businesses.
Cloud-based HRIS for streamlined employee onboarding, performance tracking, and applicant management in small teams.
Unified platform automating payroll, HR, IT, and benefits to manage global workforces efficiently.
Comprehensive HR software handling payroll, benefits enrollment, compliance, and employee self-service.
Scalable payroll and HR solutions powered by AI for small businesses with automated tax filing and reporting.
Integrated payroll, HR, and benefits outsourcing service designed for small business growth and compliance.
Affordable online payroll and HR tool with unlimited payroll runs and dedicated support for small teams.
PEO platform providing payroll, HR compliance, and employer-sponsored benefits for small businesses.
Modern HR and payroll software with talent management and analytics for small to mid-sized companies.
Full-service payroll and HR software offering in-house support and simple pricing for small businesses.
Gusto
specializedAll-in-one payroll, benefits administration, and HR management platform tailored for small businesses.
Full-service benefits administration, allowing small businesses to offer employer-sponsored health, dental, and 401(k) plans effortlessly
Gusto is a comprehensive HR platform tailored for small businesses, providing seamless payroll processing, employee onboarding, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance management all in one intuitive dashboard. It automates tax filings, handles direct deposits, and offers tools for performance reviews and employee self-service portals. Designed to save time for busy owners, Gusto combines user-friendly software with expert human support to simplify HR complexities from hire to retire.
Pros
- All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits solution reduces need for multiple tools
- Automated compliance and tax handling minimizes errors and penalties
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly with employee count and advanced features
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can have wait times during peak seasons
Best For
Small businesses with 1-100 employees seeking an easy, scalable HR and payroll platform without a dedicated HR team.
Pricing
Plans start at $40/month + $6/employee (Simple), $80 + $12 (Plus with benefits), and custom Premium; contractor-only option at $35/month + $6/contractor.
BambooHR
specializedCloud-based HRIS for streamlined employee onboarding, performance tracking, and applicant management in small teams.
Drag-and-drop report builder enabling complex, custom HR reports without coding or SQL knowledge
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, providing centralized management of employee data, onboarding, performance tracking, time-off requests, and reporting. It features an intuitive interface with mobile accessibility, employee self-service portals, and customizable workflows to streamline HR processes. The software emphasizes ease of use, allowing non-technical users to handle core HR functions without extensive setup or IT involvement.
Pros
- Highly intuitive and modern user interface
- Comprehensive employee self-service and mobile app
- Powerful, no-code customizable reporting tools
Cons
- Pricing scales per employee and can get expensive
- Payroll requires separate integration/add-on
- Limited native support for very large applicant volumes
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses (10-500 employees) needing an user-friendly, all-in-one HRIS without IT overhead.
Pricing
Quote-based, typically $6-$12 per employee per month depending on plan (Essential, Advantage, Premium) and employee count; minimums apply.
Rippling
specializedUnified platform automating payroll, HR, IT, and benefits to manage global workforces efficiently.
Automated IT provisioning, where devices and apps are issued/revoked instantly during HR events like onboarding or terminations
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and finance operations for small businesses. It automates the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to payroll processing, benefits administration, and device management. With global payroll support and compliance tools, it streamlines administrative tasks while integrating seamlessly with over 500 apps.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering HR, payroll, IT, and finance
- Strong automation for onboarding/offboarding and compliance across 50+ countries
- Seamless integrations with 500+ apps and robust reporting tools
Cons
- Pricing can add up with modular add-ons for smaller teams
- Steep initial learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent public pricing tiers
Best For
Growing small businesses with 20-200 employees seeking an integrated HR-IT-payroll solution to scale efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for core HR; payroll from $11/user/month; additional modules like IT and finance extra; custom enterprise quotes.
Zenefits
specializedComprehensive HR software handling payroll, benefits enrollment, compliance, and employee self-service.
Automated benefits administration with direct insurance carrier integrations for seamless open enrollment and eligibility management
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, providing tools for payroll processing, benefits administration, employee onboarding, time off management, and compliance tracking. It automates routine HR tasks like open enrollment and ACA reporting, integrating seamlessly with insurance carriers and payroll systems. The platform offers a centralized dashboard for self-service employee access, helping businesses scale HR operations efficiently without needing multiple tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution covering HR, payroll, and benefits
- Strong automation for compliance and open enrollment
- Extensive integrations with carriers and third-party apps
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive with add-ons and per-employee fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Growing small businesses with 10-200 employees seeking an integrated HR, payroll, and benefits platform to streamline operations.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR; payroll add-on ~$6 base + $0.60/employee; higher tiers up to $18+/employee/month with custom enterprise pricing.
ADP RUN
specializedScalable payroll and HR solutions powered by AI for small businesses with automated tax filing and reporting.
100% Payroll Accuracy Guarantee, refunding fees if ADP errors cause penalties
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll and HR software tailored for small businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service tools. It helps streamline core HR functions like onboarding, time tracking, and compliance management to reduce administrative burdens. With mobile accessibility and integrations to popular accounting software, it's built to support businesses scaling from 1 to 50 employees.
Pros
- Robust payroll automation with guaranteed accuracy
- Strong compliance and tax filing support
- Dedicated customer support specialists
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited built-in advanced HR analytics
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing reliable payroll, basic HR, and compliance without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4/employee (Essential), $109/month + $7/employee (Enhanced), $148/month + $11/employee (Complete), billed annually.
Paychex Flex
specializedIntegrated payroll, HR, and benefits outsourcing service designed for small business growth and compliance.
Advanced compliance automation with real-time regulatory updates and expert guidance
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, providing integrated solutions for payroll processing, employee benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management. It includes tools for onboarding, performance management, compliance reporting, and recruiting to streamline HR operations. The software emphasizes automation, data analytics, and dedicated support to help businesses manage their workforce efficiently.
Pros
- Robust payroll integration with HR tools
- Strong compliance and regulatory support
- Excellent customer service and dedicated account managers
Cons
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for very small teams
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Initial setup and implementation can be time-consuming
Best For
Small businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with strong compliance features and expert support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $80+/month base plus $5-6 per employee, depending on features and business size.
OnPay
specializedAffordable online payroll and HR tool with unlimited payroll runs and dedicated support for small teams.
99% payroll accuracy guarantee with expert support to fix any errors at no extra cost
OnPay is a payroll-focused platform with integrated HR tools tailored for small businesses, handling payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and basic HR functions like onboarding, PTO tracking, and employee self-service. It emphasizes compliance, automation, and ease of use to simplify workforce management for teams under 50 employees. With robust integrations to accounting and time-tracking apps, it reduces administrative burdens without requiring in-house expertise.
Pros
- Unlimited monthly payroll runs included in base pricing
- Dedicated U.S.-based support and free setup assistance
- Automated tax compliance with accuracy guarantees
Cons
- Lacks advanced HR features like performance reviews or applicant tracking
- No built-in time tracking (requires integrations)
- Pricing scales per active employee, which can add up for growing teams
Best For
Small businesses needing reliable payroll with essential HR basics and strong support, but not complex talent management.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base fee + $6 per active employee/month; contractors $6 each; free trial and setup available.
Justworks
specializedPEO platform providing payroll, HR compliance, and employer-sponsored benefits for small businesses.
Co-employment PEO model that assumes legal employer responsibilities for compliance, taxes, and liabilities.
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform designed for small businesses, offering integrated payroll processing, benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee management tools by acting as a co-employer. It handles everything from onboarding and time tracking to tax filings and access to affordable group health insurance and 401(k) plans. This all-in-one solution reduces administrative burdens, allowing business owners to focus on growth while mitigating HR risks.
Pros
- Comprehensive PEO services including co-employment for compliance and risk sharing
- Access to competitive benefits like health insurance and 401(k) at lower group rates
- User-friendly dashboard for payroll, onboarding, and HR support with dedicated specialists
Cons
- Per-employee pricing model can become expensive for larger teams
- Less customization for unique HR workflows compared to standalone HRIS tools
- Long-term contracts and setup fees may deter very small or testing businesses
Best For
Small businesses (10-200 employees) without dedicated HR staff that want to outsource payroll, benefits, and compliance entirely.
Pricing
Payroll + HR starts at $59/employee/month; full PEO with benefits adds $99+/employee/month plus payroll processing fees (2-6% of payroll).
Paycor
specializedModern HR and payroll software with talent management and analytics for small to mid-sized companies.
Embedded analytics engine delivering predictive insights and customizable dashboards for proactive HR decision-making
Paycor is a robust human capital management (HCM) platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering integrated payroll processing, HR administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management tools. It automates key HR processes like onboarding, benefits administration, performance reviews, and compliance reporting to streamline workforce management. With strong mobile accessibility and analytics, Paycor helps businesses make data-driven decisions while ensuring regulatory adherence across multiple states.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one HCM suite covering payroll, HR, and talent management
- Advanced analytics and compliance tools for multi-state operations
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting and benefits providers
Cons
- Higher pricing that may strain very small business budgets
- Steeper implementation and learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Mixed customer support experiences with response times
Best For
Growing small businesses with 50-500 employees seeking scalable payroll and compliance-focused HR solutions.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$175/month base + $5-$15 per employee/month for payroll and core HR; additional modules extra.
Patriot Software
specializedFull-service payroll and HR software offering in-house support and simple pricing for small businesses.
Unlimited monthly payroll runs, perfect for businesses with frequent or hourly pay cycles
Patriot Software offers an integrated payroll and HR platform designed specifically for small businesses, handling payroll processing, tax filings, direct deposits, and basic HR functions like onboarding, employee self-service, and benefits administration. Its online dashboard simplifies compliance and reporting for U.S.-based companies. The solution prioritizes affordability and ease of use over advanced enterprise features.
Pros
- Highly affordable with transparent pricing
- User-friendly interface ideal for non-experts
- Responsive U.S.-based customer support
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools like performance management
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Basic reporting capabilities
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing simple payroll and essential HR without complex workflows.
Pricing
Payroll starts at $37/month base + $4/employee/month (up to 10 employees); HR add-on from $4/employee/month; unlimited runs included.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top small business HR tools reveals Gusto as the leading choice, with its all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR management platform tailoring to small business needs. BambooHR stands out as a strong alternative, offering a streamlined HRIS for onboarding and team management, while Rippling excels in unifying payroll, HR, IT, and benefits for efficient global workforce handling. Together, these top three provide robust solutions to diverse small business HR challenges.
Take the next step in simplifying your HR operations—explore Gusto today to experience its all-in-one capabilities and how it can elevate your small business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison