Gusto Solo
Best All-in-One Payroll Solution for Solopreneurs
Overview
Gusto is a top choice for one-person businesses that need professional payroll without unnecessary complexity. Designed for affordability and ease of use, Gusto streamlines payroll, tax filing, and compliance, while offering HR and benefits features that grow with your business. Even if you’re paying just yourself, Gusto’s automated workflows and seamless integrations free up time and ensure you stay compliant.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing (federal, state, and local)
Direct deposit with flexible pay schedules
S corp compliance tools: reasonable salary calculator, S corp election (Form 2553), and AI-powered S corp advisory
Contractor payments with 1099 filing included
Compliance with state and federal regulations
Built-in benefits administration (health, dental, vision, 401(k))
Over 300 software integrations
Robust reporting and document storage
Free until you run your first payroll
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, simple pricing that scales with your needs
Easy setup for solopreneurs and microbusinesses
Automated payroll, taxes, and compliance
Free until your first payroll run
Integrates with popular accounting and HR software
Sophisticated S corp compliance features like a reasonable salary calculator, AI-powered S corp advisory, and compliance task hub
Designed to be used interchangeably by both the business owner and the accountant
Cons
HR tools may feel unnecessary for one-employee businesses
State tax registration setup can take time
Pricing
For solopreneurs needing payroll, S corp compliance support, and the option to pay contractors. Pricing starts at $49 + $6 per person.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 400,000 businesses.
QuickBooks Payroll
Best for Accounting Integration
Overview
QuickBooks Payroll is a smart add-on for solopreneurs already managing finances in QuickBooks. It keeps payroll and accounting connected, offering full-service payroll with automated tax filings, direct deposit, and employee self-service. By staying within the Intuit ecosystem, one-employee businesses save time, reduce errors, and avoid the hassle of juggling separate payroll and accounting tools.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing and payments
Auto payroll runs with review and approval
Direct deposit with next-day or same-day options
Unlimited pay runs
Employee self-service portal
1099 contractor payments and e-filing
Time tracking and project tracking in higher tiers
Integration with QuickBooks accounting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Deep integration with QuickBooks accounting
One dashboard for finances and payroll
Automated tax filings handled for you
Popular, well-supported platform
Cons
No sophisticated S corp compliance features (reasonable salary calculation, S corp election)
More expensive than leaner payroll tools
Some features only in higher tiers
Complex setup for nonstandard payroll or multistate use
Per-employee fees increase costs
Pricing
Core: $50/month base + $6.50/employee/month
Premium: $88/month base + $10/employee/month
Elite: $134/month base + $12/employee/month
Patriot Payroll
Best Low-Cost Payroll with Optional Full Service
Overview
Patriot Payroll is designed for cost-conscious small businesses that want simple payroll with the option to expand. For one-employee businesses, it delivers unlimited payroll runs at a low monthly price, with straightforward features like direct deposit and contractor payments. You can start with the basic plan and add full-service tax filing or HR tools as your needs grow.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs per month
Direct deposit support
Contractor payments and 1099 support
Employee self-service portal
Optional tax filing and payment services
Time tracking add-on available
Integration with Patriot’s accounting system and QuickBooks
Payroll reports for taxes, deductions, and wages
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very affordable pricing
Unlimited payroll runs with no extra fees
Option to upgrade to Full Service tax filing
Responsive customer support
Cons
Basic plan doesn’t include tax filing
Slower direct deposit lead times
Limited HR features and customization
No mobile app
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee
Full Service Payroll: $37/month + $4 per employee
OnPay
Best Transparent, All-Inclusive Payroll at a Fixed Rate
Overview
OnPay offers one clear, flat-rate plan that includes everything—payroll, automated tax filing, and HR tools—with no surprise fees or tier upgrades. For one-employee businesses, that means unlimited payroll runs, simple compliance, and full access to onboarding and PTO management from day one. Its predictable pricing makes it a stress-free option for solopreneurs who value transparency.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs
Automatic tax filing and payments
Direct deposit, check, or payroll debit card payments
Employee self-service portal
Onboarding tools with e-signatures and new hire reporting
Integrated HR features like PTO management and compliance alerts
Support for W-2 and 1099 workers
Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and time tracking apps
Pros and Cons
Pros
One flat, all-inclusive pricing
Unlimited payroll runs
Tax filing included in the price
Strong customer support
Cons
No dedicated mobile app
Fee for mailing year-end forms
Direct deposit can be slower in some cases
Smaller integration library than larger platforms
Pricing
$49/month base fee + $6 per employee
No extra fees for multi-state payroll or multiple pay schedules
First month free
Roll by ADP
Best Mobile-First, Chat-Based Payroll for Solopreneurs
Overview
Roll by ADP is a mobile-first payroll app that lets solopreneurs run payroll as quickly as sending a text. Its chat-based design makes it simple to use while still handling automatic tax calculations, payments, and filings. For one-employee businesses, it offers fast, affordable payroll on the go, with compliance support backed by ADP’s trusted expertise.
Key Features
Chat-based payroll commands
Unlimited payroll runs
Automatic tax calculation, payment, and filing
Support for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
Direct deposit options
Payroll reports and registers
QuickBooks integration
Compliance alerts and AI-powered guidance
Pros and Cons
Pros
Simple, chat-based mobile interface
Transparent, flat pricing
Automatic tax compliance
Unlimited pay runs
Cons
No built-in time tracking
Limited HR and benefits features
Learning curve for chat commands
Fewer integrations
Pricing
$39/month base fee + $5 per employee
First 3 months free
No long-term contracts
RUN Powered by ADP
Best Scalable Payroll for Growing Businesses
Overview
RUN Powered by ADP is built for small businesses with growth in mind. Unlike Roll’s mobile-first setup, RUN uses a traditional dashboard packed with payroll, HR, and compliance tools. For a one-employee business, it may feel robust at first, but it’s ideal if you expect to expand and want a system that scales seamlessly.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing
Multi-state payroll capabilities
Direct deposit and check options
New hire reporting and onboarding tools
HR add-ons like background checks and job descriptions
Benefits administration
Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave
24/7 customer support
Pros and Cons
Pros
Backed by ADP’s reputation
Scales easily as you grow
Wide range of HR tools
Strong integrations
Cons
More expensive than leaner options
Pricing is less transparent
Features locked behind higher tiers
May feel overly complex for solopreneurs
Pricing
Quote-based pricing
Industry estimates start at $79/month + $4 per employee
Add-ons for HR and compliance raise costs
SurePayroll by Paychex
Best Budget-Friendly Legacy Payroll Service
Overview
SurePayroll, a Paychex company, delivers affordable payroll with the backing of a trusted provider. It automates payroll runs, tax filing, and contractor payments while offering mobile access for employers and employees. For one-employee businesses, it’s a budget-friendly option that balances cost and reliability, though advanced HR tools require add-ons for those needing more than basic payroll.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs with tax filing
Direct deposit and check payments
Contractor payments with 1099 filing
Employee self-service portal
Mobile app for employers and employees
New hire reporting
QuickBooks and Xero integrations
Optional timekeeping and benefits add-ons
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable payroll service
Backed by Paychex
Mobile app support
Automated tax filings included
Cons
Dated interface
Customer support can be slower
HR features require add-ons
Longer direct deposit timelines
Pricing
Self-Service: $19.99/month + $4 per employee
Full-Service: $29.99/month + $5 per employee
Payroll4Free.com
Best Free Payroll Option for Ultra-Small Businesses
Overview
Payroll4Free.com offers a truly free payroll solution for businesses with up to 25 employees, making it appealing for solopreneurs on a tight budget. It covers essentials like direct deposit, tax form preparation, and PTO tracking at no cost. However, limited integrations, dated design, and weaker customer support mean it works best for very small businesses with simple payroll needs.
Key Features
Free payroll software for up to 25 employees
Direct deposit through your own bank
Tax form preparation (W-2s, 1099s)
PTO and vacation tracking
Contractor payments
Employee self-service portal
Payroll reporting and exports
QuickBooks integration (manual)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Completely free under 25 employees
Covers core payroll features
Flexible payment options
Great for freelancers or microbusinesses
Cons
Limited integrations
Weaker customer support
Tax filing requires a paid add-on
Dated interface, not mobile-friendly
Pricing
Free for up to 25 employees
$12.50/month for direct deposit via Payroll4Free’s bank
$12.50/month for tax filing and payments
Max $25/month with both add-ons
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 | Solopreneurs who want all-in-one payroll, tax filing, and S-corp support | ||
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | One-employee businesses already using QuickBooks accounting | |
 | $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) | Cost-conscious solopreneurs who want low-cost payroll with optional tax filing | |
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Single-employee businesses that want flat, predictable pricing with tax filing included | |
 | $39/month base fee + $5 per employee | (3 months) | (limited) | Solopreneurs who prefer mobile-first, chat-based payroll |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | One-employee businesses planning to scale and wanting enterprise-backed payroll | |
 | $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed | Budget-friendly payroll backed by Paychex for simple, traditional needs | |
 | Free core; add‑ons $10–$35 | Ultra-small businesses that want a free payroll option with basic functionality |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $39/month base fee + $5 per employee | (3 months) |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| Free core; add‑ons $10–$35 |
FAQ
What is the best payroll service for one employee?
The best payroll service for one employee depends on your needs and budget. Gusto is the best all-in-one solution, while Patriot Payroll and SurePayroll are strong budget picks.
How to do payroll for only one employee?
Running payroll means calculating wages, withholding and remitting taxes, and filing required forms. Payroll software automates this, ensuring compliance while saving time.
How much is a payroll service for one employee?
Most services charge a base fee plus per-employee costs. Gusto starts at $49/mo + $6/employee. Budget options like Patriot start at $17/mo + $4/employee, while Payroll4Free.com is free.
How much does Gusto payroll cost for one employee?
Gusto’s Simple plan starts at $49/mo + $6/employee. Upgrades add features like time tracking and HR support. Gusto is free until your first payroll run.
How much does ADP cost for one employee?
Roll by ADP costs $39/mo + $5 per employee. RUN Powered by ADP is quote-based, with industry estimates starting at $79/mo + $4 per employee.
Which payroll software is the cheapest?
Payroll4Free.com is free for up to 25 employees. Among paid services, Patriot Payroll and SurePayroll offer some of the lowest entry-level prices.
