Gusto
Best all-in-one platform for rapid setup
Overview
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform designed for speed and simplicity. Remote teams can get started in under 30 minutes with guided onboarding. It handles multi-state compliance automatically, manages contractors, and integrates with 180+ popular apps like QuickBooks and Xero. With built-in benefits and time tracking, Gusto gives small businesses a transparent, scalable solution that grows with them. Its intuitive dashboard keeps payroll effortless while delivering compliance peace of mind.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs with AutoPilot™ automation
Contractor management and 1099 e-filing
Automatic state, federal, and local tax filings
Built-in PTO tracking and time tracking
Health benefits and retirement plan administration
Multi-state compliance included in all plans
Integrations with 180+ apps including accounting tools
Employee self-service portals with pay stub access
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast, intuitive setup under 30 minutes
Transparent pricing across all plans
Affordable contractor-only option
Strong benefits marketplace for recruiting
Cons
Limited global payroll support
Performance suite only on higher tiers
Mobile admin app less robust than desktop
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)
Contractor-only plans are available for $35/month plus $6 per contractor.
Free migration and one-month free trial are included.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
OnPay
Best for industry-specific tax compliance
Overview
OnPay is a budget-friendly payroll platform that caters to nonprofits, farms, and clergy with built-in compliance for niche industries. It offers flat-rate pricing, unlimited payroll runs, and free migration, making it an affordable choice for small distributed businesses. Remote teams benefit from full 50-state coverage, automated tax filings, and straightforward contractor management. OnPay’s simplicity and clear pricing structure make it an excellent option for startups or lean SMBs that don’t need a full HR suite.
Key Features
Industry-specific payroll compliance for agriculture, nonprofits, clergy
Unlimited payroll runs across all states
Automated federal, state, and local tax filings
Contractor support with 1099 filing
PTO tracking and scheduling tools
Free migration and setup assistance
Benefits administration and workers’ comp pay-as-you-go
Mobile-friendly platform for employees and admins
Pros and Cons
Pros
Flat, affordable monthly pricing
50% nonprofit discount available
Easy migration with free support
Transparent, all-inclusive features
Cons
Limited HR and recruiting tools
No global payroll/EOR options
Mobile functionality basic compared to competitors
OnPay costs $40/month plus $6 per employee. Includes one-month free trial and unlimited payroll runs.
QuickBooks Payroll
Best if you already use QBO
Overview
QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online, making it the go-to option for startups and SMBs already on QBO. It automates tax filings, supports next-day and same-day direct deposits, and includes TSheets time tracking in Premium and higher tiers. With optional HR advisor support and Guideline 401(k) integration, QuickBooks Payroll delivers everything small teams need to run payroll and stay compliant. Its value is strongest for companies already managing finances in QuickBooks.
Key Features
Seamless sync with QuickBooks Online
Automated tax filings and compliance
Next-day and same-day direct deposit options
Built-in TSheets time tracking (Premium+)
Optional HR advisor for compliance guidance
401(k) retirement plans via Guideline
Mobile payroll access for admins and staff
Detailed payroll reports and audits
Pros and Cons
Pros
One-click sync with QuickBooks GL
Affordable entry-level pricing
Fast direct deposit on Premium+
Strong accounting integration
Cons
Limited HR features compared to Rippling
U.S.-only payroll system
Lacks built-in equity support
Plans start at $45/month plus $6 per employee. Premium is $80/month plus $8 per employee; Elite is $125/month plus $10 per employee.
Rippling
Best for scaling global teams
Overview
Rippling unifies payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one modern platform. It supports payroll in 160+ countries, integrates with over 500 apps, and automates onboarding, device provisioning, and compliance tasks. Remote startups can scale globally without switching systems. While Rippling’s modular structure adds complexity and cost, its automation and international capabilities make it a top choice for teams planning rapid growth or distributed hiring.
Key Features
Global payroll with EOR in 160+ countries
Contractor support with compliance features
Automated onboarding and offboarding workflows
App and device provisioning for remote teams
500+ integrations with HR, IT, and finance apps
Custom workflow automation
Expense and spend management controls
Compliance and reporting dashboards
Pros and Cons
Pros
Scales easily across states and countries
All-in-one HR, IT, and finance system
Extensive integration ecosystem
Strong automation tools
Cons
Pricing only available via quote
Steeper learning curve for admins
Costs rise with add-ons
Rippling starts at $35 base plus $8 per employee per month. Pricing varies by chosen modules.
Square Payroll
Best for retail and POS businesses
Overview
Square Payroll is built for retail and hospitality startups that already use Square POS. It syncs tips automatically, manages hourly teams, and provides a contractor-only plan at $0 base. Remote-first businesses with hybrid POS models appreciate its ease of setup and instant Cash App payments. While not as feature-rich as full HR suites, Square Payroll is affordable and straightforward for lean operations.
Key Features
Automatic POS tip importing
Timecards via Square Team App
Contractor-only payroll option
Instant payments via Cash App
Benefits marketplace (health, 401(k))
Automated federal and state tax filing
Multi-state compliance included
Easy 30-minute setup
Pros and Cons
Pros
Low-cost contractor-only plan
Perfect for retail and hybrid teams
Instant pay via Cash App
Extremely fast setup
Cons
Limited HR features
U.S.-only payroll system
Less suited for SaaS or tech startups
$35/month plus $6 per employee. Contractor-only plan costs $0 base + $6/contractor.
Paychex Flex
Best for flexible HR add-ons
Overview
Paychex Flex offers modular payroll and HR solutions that grow with your business. Remote teams can add recruiting, retirement, and time tracking tools as they expand. While setup can take longer and some fees apply, Paychex’s dedicated support and broad HR feature set make it a trusted provider. Best suited for distributed SMBs that want customizable HR + payroll.
Key Features
Modular HR add-ons (time, recruiting, retirement)
Automated payroll with tax compliance
24/7 customer support
Mobile access for employees and admins
Benefits and retirement integration
Compliance and workforce reporting
Accountant access portals
Scalable for mid-size organizations
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly flexible modular design
Strong HR and benefits add-ons
Trusted payroll provider with deep experience
Responsive support options
Cons
Setup fees may apply
Onboarding can take longer
Pricing not fully transparent
Pricing available by custom quote. Month-to-month options offered, with potential setup fees.
Remote
Best for paying international contractors
Overview
Remote specializes in global payroll and contractor management. It supports payments in 150+ countries with local compliance built in. Remote also provides Employer of Record (EOR) services in 170+ countries, helping startups hire abroad without setting up local entities. For distributed teams expanding globally, Remote simplifies compliance, onboarding, and currency management.
Key Features
Global contractor payments in 150+ countries
EOR services in 170+ countries
Equity grants and benefits management
Local compliance and labor law support
Secure IP protection and contracts
Fast onboarding workflows
Flat transparent pricing per worker
Integrations with HR and finance tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Global-first payroll design
Transparent flat-rate pricing
Handles equity for international staff
Strong compliance features
Cons
More costly for small U.S.-only teams
Limited HR extras outside payroll/EOR
Add-ons increase overall price
$29/contractor/month. Employer of Record services from $599/employee/month.
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 | Remote-first small businesses needing fast setup, multi-state payroll, and built-in HR | ||
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Distributed teams needing industry-specific tax compliance at a low, predictable cost | |
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | Remote teams already using QuickBooks Online for accounting | |
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | Scaling remote teams that want unified HR, IT, and global payroll | |
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Retail or POS-based remote teams with hourly or tipped workers | ||
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Remote SMBs needing flexible HR add-ons and hands-on support | ||
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Companies paying international contractors or building global remote teams |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) |
| $35/mo + $6/employee | |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
FAQ
Here are some quick answers to choosing HR software for businesses with remote teams.
What software do HR professionals use?
Popular HR tools include Gusto, Rippling, ADP, and Paychex. Choice depends on company size and whether global payroll or HR add-ons are needed.
Which software is best for remote work?
For global teams, Remote and Rippling are strong. For lean U.S. teams, Gusto and OnPay provide affordable, remote-friendly options.
What are the three top HRIS systems?
Commonly recognized leaders are Workday, ADP, and Rippling. For SMBs, Gusto and Zenefits are popular alternatives.
Is Excel an HRIS system?
No. While Excel can store HR data, it lacks automation, compliance, and reporting tools. Payroll and HRIS software is required for efficiency.
What is remote HR software?
Remote HR software helps distributed teams manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee data from anywhere. It ensures multi-state and international compliance.
