Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR platform designed for startups and small businesses.
- 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management system combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance for fast-growing startups.
- 3#3: Justworks - PEO service offering compliant payroll, benefits, and HR support tailored to startups.
- 4#4: OnPay - Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small teams.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for startup finances.
- 6#6: BambooHR - Cloud-based HR platform with add-on payroll features optimized for growing startups.
- 7#7: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll and HR software powered for small businesses with automated tax compliance.
- 8#8: Paychex Flex - Comprehensive payroll and HCM solution with tools for benefits and compliance in startups.
- 9#9: Patriot Software - Simple, low-cost payroll software with in-house support for very small startups.
- 10#10: Square Payroll - Straightforward payroll integrated with Square payments for service-based startups.
Tools were evaluated based on core functionality (payroll processing, compliance, benefits), user-friendliness (intuitive design, onboarding support), scalability (adaptability to growing teams), and value (cost-effectiveness relative to features), ensuring alignment with the dynamic needs of startups, from early-stage to rapid expansion.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison of leading startup payroll tools—including Gusto, Rippling, Justworks, OnPay, and QuickBooks Payroll—to uncover key features, pricing, and usability. This table equips readers with the insights needed to select the best solution for their business's payroll management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR platform designed for startups and small businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling All-in-one workforce management system combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance for fast-growing startups. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Justworks PEO service offering compliant payroll, benefits, and HR support tailored to startups. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | OnPay Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for startup finances. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | BambooHR Cloud-based HR platform with add-on payroll features optimized for growing startups. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll and HR software powered for small businesses with automated tax compliance. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Paychex Flex Comprehensive payroll and HCM solution with tools for benefits and compliance in startups. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | Patriot Software Simple, low-cost payroll software with in-house support for very small startups. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Square Payroll Straightforward payroll integrated with Square payments for service-based startups. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR platform designed for startups and small businesses.
All-in-one workforce management system combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance for fast-growing startups.
PEO service offering compliant payroll, benefits, and HR support tailored to startups.
Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small teams.
Integrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for startup finances.
Cloud-based HR platform with add-on payroll features optimized for growing startups.
Scalable payroll and HR software powered for small businesses with automated tax compliance.
Comprehensive payroll and HCM solution with tools for benefits and compliance in startups.
Simple, low-cost payroll software with in-house support for very small startups.
Straightforward payroll integrated with Square payments for service-based startups.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR platform designed for startups and small businesses.
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing, payments, and compliance guarantees across all states
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform tailored for startups and small businesses, automating payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states. It integrates employee self-service, time tracking, onboarding, and performance management to streamline HR tasks without needing in-house expertise. With robust compliance guarantees and seamless third-party integrations, Gusto scales effortlessly as startups grow from a handful of employees to hundreds.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup, ideal for non-HR users
- Automatic multi-state tax compliance and filings with guarantees
- Comprehensive HR tools including benefits admin and onboarding in one platform
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features like PTO tracking
- Customer support response times can vary during peak payroll seasons
- Limited customization for very large enterprises
Best For
Startups and small teams (1-100 employees) seeking a user-friendly, compliant payroll and HR solution without dedicated staff.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium is custom quote; contractor-only from $35/month + $6/contractor.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce management system combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance for fast-growing startups.
Real-time unified employee data syncing across HR, payroll, IT, and apps for instant updates and automation.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and benefits administration into a single system. It automates payroll processing, employee onboarding, compliance, and device management, supporting payments in over 100 countries. Designed for scaling businesses, it syncs employee data in real-time across all modules to streamline operations from hire to retire.
Pros
- Seamless integration of HR, payroll, IT, and benefits
- Global payroll compliance in 100+ countries
- Advanced automation for onboarding and offboarding
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small startups
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Fast-growing startups needing an integrated platform for HR, payroll, and IT management.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per user/month for core HR/payroll; scales with add-ons like IT and benefits, custom enterprise plans available.
Justworks
enterprisePEO service offering compliant payroll, benefits, and HR support tailored to startups.
PEO co-employment model that shifts compliance risks and unlocks enterprise-grade benefits for small teams
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform designed for startups and small businesses, offering integrated payroll processing, benefits administration, HR tools, and compliance management. It co-employs workers to provide access to Fortune 500-level benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and commuter perks without the administrative burden. The platform streamlines onboarding, time tracking, and payroll runs, making it easier for growing teams to handle back-office operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution covering payroll, benefits, and compliance
- Access to premium benefits typically reserved for larger companies
- Strong customer support and automated compliance handling
Cons
- Higher cost due to PEO co-employment model
- Less flexibility for highly customized payroll needs
- Setup requires sharing employee data with the PEO
Best For
Startups and small businesses (under 100 employees) seeking a hassle-free, outsourced HR and payroll solution with robust benefits.
Pricing
PEO plan starts at $59/month base fee + $109 per active full-time employee/month; basic HR/payroll option available from $49/person/month.
OnPay
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small teams.
100% payroll accuracy guarantee, covering penalties if OnPay makes an error
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software designed for small businesses and startups, providing automated payroll processing, federal and state tax filings, and full compliance support. It offers unlimited monthly payroll runs, same-day direct deposit, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform also includes HR features such as benefits administration, time-off tracking, and onboarding tools, making it scalable for growing teams.
Pros
- Transparent, flat-rate pricing with no per-run fees
- Excellent customer support with dedicated specialists
- Strong compliance and automated tax handling
Cons
- Limited to US-based payroll only
- No native time tracking (requires integrations)
- Fewer advanced HR analytics compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
US-based startups and small businesses needing reliable, affordable payroll with easy setup and compliance assurance.
Pricing
Base fee of $40/month + $6 per active employee/month, including unlimited runs and tax filings.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll solution that syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for startup finances.
Deep, native integration with QuickBooks Online for real-time syncing of payroll data to accounting books
QuickBooks Payroll is a robust payroll solution from Intuit, tightly integrated with QuickBooks Online accounting software, enabling startups to handle employee payments, tax withholdings, and compliance in one ecosystem. It automates federal and state tax filings, direct deposits, and W-2/1099 forms, while offering time tracking and employee self-service portals. Ideal for growing teams, it scales with add-ons for benefits administration and HR tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated tax calculations, filings, and payments across multiple states
- Employee self-service portal and next-day direct deposit options
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small startups with few employees
- Full feature set requires higher-tier plans or add-ons
- Less ideal for businesses not already using QuickBooks ecosystem
Best For
Startups using QuickBooks Online that need scalable, integrated payroll with strong tax compliance.
Pricing
Core: $45/mo + $6/employee; Premium: $80/mo + $9/employee; Elite: $125/mo + $11/employee (plus base QuickBooks Online subscription).
BambooHR
enterpriseCloud-based HR platform with add-on payroll features optimized for growing startups.
Automatic syncing of HR data (like time off and benefits deductions) directly into payroll runs for accuracy and efficiency
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform that includes integrated payroll processing, designed primarily for small to mid-sized businesses including startups. It handles employee onboarding, time tracking, benefits administration, and payroll calculations with direct deposit and tax filings across most US states. While not a standalone payroll tool, its all-in-one approach reduces the need for multiple vendors, making it suitable for growing teams focused on streamlined HR operations.
Pros
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that's easy for non-HR users
- Seamless integration between HR data and payroll to minimize errors
- Strong customer support with dedicated account managers
Cons
- Payroll functionality limited to the US with no international support
- Lacks advanced payroll features like multi-country compliance or complex accruals compared to specialists
- Pricing can add up quickly for very small startups under 10 employees
Best For
US-based startups with 10-100 employees seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution to simplify admin without deep payroll expertise.
Pricing
Core HR starts at ~$6/employee/month (billed annually); payroll add-on ~$40 base + $4-6/employee/month, with custom quotes for larger teams.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll and HR software powered for small businesses with automated tax compliance.
ADP's tax filing guarantee, which covers penalties for calculation errors if using their full-service option
ADP RUN is a robust payroll platform tailored for small businesses and startups, providing automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and essential HR features. It handles everything from employee onboarding and direct deposits to federal and state tax filings, benefits administration, and time tracking integrations. Designed to scale with growing teams, it offers reliability backed by ADP's decades of expertise in payroll services.
Pros
- Comprehensive tax compliance and automated filings reduce errors and penalties
- Scalable features including HR tools and benefits management for growing startups
- Strong integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to startup-focused competitors like Gusto
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for non-HR users
- Longer onboarding process requiring setup assistance for complex payrolls
Best For
Startups with 10-100 employees that prioritize rock-solid compliance and scalability over the simplest user experience.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $59/month + $4/employee; Enhanced at $99 + $9/employee; Complete at $148 + $11/employee (billed annually).
Paychex Flex
enterpriseComprehensive payroll and HCM solution with tools for benefits and compliance in startups.
Advanced automated tax compliance and filing with guaranteed accuracy
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR management platform that automates payroll processing, tax filing, benefits administration, and employee onboarding for small to mid-sized businesses. It integrates time tracking, compliance tools, and reporting to handle multi-state payroll and ACA reporting efficiently. While robust, it's better suited for established startups rather than very early-stage ones due to its depth and cost structure.
Pros
- Excellent compliance and multi-state tax handling
- Integrated HR tools including benefits and onboarding
- Reliable customer support with dedicated specialists
Cons
- Higher pricing not ideal for bootstrapped startups
- Steeper learning curve and longer setup time
- Less agile interface compared to startup-focused competitors like Gusto
Best For
Scaling startups with 10-100 employees needing robust compliance and HR integration across multiple locations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$60/month base + $5-$6 per employee/pay period; additional fees for advanced features.
Patriot Software
enterpriseSimple, low-cost payroll software with in-house support for very small startups.
In-house, US-based customer support with live phone assistance and guaranteed accuracy.
Patriot Software offers affordable, straightforward payroll solutions designed for small businesses and startups, handling payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposits, and compliance filings. Available in Basic and Full Service plans, it automates wage calculations and supports multi-state payroll with minimal setup. The platform emphasizes reliability and customer support over advanced HR features.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing for startups
- Excellent US-based phone support
- Simple, intuitive interface for quick setup
Cons
- Limited HR and benefits management tools
- Fewer integrations than competitors
- No native time tracking or scheduling
Best For
Budget-conscious startups and small teams seeking reliable basic payroll without needing full HR suites.
Pricing
Basic: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service: $37 base + $4/employee/month (both billed annually).
Square Payroll
enterpriseStraightforward payroll integrated with Square payments for service-based startups.
Automatic payroll syncing with Square POS timecards and sales data for effortless hourly wage processing
Square Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those in retail and services using Square's POS system. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations, withholdings, and filings for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors across multiple states. Features include same-day direct deposits, integrated time tracking, and basic benefits administration, making it quick to set up and run payroll in minutes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for time tracking and sales data
- Simple, transparent per-employee pricing with no base fees
- Fast setup and one-click payroll runs with auto tax handling
Cons
- Full tax filing service limited to 17 states
- Lacks advanced features like equity management or international payroll
- Less suitable for non-Square users or complex startup needs
Best For
Small retail or service-based startups already using Square POS that need affordable, straightforward US-only payroll for small teams.
Pricing
$6 per active team member and contractor per month (Payroll Core); full tax service +$5/month per person in select states; optional $5 for same-day direct deposit.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed cater to a range of startup needs, with Gusto leading as the top choice, offering full-service payroll, benefits, and HR integration in one platform. Rippling and Justworks stand out as strong alternatives, with Rippling’s all-in-one workforce management and Justworks’ PEO-driven compliance providing tailored solutions for different startup priorities.
Seamlessly manage your team’s payroll and growth—start with Gusto today for intuitive, comprehensive support that keeps your operations running smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison