Gusto
Best All-in-One Payroll App for Small Businesses
Overview
Gusto is the leading payroll app for small businesses that want more than just basic paycheck processing. It combines intuitive payroll, benefits, and HR tools into one easy-to-use platform, helping you streamline everything from onboarding to compliance. With automated tax filing, transparent pricing, and hundreds of integrations, Gusto ensures you can manage payroll confidently without drowning in paperwork or extra software.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states
Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing
Direct deposit and debit card payment options
Built-in compliance and reporting tools
Benefits administration (health, dental, vision, retirement plans)
Employee self-service portal and onboarding tools
Time tracking and PTO management (Plus plan)
Integrations with accounting, time tracking, and HR tools
Contractor payment support with 1099 filing
Dedicated support and HR expert access (Premium plan)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Automated compliance and tax filing saves time
Robust integrations with leading business software
Employee-friendly interface with self-service features
Scales easily with add-on HR and benefits
Cons
Premium features only available in higher-tier plans
Limited global payroll support
No free plan beyond contractor-only option
Pricing
Simple: $49/mo + $6/person/mo
Plus: $80/mo + $12/person/mo (adds time tracking, advanced HR)
Premium: $180/mo + $22/person/mo (includes HR expert support)
Free until you run your first payroll.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Rippling
Best for Scalable Payroll and HR Automation
Overview
Rippling unifies payroll, HR, and even IT in one modular platform, making it ideal for businesses that want efficiency as they scale. It automates tax filings, compliance monitoring, onboarding, and device management, with global payroll support in over 50 countries. For growing teams, Rippling saves admin time while offering flexibility to add only the tools you need.
Key Features
Unified payroll, HR, and IT management platform
Global payroll and compliance in over 50 countries
Automated tax filing and compliance monitoring
Custom workflows and approval chains
Time tracking and attendance integration
Benefits administration and compliance support
Built-in employee onboarding and offboarding tools
Over 500 third-party integrations
Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely flexible, modular system
Scales well for growing businesses
Global payroll support
Robust automation saves admin time
Cons
Pricing increases as features are added
Some features may be overkill for very small businesses
Learning curve for setup and customization
Customer support response times can vary
Pricing
Starts at $8 per user/month (core HR platform)
Payroll and advanced features priced as add-ons
Custom quotes required for global payroll
QuickBooks Payroll
Best for Businesses Already Using QuickBooks
Overview
QuickBooks Payroll is a natural fit for small businesses that already rely on QuickBooks for accounting. Its seamless integration makes bookkeeping and payroll processing easier by automatically syncing data between the two platforms. With automated tax filing, employee benefits options, and flexible payroll schedules, QuickBooks Payroll simplifies day-to-day management for businesses that want everything under one roof.
Key Features
Direct integration with QuickBooks Online accounting
Automated federal and state tax filing and payments
Same-day direct deposit options
Employee benefits including health insurance and retirement plans
Mobile payroll app for on-the-go management
Built-in time tracking with QuickBooks Time
24/7 customer support with most plans
HR support and compliance resources (higher tiers)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online
Easy for existing QuickBooks users to set up
Automated tax payments and filings
Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
Pricing can be steep compared to simpler payroll apps
Limited integrations outside the QuickBooks ecosystem
HR tools less robust than standalone HR platforms
Some users report a learning curve
Pricing
Core: $45/month + $6 per employee
Premium: $80/month + $8 per employee
Elite: $125/month + $10 per employee
ADP
Best for Growing Businesses That Need Flexibility
Overview
ADP is one of the most established payroll providers, offering solutions for companies of all sizes. Its RUN platform is designed for small businesses, while larger enterprises can access advanced HR and payroll systems. With features like tax compliance, employee benefits, and add-on HR tools, ADP provides a flexible, scalable option for businesses that want a trusted partner with decades of experience.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing
Compliance monitoring and updates
Multiple payroll schedules and payment options
Employee benefits administration
Mobile app for payroll and HR tasks
Integrations with time tracking and accounting tools
Employee onboarding and document management
Scalable packages from small to enterprise
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong reputation and industry trust
Flexible packages for businesses of all sizes
Wide range of add-on HR services
Reliable compliance and tax filing support
Cons
Pricing is not transparent and requires quotes
Costs can be high for small businesses
Contracts may include long-term commitments
Interface feels less modern
Pricing
Custom pricing based on business size and features
RUN Powered by ADP (for small businesses) starts with quotes
Add-ons priced separately
OnPay
Best for Simple, Affordable Payroll with HR Tools
Overview
OnPay is a streamlined payroll and HR solution built for small businesses that need reliable features without the complexity or high cost. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filing, and built-in HR functions like onboarding and benefits management. OnPay is especially attractive to startups and budget-conscious teams looking for a flat-rate service that still covers compliance and benefits.
Key Features
Unlimited monthly payroll runs
Automated federal, state, and local tax filings
Multiple payment options (direct deposit, check, debit card)
Benefits administration
Built-in onboarding and compliance documents
PTO tracking and time-off management
Role-based access for managers and employees
Integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, flat-rate pricing
Unlimited payroll runs included
Easy-to-use interface for small businesses
Strong customer support
Cons
No advanced enterprise-level HR tools
Limited global payroll support
Lacks some advanced reporting features
Fewer integrations than larger providers
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6 per employee/month
Benefits available as add-ons
Paychex
Best for Comprehensive Payroll with Local Support
Overview
Paychex is a long-standing payroll and HR provider that serves businesses of all sizes. Known for its flexibility, Paychex offers everything from basic payroll processing to full HR outsourcing. With 24/7 customer support, dedicated payroll specialists, and a strong local presence, it’s an excellent choice for companies that want hands-on guidance alongside robust payroll and HR tools.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automated tax filing
Employee self-service portal and mobile app
Direct deposit and multiple pay options
Benefits administration
Compliance monitoring and HR advisory services
Time and attendance tracking
Onboarding and handbook tools
Scalable solutions for small to enterprise
Pros and Cons
Pros
Dedicated local payroll specialists
Wide range of HR services
Scales easily with business growth
24/7 customer service
Cons
Less transparent pricing
Higher costs for advanced HR features
Can feel complex for small businesses
Some users report a steep learning curve
Pricing
Paychex Flex Essentials: $39/month + $5 per employee
Higher-tier plans (Select and Pro) require quotes
Square Payroll
Best for Retail and Service Businesses
Overview
Square Payroll is designed for small businesses that already use Square for payments and POS. It offers an easy way to pay employees and contractors, with seamless integration into the Square ecosystem. Square Payroll automates tax filings, simplifies contractor management, and provides benefits options—all in a simple, affordable package perfect for retail, hospitality, and service industries.
Key Features
Seamless integration with Square POS
Automated tax filings
Direct deposit and check payment options
Contractor-only payroll with 1099 filing
Benefits administration
Employee self-service app
Overtime and tip reporting compliance tools
No long-term contracts
Pros and Cons
Pros
Perfect for retail and service businesses
Affordable contractor-only plan
Simple, intuitive experience
Compliance support for tipped employees
Cons
Limited HR tools
Best suited for small businesses
Few integrations outside Square
No global payroll
Pricing
Employees & Contractors: $35/month base + $6 per person/month
Contractor-Only: $6 per contractor/month (no base fee)
Benefits priced separately
Patriot Payroll
Best for Budget-Friendly Payroll
Overview
Patriot Payroll is a cost-effective payroll solution built for small businesses that want essential payroll features without high monthly fees. Its user-friendly platform covers the basics—like direct deposit, tax calculations, and employee self-service—at one of the lowest price points in the market. Patriot is best for budget-conscious business owners who don’t need advanced HR tools but still want reliable payroll processing.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states
Automated tax calculations with optional tax filing add-on
Direct deposit and printable checks
Employee self-service for pay stubs and tax forms
Free setup and U.S.-based support
QuickBooks integration
Mobile-friendly payroll access
Optional time and attendance or HR modules
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very affordable pricing
Easy setup with U.S.-based support
Transparent, straightforward costs
Flexible add-ons
Cons
Limited HR and benefits tools
No global payroll
Tax filing requires higher-tier plan
Fewer integrations
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee/month
Full-Service Payroll: $37/month + $4 per employee/month
Add-ons available for HR and time tracking
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 an all-in-one payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance app | ||
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | Fast-growing teams that want scalable payroll with HR and IT automation | |
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | Businesses already using QuickBooks that want payroll tightly integrated with accounting | |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Growing businesses that need flexible payroll with strong compliance support | |
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Budget-conscious SMBs that want simple, affordable payroll with built-in HR tools | |
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Businesses that want comprehensive payroll with local, hands-on support | ||
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Retail and service businesses using Square POS | ||
 | $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) | Very small or budget-focused businesses that want low-cost payroll |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | |
| $35/mo + $6/employee | |
| $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) |
FAQ
What is the most popular payroll software?
Gusto, ADP, and QuickBooks Payroll are among the most widely used payroll platforms. Their popularity comes from strong compliance tools, automated tax filing, and broad integrations.
What is the best way to pay employees in a small business?
The best method is direct deposit via a payroll app. It ensures accurate, on-time pay, automatically calculates taxes, and provides digital pay stubs—keeping you compliant and efficient.
Is there a free payroll app?
Options for free payroll are limited. Some platforms offer contractor-only payroll at little to no cost, such as Square Payroll’s $6 per contractor/month plan. Full-service payroll apps usually require monthly fees.
How much does ADP payroll per month?
ADP’s pricing varies and typically requires a quote. Small business plans often start around $59/month plus $4 per employee, with add-ons available for benefits and HR features.
Is ADP or Paychex better?
ADP offers strong automation and global payroll, making it ideal for growing businesses. Paychex stands out for local support and HR outsourcing. The right choice depends on your priorities.
What’s the cheapest payroll app?
Patriot Payroll and OnPay are the most affordable. Patriot starts at $17/month + $4 per employee, while OnPay charges $40/month + $6 per employee—both include unlimited payroll runs.
