Gusto
Best All-in-One HR and Payroll for Startups
Overview
Gusto is a top-rated all-in-one HR platform built for startups and small businesses. Its intuitive tools help you handle payroll, hiring, time tracking, and benefits from one centralized dashboard — no spreadsheets or software toggling required.
With automated tax filing, employee self-service, and seamless compliance support in all 50 states, Gusto lets founders and lean teams focus on growth while taking care of their people.
Gusto ranks #1 on G2's Small-Business Implementation Index for Onboarding, Spring 2026, and is recognized as a Leader on the Small-Business Grid® Reports for Core HR and Benefits Administration based on verified small business reviews.
Key Features
Fully integrated payroll, HR, and time tracking
Automated state and federal tax filing
Self-onboarding with e-signatures and document storage
Employee self-service access to pay stubs, W-2s, and benefits
PTO, sick leave, and holiday tracking synced to payroll
Built-in compliance alerts for hiring, wage, and labor laws
Applicant tracking system (ATS) and job postings (Plus plan)
Performance management tools and org charts
Support for international contractors in 120+ countries
Hundreds of integrations with popular software
Pros and Cons
Pros
User-friendly interface
Transparent, flat-rate pricing
Strong compliance and tax support
Dedicated HR support available
Cons
Contractor-only plan
Shift scheduling requires third-party tools
Basic Simple plan lacks time tracking
Mobile app doesn’t include full feature set
No built-in team chat or communication tools
Pricing
Simple: $49/month + $6/person/month
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Premium: Custom pricing – Includes all features + HR expert support
HR Add-on: $8/user for certified HR support and compliance alerts
Free trial: Yes, free until you run your first payroll
Free version: No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
OnPay
Best Value Payroll & HR for Startups
Overview
OnPay delivers essential payroll and HR tools at a single, affordable price — ideal for early-stage startups that want simplicity without sacrificing compliance. Its flat-rate plan covers automated payroll, tax filing, onboarding, and benefits administration across all 50 states.
But, OnPay lacks advanced features like native time tracking or deep integrations. Still, it makes running payroll easy for lean teams that don’t need extra bells and whistles.
Key Features
Flat-rate pricing with no tiers or hidden fees
Unlimited payroll runs with multiple pay schedules and rates
Federal, state, and local tax filing included
Employee self-service with lifetime document access
Onboarding checklists and document storage
Built-in compliance alerts and org charts
Pay via direct deposit, check, or debit card
Basic PTO tracking and HR workflows
Native in-app messaging tool
Benefits administration in all 50 states
Pros and Cons
Pros
All-in-one pricing includes payroll, HR, and benefits
Easy to use and budget-friendly for startups
Supports multi-state payroll and contractor payments
Benefits administration at no additional cost
Native communication tools included
Cons
Limited scalability and advanced features
Only 11 software integrations available
No email or live chat support — phone only
Extra charge to print and mail W-2s and 1099s
No built-in time tracking
Pricing
Flat rate: $40/mo + $6/user — includes all payroll and HR features
W-2/1099 mailing: Additional cost if OnPay prints and mails forms
Free trial: Yes, one month of free payroll
Free version: No
Paychex Solo
Best HR Software for Solopreneurs
Overview
Paychex Solo is purpose-built for solopreneurs — freelancers, consultants, and sole proprietors — who need help setting up and managing their business. It’s more than payroll: the platform guides you through forming an LLC or S-Corp, handling compliance paperwork, paying yourself a reasonable salary, and maximizing retirement savings through a Solo 401(k).
While it’s not ideal for growing teams, it’s a strong all-in-one solution for single-member startups navigating their first steps.
Key Features
Support for LLC, S-Corp, and DBA registration
Payroll setup for single-member businesses
W-9 and I-9 filing support
Integrated tax services to minimize liability
Solo 401(k) plan designed to maximize contributions
IRS-compliant salary calculation tools
Business formation guidance and document filing
Pros and Cons
Pros
Tailored specifically for solopreneurs
Helps structure your business legally and financially
Includes IRS-compliant payroll and filings
Maximizes Solo 401(k) tax-advantaged savings
Ongoing tax support available
Cons
Not suitable for multi-person startups or teams
Pricing is not listed publicly
Limited HR tools beyond setup and payroll
No free trial or free version
Paychex does not publish pricing for its Solo plan. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a custom quote. While this solution includes setup support, tax filing, and payroll for solopreneurs, better value may be found elsewhere if you plan to grow a team.
Pricing
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: No
4. TriNet HR – Best Budget HRIS for Startups
Overview
Formerly known as Zenefits, TriNet HR offers a low-cost, scalable HR platform designed for small businesses and startups. Starting at just $8 per employee per month (with a minimum of 5 employees), TriNet includes essential tools, including employee onboarding, scheduling, PTO tracking and basic analytics.
Add-ons like payroll, benefits, and recruiting tools can be layered in as your business grows, making it a budget-friendly entry point for early-stage companies that need core HR functionality now, plus room to expand later.
Key Features
Flat-fee HR platform starting at $8/user/month
Time tracking, PTO, scheduling, and org charts included
Paperless self-onboarding with offer letters and background checks
Payroll available as an add-on or included in the Zen plan
Native employee engagement and communication tools
Mobile app for employees and managers
Retention and feedback tools in higher-tier plans
Hundreds of software integrations (limited in the base plan)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent pricing with strong baseline HR tools
Mobile app is well-rated and fully featured
Built-in communication and retention features
Modular add-ons for payroll, benefits, and recruiting
Ideal for startups on a budget
Cons
5-employee minimum, even if you have fewer
Payroll, benefits, and recruiting tools not included in base plan
Limited third-party integrations on lower tiers
No free trial or free version
Customer support can be inconsistent
TriNet offers three plans:
Pricing
Essentials: $8/user/month (annual) or $10 (monthly) — onboarding, time tracking, PTO
Growth: $16/user/month (annual) or $20 (monthly) — adds advanced analytics, compensation, and performance tools
Zen: $27/user/month (annual) or $33 (monthly) — includes retention tools, communication hub, and payroll (for select industries)
Add-ons:
Pricing
Payroll: $6/user/month on Essentials or Growth plans
Benefits administration: Only free if you use a TriNet partner broker
Recruiting (via JazzHR) and HR advisory: Additional fee
Note: All plans require payment for a minimum of five employees, regardless of team size.
Pricing
Free trial: No
Free version: No
Remote
Best HR Software for International Teams
Overview
Remote is a standout platform for startups hiring beyond borders. With support for international contractors in 200+ countries and full Employer of Record (EOR) services in 80+, Remote makes it easy to compliantly onboard, pay, and manage global talent.
You can access its full HR suite - including time tracking, document storage, and guided onboarding - at no cost until you run payroll. Its user-friendly interface, built-in compliance support, and local expertise make it ideal for distributed teams scaling internationally.
Key Features
EOR support in 80+ countries
Contractor payments in 200+ countries and territories
Global payroll with one-click or auto-pay
Onboarding, offboarding, and employee self-service tools
PTO, expense tracking, and time management for global teams
Localized compliance, contracts, and stock option support
100+ currencies supported with no conversion fees
Misclassification risk protection and indemnity coverage (add-on)
Refugee hiring program with zero platform fees
Country-specific HR guides and compliance insights
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unified payroll for contractors, employees, and EOR hires
Excellent UI and onboarding workflows
Free HR suite until payroll is run
Owned entities ensure faster, more reliable service
No additional fees for global benefits administration
Cons
EOR pricing can add up for larger teams
Limited customer support (email only)
No PayPal or Payoneer support
Lacks workforce/project cost reporting tools
Pricing
EOR: $599/employee/month (annual) or $699 (monthly)
Contractors: $29/contractor/month
Global payroll (own entity): $50/employee/month
Optional indemnity protection: $99/contractor/month for $100K coverage
Free trial: Yes – 30 days of free access; you’re only charged when you start running payroll
Free version: No
Deputy
Best for Shift-Based Teams and Scheduling
Overview
Deputy is tailor-made for shift-based startups in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and other hourly industries. Its standout scheduling features include AI-optimized rosters, skill-based shift assignments, labor law compliance alerts, and POS integrations.
Paired with its mobile-friendly time clock (with facial recognition and geolocation), Deputy helps startups reduce scheduling chaos, improve coverage, and stay compliant — all at a budget-friendly price point.
Key Features
Clock in/out via mobile, web, or kiosk
Facial recognition and geolocation verification
AI-powered scheduling with labor forecasting
Shift swapping, SMS notifications, and mobile self-service
Schedule by skill, certification, or role
Built-in compliance with meal/break laws and fair workweek rules
POS and payroll integrations with Gusto, QuickBooks, OnPay, Square, and more
Centralized dashboard for multi-location management
Pros and Cons
Pros
Intuitive interface and simple mobile app
Designed specifically for shift-based businesses
AI scheduling saves time and reduces coverage gaps
Affordable plans with modular pricing
Great for managing multiple locations
Cons
Requires third-party payroll and HR software
Limited HR functionality beyond scheduling and time tracking
Some mobile app features are Android-restricted
No built-in applicant tracking or onboarding tools
Deputy uses modular pricing:
Pricing
Scheduling only: $4.50/user/month
Time & attendance only: $4.50/user/month
Scheduling + time & attendance: $6/user/month
Scheduling and time tools are split unless you choose the bundled plan. Payroll and accounting integrations are included with the time & attendance tier.
Pricing
Free trial: Yes, 30 days
Free version: No
Connecteam
Best Free HR Software for Startups
Overview
Connecteam stands out for offering the most comprehensive free HR software for startups—no feature gating, no strings attached. Its free Small Business Plan includes the full functionality of all three hubs (Operations, Communications, and HR & Skills) for up to 10 users.
Startups can access time tracking, shift scheduling, in-app messaging, surveys, document storage, an LMS, and employee recognition tools at no cost. Once you outgrow 10 users, though, pricing can spike quickly.
Key Features
Full feature access for up to 10 users
Built-in time tracking with geofencing and biometric options
Shift scheduling and mobile time clock
Native messaging, surveys, and employee directory
Secure document storage and digital checklists
Built-in learning management system (LMS)
Employee recognition and rewards tools
Mobile app for iOS and Android
Multi-hub functionality for HR, communication, and operations
Pros and Cons
Pros
Completely free for up to 10 users with no feature limits
User-friendly, modular platform with robust functionality
Includes tools often only available in paid plans elsewhere
Excellent customer support
Ideal for lean, fast-moving teams
Cons
Pricing increases sharply after 10 users
Designed pricing favors larger teams (30+ users)
Users frequently prompted to upgrade
Pricing structure is complex across hubs and tiers
Connecteam divides its pricing by hub (Operations, Communications, HR & Skills) and plan level (Small Business, Basic, Advanced, Expert, Enterprise):
Pricing
Small Business: Free for up to 10 users across all hubs
Basic: $29/month (up to 30 users) + $0.50/user after
Advanced: $49/month + $1.50/user after 30
Expert: $99/month + $3/user after 30
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Free trial: Yes, 14 days
Free version: Yes, for up to 10 users
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Startups needing all-in-one HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance | ||
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Early-stage startups wanting simple, affordable payroll + HR | |
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Solopreneurs needing payroll, tax guidance, and business setup help | ||
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Startups hiring and paying international teams compliantly |
 | $3–$6/user/mo | (31 days) | Shift-based startups needing scheduling and time tracking | |
 | Free up to ~10 users; paid from ~$29/mo | (14 days) | Very early-stage startups needing free HR, scheduling, and communication tools |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
| $3–$6/user/mo | (31 days) |
| Free up to ~10 users; paid from ~$29/mo | (14 days) |
FAQ
What's the best HR platform for startups?
Gusto ranks #1 on G2's Small-Business Implementation Index for Onboarding, Spring 2026, reflecting how quickly small businesses and startups can get set up. Gusto is also a Leader on the Small-Business Grid® Reports for Core HR and Benefits Administration — making it a frequent choice for early-stage teams that need payroll, HR, and benefits running quickly.
What’s the leading HR software for startups?
Business News Daily and TechRadar named Gusto the best HR software for startups in 2026 thanks to its all-in-one platform for payroll, onboarding, benefits, and compliance. It’s user-friendly, scalable, and priced well for lean teams just getting started.
What is the best HR system for small business?
The best HR system for small businesses depends on your needs, but Gusto, OnPay, and TriNet offer strong core features at accessible prices. Gusto is best for full-service HR, while OnPay is great for affordability.
Which software is best for HR?
For most small businesses and startups, Gusto offers the best overall HR experience. However, specialized tools like Remote (for global teams) or Deputy (for shift scheduling) may be better depending on your industry.
What does a startup need for HR?
Startups need basic HR tools like payroll, tax filing, onboarding, and time tracking. As they grow, features like performance management, compliance alerts, and benefits administration become more important to attract and retain talent.
Is there any free HR software?
Yes - Connecteam offers one of the only fully-featured free HR platforms, supporting up to 10 users. It includes time tracking, scheduling, internal communication, and more, making it ideal for very early-stage startups.
