Gusto
Best all-in-one solution for payroll & HR
Overview
Gusto offers an intuitive, full-service platform that simplifies payroll, HR, and benefits administration—all in one place. While it doesn’t run payroll on your behalf like some outsourced providers, it automates nearly everything else: tax filings, compliance, employee onboarding, and more. With unlimited payroll runs, next-day direct deposit, and smart tools for managing time, benefits, and team growth, Gusto is ideal for small teams looking to save time, stay compliant, and avoid surprise costs.
Key Features
Automated payroll, tax filing, and compliance in all 50 states
Payroll on AutoPilot for salaried employees
Multi-state payroll, multiple schedules, and unlimited runs
Built-in time tracking and PTO tools (Plus plan and up)
Integrated hiring, onboarding, and benefits tools
Employee self-service with lifetime access to documents
Support for international contractors in 120+ countries
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
300+ software integrations (including QuickBooks and Xero)
AI-powered insights and workforce reporting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy-to-use, all-in-one platform
Full tax and compliance automation
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
Unlimited pay runs and schedules
High customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
Multi-state payroll requires Plus plan
Time tracking not available on Simple plan
Benefits limited to 38 states + DC
Admin tools in mobile app are limited
Pricing
Simple: $49/month + $6/person/month
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Premium offers full-service HR with custom pricing.
Contractor-only payroll is available at $6/person/month.
Free Trial? Yes – free until your first payroll
Free Plan? No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Justworks
Best PEO for outsourced payroll services
Overview
Justworks is a streamlined professional employer organization (PEO) that makes it easy to outsource payroll, benefits, and compliance. Designed for small businesses that want full-service support without building an internal HR team, Justworks bundles payroll, tax filings, onboarding, and benefits under one transparent monthly rate. It’s not the most feature-rich PEO on the market, but it covers the essentials at a lower price than many competitors—making it a solid choice for startups and growing teams that need affordable, all-in-one HR help.
Key Features
PEO model with bundled payroll, compliance, and benefits
Automated payroll and tax filing in all 50 states
Employee self-service and mobile app
24/7 support via phone, email, chat, Slack, and SMS
Low-cost benefit options (commuter, disability, wellness)
Traditional health, dental, and vision plans (Plus plan only)
E-signature, onboarding workflows, and policy management
Greenhouse integration for applicant tracking (add-on)
International contractor payments; EOR rollout in progress
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, easy-to-understand pricing
Ideal for small teams ready to outsource HR
24/7 customer support
Offers affordable non-traditional benefits
Mobile access for employees
Cons
Traditional benefits only on higher-tier plan
No native hiring or recruiting tools
Time tracking costs extra (Justworks Hours)
Fewer advanced HR features than larger PEOs
Justworks offers two main tiers:
Pricing
Basic ($59/employee/month) includes core payroll and HR tools.
Plus ($99/employee/month) adds access to medical, dental, vision, COBRA, HSA, and FSA.
Prices drop by $10/employee after 50 employees.
A payroll-only option with time tracking is also available at $50/month + $8/employee.
Free Trial? Yes – 14 days
Free Plan? No
QuickBooks
Best payroll outsourcing for bookkeepers
Overview
QuickBooks Payroll is a natural fit for small businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting. With payroll built into the platform, it offers a seamless way to manage paychecks, taxes, and benefits alongside your books. All plans include tax filing, employee benefits, and direct deposit—plus access to a support team and error-free tax penalty protection. However, if you use other accounting software or need advanced payroll features, QuickBooks may be more limited than all-in-one HR solutions.
Key Features
Native integration with QuickBooks accounting
Automated federal and state tax filing (local taxes with higher tiers)
Error-free guarantee: QuickBooks covers tax penalties if they’re at fault
Next-day and same-day direct deposit (based on plan)
Employee self-service and document access
Payroll automation for salaried employees
Health benefits and 401(k) options on all plans
Time tracking tools (Premium and Elite plans)
Expert setup included with every plan
Pros and Cons
Pros
Bundles payroll and accounting in one system
Includes tax filing and penalty protection
Employee benefits on all plans
Easy-to-use interface
Trusted by many small business accountants
Cons
No integration with non-QuickBooks accounting tools
Local tax support limited to higher tiers
Time tracking only on Premium and Elite
Multi-state payroll requires Elite plan
Slightly overpriced for limited features
Pricing
QuickBooks Payroll starts at $45/month + $6/employee with next-day deposit and benefits access.
Premium ($80 + $8/employee) adds time tracking and HR support.
Elite ($125 + $10/employee) includes same-day deposit, advanced tracking, and $25K in tax protection.
Payroll + Accounting bundles start at $75/month.
Free Trial? Yes – 30 days or 50% off for 3 months
Free Plan? No
ADP TotalSource
Best PEO for quickly scaling businesses
Overview
ADP TotalSource is a full-service PEO built for small and mid-sized businesses preparing for serious growth. It combines outsourced payroll with robust HR, compliance, and benefits infrastructure—plus access to enterprise-grade features typically out of reach for smaller teams. You'll get a dedicated payroll specialist and risk consultant, along with support for onboarding, performance, and safety. While it’s more expensive and complex than lighter tools, TotalSource gives growing companies the structure and support to scale with confidence.
Key Features
PEO model with outsourced payroll, HR, and benefits
Dedicated payroll and risk & safety consultants
Fortune 500–level benefits plans
Built-in learning management system (LMS)
Advanced HR analytics and benchmarking tools
Onboarding and limited recruiting features
Add-ons for performance, compensation, and engagement
Time and attendance tools (add-on)
Global PEO support available
Pros and Cons
Pros
Full-service payroll with dedicated experts
Deep compliance support across HR and safety
High-quality benefits access
Built-in LMS and analytics
Global support for international expansion
Cons
Pricing not publicly available
Time tracking and recruiting cost extra
Interface less intuitive than newer tools
Some integrations require additional fees
Pricing
ADP does not publish pricing for TotalSource. You’ll need to contact their team for a custom quote based on your business size, industry, and feature requirements. Expect a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) model with add-on fees for advanced modules.
Free Trial? No
Free Plan? No
OnPay
Best value payroll outsourcing for small business
Overview
OnPay is a flat-rate payroll solution designed to offer maximum value with minimal complexity. Its single pricing tier includes full-service payroll, tax filings, benefits administration, and basic HR tools—no upsells or confusing packages. With support for W-2 and 1099 workers, multi-state payroll, and built-in compliance features, OnPay is a reliable, budget-friendly option for small businesses that want to outsource payroll without overpaying or overcomplicating things.
Key Features
One flat fee covers all payroll and tax services
Automated federal, state, and local tax filing
Multi-state payroll and multiple pay schedules
W-2 and 1099 support in the same pay run
Built-in benefits admin (all 50 states)
Onboarding workflows and e-signing tools
PTO tracking and document storage
Employee self-service with lifetime access
Native communication and org chart tools
QuickBooks and Xero integrations
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, flat-rate pricing
Unlimited payroll runs included
Benefits admin has no extra cost
Supports both employees and contractors
Easy setup and great support
Cons
No time tracking without integrations
Limited third-party software integrations
Printed W-2s and 1099s cost extra
No live chat or email support
Pricing
OnPay costs $40/month + $6/employee, with no setup fees or pricing tiers.
Benefits administration, multi-state payroll, and all HR features are included.
Additional fees apply for printing and mailing year-end forms.
Free Trial? Yes – one month
Free Plan? No
TriNet
Best HR payroll outsourcing for industry-specific compliance
Overview
TriNet offers a powerful PEO solution tailored to small and mid-sized businesses in compliance-heavy industries like nonprofits, financial services, education, and manufacturing. Their platform bundles payroll, HR, benefits, time tracking, and performance tools into a single system, reducing reliance on third-party apps. Unlike their standalone HR product, TriNet PEO is a full-service offering that includes recruiting, compliance, and leadership development—ideal for teams that want deep industry expertise and an all-in-one solution.
Key Features
Industry-specific compliance and HR expertise
Fully integrated payroll, time tracking, and benefits
Automated tax filing and employee self-service
Built-in tools for performance management and retention
Recruiting features through JazzHR integration
Mobile app for time tracking, PTO, and communication
Paperless onboarding and document management
Native communication and employee engagement tools
Robust reporting and benchmarking
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built-in performance and recruiting tools
Strong industry-specific compliance support
Mobile access for employees and admins
Full-featured employee portal
Detailed analytics and reporting
Cons
Pricing not transparent
Payroll system not highly rated
Longer direct deposit times (4–5 days)
Limited third-party integrations
Mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness
Pricing
TriNet PEO does not list public pricing. You'll need to request a custom quote based on employee count, features, and industry.
Pricing is charged on a per-employee-per-month basis and may include add-on fees for advanced tools.
Free Trial? No
Free Plan? No
Remote
Best payroll outsourcing for global businesses
Overview
Remote is built for companies hiring across borders, offering full-service global payroll, contractor payments, and employer of record (EOR) support in over 80 countries. Unlike many global payroll providers, Remote owns its infrastructure—so you get faster service, fewer errors, and better compliance. With built-in tools for onboarding, time tracking, and localized benefits, it’s a go-to option for startups and growing teams managing international workforces. Remote simplifies complex global hiring so you can scale confidently without opening local entities.
Key Features
Global payroll and EOR support in 80+ countries
Contractor payments in 200+ countries with 100+ currencies
Built-in compliance tools including contract generation and tax handling
Contractor misclassification risk tool to reduce legal risk
Time tracking, PTO, and expense management across global teams
Localized benefits administration, including stock options
Employee and contractor self-service portal for onboarding and payments
Owned infrastructure (not outsourced) for faster, more reliable service
No foreign exchange markups on payments
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports both global payroll and contractors
Strong compliance and legal infrastructure
Simple onboarding and user-friendly interface
No extra fees for benefits admin
Transparent contractor pricing
Cons
Email-only customer support
No PayPal or Payoneer payment support
No workforce or project cost reporting
EOR pricing can add up quickly
Pricing
Remote offers contractor management for $29/month per contractor.
EOR services start at $599/month per employee (annual plan) or $699/month month-to-month.
Global payroll for owned entities is $50/month per employee.
You can explore the platform free for 30 days—charges begin when payments are processed.
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 | Small businesses that want payroll outsourcing through automation (not a PEO) with HR and benefits included | ||
 | $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) | SMBs that want a PEO to fully outsource payroll, benefits, and compliance | |
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | Bookkeepers and SMBs already using QuickBooks for accounting | |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Rapidly scaling businesses that want fully outsourced payroll with dedicated HR support | |
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Small businesses wanting affordable, straightforward payroll outsourcing without a PEO | |
 | $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed | Businesses in regulated industries needing specialized HR and payroll compliance | |
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Companies outsourcing payroll for international employees and contractors |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
FAQ
What is outsourcing payroll?
Outsourcing payroll means hiring an external provider to manage your payroll tasks, including pay calculations, tax filings, and compliance. Some providers offer full-service solutions, while others offer software that automates much of the work but still requires internal oversight.
How much does outsourcing payroll cost?
Outsourced payroll costs range from $40–$150+ per month, plus $4–$20 per employee. Full-service PEOs typically charge more than software-based solutions. Costs depend on features like tax filing, time tracking, benefits, and whether you want full HR support.
Is it better to outsource payroll?
Outsourcing payroll is often better for small businesses without in-house HR. It reduces admin time, ensures compliance, and prevents costly errors. However, if your needs are simple, payroll software may be more cost-effective than full-service outsourcing.
What are the disadvantages of outsourcing payroll?
The biggest downsides are cost, less control, and potential support delays. You may also have to adjust your workflows to fit the provider’s system. Some small teams prefer managing payroll in-house using affordable, easy-to-use software.
Does ADP outsource payroll?
Yes, ADP offers both payroll software and full-service outsourced payroll through its PEO, ADP TotalSource. Businesses can choose between self-service platforms and fully managed HR and payroll support depending on their size and needs.
