Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance for small businesses.
- 2#2: OnPay - User-friendly standalone payroll platform offering unlimited runs, automated taxes, and dedicated support.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Payroll - Robust payroll solution with seamless tax filing, direct deposit, and optional accounting integration.
- 4#4: Patriot Software - Affordable, simple payroll software for small businesses with in-house tax filing and multi-state support.
- 5#5: ADP Run - Scalable cloud-based payroll powered by ADP for accurate processing, compliance, and reporting.
- 6#6: Paychex - Comprehensive payroll management with expert tax services, direct deposit, and HR add-ons.
- 7#7: Square Payroll - Simple payroll tool integrated with Square for payments, taxes, and employee self-service.
- 8#8: Wave Payroll - Low-cost payroll software for solopreneurs and small teams with automated tax calculations.
- 9#9: SurePayroll - Straightforward payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax filings and fast direct deposits.
- 10#10: Payroll4Free - Free basic payroll software for very small businesses handling W-2s and simple processing.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key metrics: robust feature sets, consistent performance, user-friendly design, and accessible value, ensuring they meet the demands of both small businesses and solopreneurs alike.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading standalone payroll software, including Gusto, OnPay, QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Software, ADP Run, and more, to simplify evaluating options for business needs. By analyzing features, pricing, and usability, readers can identify the best fit to streamline payroll management effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance for small businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | OnPay User-friendly standalone payroll platform offering unlimited runs, automated taxes, and dedicated support. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll Robust payroll solution with seamless tax filing, direct deposit, and optional accounting integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Patriot Software Affordable, simple payroll software for small businesses with in-house tax filing and multi-state support. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | ADP Run Scalable cloud-based payroll powered by ADP for accurate processing, compliance, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Paychex Comprehensive payroll management with expert tax services, direct deposit, and HR add-ons. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Square Payroll Simple payroll tool integrated with Square for payments, taxes, and employee self-service. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Wave Payroll Low-cost payroll software for solopreneurs and small teams with automated tax calculations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | SurePayroll Straightforward payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax filings and fast direct deposits. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Payroll4Free Free basic payroll software for very small businesses handling W-2s and simple processing. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 5.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Full-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance for small businesses.
User-friendly standalone payroll platform offering unlimited runs, automated taxes, and dedicated support.
Robust payroll solution with seamless tax filing, direct deposit, and optional accounting integration.
Affordable, simple payroll software for small businesses with in-house tax filing and multi-state support.
Scalable cloud-based payroll powered by ADP for accurate processing, compliance, and reporting.
Comprehensive payroll management with expert tax services, direct deposit, and HR add-ons.
Simple payroll tool integrated with Square for payments, taxes, and employee self-service.
Low-cost payroll software for solopreneurs and small teams with automated tax calculations.
Straightforward payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax filings and fast direct deposits.
Free basic payroll software for very small businesses handling W-2s and simple processing.
Gusto
specializedFull-service payroll software that automates payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance for small businesses.
Full-service payroll that automatically calculates, files, and pays all federal, state, and local taxes
Gusto is a leading cloud-based payroll platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing automated payroll processing, accurate wage calculations, and full tax compliance. It supports direct deposits, paid time off tracking, and contractor payments, with seamless handling of federal, state, and local tax filings and payments. As a standalone payroll solution, Gusto stands out for its reliability and ease, allowing users to run payroll in minutes without extensive accounting knowledge.
Pros
- Automated full-service tax filing and payments with accuracy guarantees
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface for quick payroll runs
- Robust customer support including live experts and 24/7 chat
Cons
- Per-employee pricing can become costly for larger teams
- Limited to US-based businesses only
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses seeking simple, compliant payroll without the need for manual tax handling.
Pricing
Simple plan starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month; Plus at $80 + $12/employee/month; Premium is custom.
OnPay
specializedUser-friendly standalone payroll platform offering unlimited runs, automated taxes, and dedicated support.
Dedicated payroll specialist assigned to every account for personalized expert guidance
OnPay is a robust standalone payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering full-service payroll processing including unlimited runs, automated tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It supports multi-state payroll, 1099 contractor payments, benefits administration, and employee self-service portals for payslips and W-2s. With over 500 integrations for accounting, HR, and time-tracking apps, it streamlines operations without requiring a full HR suite.
Pros
- Affordable all-in pricing with unlimited payroll runs and included tax filing
- Excellent multi-state compliance and automated forms (W-2s, 1099s)
- Dedicated customer support specialists and seamless integrations with 500+ apps
Cons
- Limited native HR features like recruiting or performance management
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex payrolls
- No dedicated admin mobile app (employee portal only)
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing reliable, full-service payroll with strong support and no hidden fees.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per active employee per month; includes taxes, filings, unlimited runs, and year-end forms.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseRobust payroll solution with seamless tax filing, direct deposit, and optional accounting integration.
Full-service tax filing where Intuit files and pays federal/state/local taxes on your behalf with accuracy guarantees.
QuickBooks Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution from Intuit that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, withholdings, and direct deposits for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers standalone functionality with options for self-service or full-service tax filing, where Intuit handles federal, state, and local payroll taxes. While optimized for integration with QuickBooks accounting software, it operates independently, providing employee self-service portals, benefits management, and compliance tools.
Pros
- Automated tax calculations and full-service filing options ensure compliance
- Employee self-service portal for payslips and W-2s
- Next-day direct deposit availability
Cons
- Pricing is higher than some standalone competitors like Gusto
- Full feature set shines more with QuickBooks integration
- Limited advanced HR tools compared to dedicated HCM platforms
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing reliable payroll with strong U.S. tax compliance and optional full-service support.
Pricing
Starts at $45/mo + $6/employee for Core (self-service), $80 + $9/emp for Premium, $125 + $11/emp for Elite full-service; annual discounts available.
Patriot Software
specializedAffordable, simple payroll software for small businesses with in-house tax filing and multi-state support.
Unlimited payroll runs per month at no additional cost
Patriot Software offers standalone payroll solutions tailored for small businesses, with Basic Payroll for self-managed tax filing and Full Service Payroll where the company handles taxes, filings, and payments. It supports unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, multi-state payroll, and automated W-2/1099 forms. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for businesses with straightforward payroll needs without extensive HR integrations.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing with no limits on payroll runs
- Guaranteed accurate and on-time tax filing in Full Service plan
- User-friendly interface ideal for small business owners
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4/employee; Full Service Payroll: $37/month + $4/employee (billed annually for discounts).
ADP Run
enterpriseScalable cloud-based payroll powered by ADP for accurate processing, compliance, and reporting.
Payroll Accuracy Promise, guaranteeing 100% accuracy or ADP covers penalty fees
ADP Run is a cloud-based standalone payroll software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, providing automated payroll processing, accurate wage calculations, direct deposits, and comprehensive tax filing for federal, state, and local requirements. It includes employee self-service portals for payslip access and PTO management, along with time and attendance tracking. The platform ensures compliance with evolving regulations through ADP's expertise, making it reliable for standalone payroll needs without full HR suite dependencies.
Pros
- Robust automated tax compliance and filings across multiple states
- Scalable payroll processing with direct deposit and employee self-service
- Integration options with popular accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger employee counts
- Initial setup and onboarding require significant time investment
- Limited advanced reporting without add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing reliable, compliance-focused payroll without complex HR integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $59 base fee per month + $4 per employee for Essential plan; higher tiers like Enhanced at $109 + $10/employee.
Paychex
enterpriseComprehensive payroll management with expert tax services, direct deposit, and HR add-ons.
Proactive tax compliance assurance with Paychex specialists filing returns and payments on your behalf
Paychex is a robust standalone payroll software solution designed for businesses seeking comprehensive payroll processing, including automated calculations, direct deposits, and detailed reporting. It excels in handling federal, state, and local tax filings, compliance updates, and W-2/1099 form generation with minimal user intervention. While it offers optional HR and benefits integrations, its core strength lies in reliable, scalable payroll management for growing companies.
Pros
- Expert handling of multi-state taxes and automated compliance filings
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support with dedicated specialists
- Scalable for businesses with 1-1,000+ employees
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to simpler competitors like Gusto
- Steeper learning curve for setup and customization
- Custom quotes required, no transparent self-service pricing tiers
Best For
Mid-sized businesses (50-500 employees) needing robust compliance and multi-state payroll without full HR suites.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $85/month base + $5-$6 per employee; volume discounts for larger payrolls.
Square Payroll
specializedSimple payroll tool integrated with Square for payments, taxes, and employee self-service.
On-demand payroll runs any day of the month, not just bi-weekly schedules
Square Payroll is a straightforward payroll solution designed for small businesses, offering automated wage calculations, tax withholdings, filings, and direct deposits for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. It includes time tracking, benefits administration, and reporting tools, making it suitable for handling payroll independently or alongside Square's POS system. While reliable for basic needs, it excels in simplicity but lacks depth in advanced HR functionalities compared to larger platforms.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and mobile-friendly interface
- Automatic multi-state tax calculations and filings
- Flexible on-demand payroll processing
Cons
- Limited to US businesses only
- Fewer advanced HR tools like ACA reporting depth
- Optimal performance tied to Square ecosystem integrations
Best For
Small US businesses with simple payroll requirements seeking an easy, cost-effective standalone solution.
Pricing
$6/month per employee + $6 per contractor (core plan) or $35/month base + $5/active employee (full service with taxes).
Wave Payroll
specializedLow-cost payroll software for solopreneurs and small teams with automated tax calculations.
Tax penalty protection guaranteeing accuracy on filings
Wave Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution designed for small businesses, automating payroll calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and year-end form generation like W-2s and 1099s. It supports both employees and contractors with unlimited pay runs and compliance filings in select US states and Canada. While tightly integrated with Wave's free accounting tools, it functions as a standalone payroll option for basic needs without advanced HR features.
Pros
- Affordable per-employee pricing with no contracts
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-experts
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and penalty protection
Cons
- Limited to select US states and Canada
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking or benefits management
- Support limited to email and chat, no phone option
Best For
Small business owners or solopreneurs with under 20 employees in supported regions needing simple, low-cost payroll.
Pricing
US: $40/month base + $6/active employee or $20/month + $6/active contractor; Canada: $25 CAD/employee/month + $2 CAD/admin fee.
SurePayroll
specializedStraightforward payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax filings and fast direct deposits.
Tax filing guarantee with penalty protection for on-time, accurate submissions
SurePayroll is an online payroll platform tailored for small businesses, providing automated payroll processing, accurate tax calculations, and filings for federal, state, and local taxes. It supports direct deposit, employee self-service portals for pay stubs and W-2s, and handles multi-state payroll compliance. As a standalone solution from Paychex, it focuses on core payroll without extensive HR features, making it efficient for basic needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for small teams
- Automatic tax filing and compliance guarantees
- Reliable customer support from Paychex experts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No native time tracking (add-on required)
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger payrolls
Best For
Small businesses with under 50 employees seeking simple, compliant payroll processing without full HR suites.
Pricing
Starts at $20 base fee + $5 per employee per pay period; includes tax filing, with add-ons for time tracking or HR extras.
Payroll4Free
specializedFree basic payroll software for very small businesses handling W-2s and simple processing.
100% free payroll processing with no monthly fees or hidden costs for core functions
Payroll4Free is a web-based standalone payroll software offering free processing for small businesses with up to 25 employees. It automates payroll calculations, federal and select state tax withholdings, and generates forms like W-2s and 1099s. Users can print checks in-house or opt for direct deposit at an additional cost, providing a no-frills solution for basic payroll management.
Pros
- Completely free core payroll processing
- Simple, intuitive interface for quick setup
- Handles federal taxes and basic state filings automatically
Cons
- Strict 25-employee limit
- No integrations with accounting or HR software
- Extra fees for direct deposit and some state taxes
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with 25 or fewer employees needing a zero-cost basic payroll solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 employees; direct deposit $10 base + $2/employee per pay period.
Conclusion
Among the top 10 standalone payroll tools, Gusto leads as the best choice, excelling in full-service automation, tax handling, and employee benefits for small businesses. OnPay and QuickBooks Payroll stand out as strong alternatives, with user-friendly interfaces and integrated features that suit different needs, whether unlimited runs or accounting sync. Together, these top three offer reliable solutions to streamline payroll processes.
Don’t wait—try Gusto today to enjoy its seamless, all-in-one approach and transform how you manage payroll.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.