Gusto
Best All-in-One HR & Payroll Platform for Small Businesses
Overview
Gusto is the best all-in-one HR and payroll software for small businesses that want affordability without sacrificing functionality. Its modern interface, transparent pricing, and wide range of built-in tools make it easy to manage everything from onboarding to payroll taxes.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing
Direct deposit and employee self-service portals
Benefits administration (health, dental, vision, retirement)
Time tracking and PTO management (Plus plan and above)
Hiring and onboarding tools with offer letters and e-signatures
Compliance support for payroll taxes and labor laws
Integrations with 300+ apps
Reporting and analytics dashboards for payroll and HR
Performance and talent management features (Premium plan)
Mobile access for employers and employees
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, tiered pricing ideal for small budgets
Free until you run your first payroll
Wide integration network reduces software bloat
Intuitive design requires little training
Scales easily as businesses grow
Cons
Some HR features locked to higher-tier plans
Limited global payroll options compared to larger competitors
Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
Pricing
Simple: $49/mo + $6/person/mo
Plus: $80/mo + $12/person/mo
Premium: $180/mo + $22/person/mo
Free until you run your first payroll
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform already trusted by over 500,000 businesses.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Overview
Zoho People offers small businesses a low-cost way to start with core HR features and scale over time. With employee records, time-off tracking, and workflow automation, it covers essentials at just a few dollars per user. Add-on modules expand functionality for performance, timesheets, and more, making it a flexible choice for cost-conscious teams that want modular growth.
Key Features
Employee database & organizational chart
Time-off and absence tracking
Attendance and shift management
Timesheets and overtime tracking
Document management & repository
Workflow automation and approvals
Performance reviews & appraisal modules
Integration with Zoho Payroll and other apps
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very affordable entry pricing
Highly modular — you only pay for features you use
Strong integration with Zoho’s full suite
Workflow automation reduces manual tasks
Cons
Some modules require higher-tier or add-on costs
Less robust payroll capabilities
UX for certain features can feel less polished
Support responsiveness varies by plan
Pricing
Base plan starts at $1.50/user/month
Higher tiers range $2–$5/user/month
30-day free trial available
OnPay
Best Transparent, All-Inclusive Payroll + HR
Overview
OnPay delivers full payroll and built-in HR features under one flat monthly price. It includes unlimited runs, multi-state tax filing, and onboarding tools without hidden fees. Basic HR records, compliance support, and document storage are bundled in, reducing the need for separate systems. Simple, affordable, and predictable, OnPay is a strong option for small teams seeking clarity.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filings
Unlimited pay runs
Multi-state payroll support
Automated new hire reporting
Employee self-service and onboarding
Document storage and e-signatures
Integrations with accounting systems
Basic HR records and tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Clear, all-inclusive pricing
Unlimited payroll runs
Good support for multi-state payroll
HR tools reduce need for separate systems
Cons
HR features are basic compared to HRIS tools
No higher-tier plan for advanced features
Lacks advanced recruiting/performance modules
Smaller integration ecosystem
Pricing
Flat base $49/month + $6 per employee
All standard payroll and HR features included
First month free
Square Payroll
Best for Retail, Hourly, & POS Businesses
Overview
Square Payroll integrates seamlessly with Square POS, making it ideal for restaurants, retail shops, and hourly businesses. It automates payroll, tax filing, and time card sync while supporting tips and overtime compliance. With contractor-only and full-service options, Square Payroll is affordable and easy to use, though its HR tools are limited compared to broader HR software platforms.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filings
Contractor-only payroll option
Time card sync with Square POS
Overtime, tip, and shift differential support
PTO and leave tracking
Employee self-service access
Multistate payroll support
Benefits integration
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless integration with Square’s POS/time systems
Tiered pricing with contractor-only option
Unlimited payroll runs
Great for hourly-heavy businesses
Cons
Fewer advanced HR modules
Less flexible outside Square ecosystem
Contractor-only plan is limited
Support features are basic
Pricing
Full-service: $35/month + $6 per employee
Contractor-only: $6 per contractor/month (no base fee)
Patriot Software
Best Budget Payroll with Add-On Flexibility
Overview
Patriot is one of the most affordable payroll platforms, starting at just $17/month. Small businesses can choose DIY payroll or upgrade to full-service tax filing, with optional add-ons for HR and time tracking. It’s easy to set up, includes unlimited runs, and keeps costs low, though add-ons raise pricing and integrations are limited compared to larger providers.
Key Features
Core payroll run + direct deposit
Manual or full-service tax filing
Employee and contractor support
Free payroll setup assistance
Unlimited payroll runs
Employee self-service portal
Workers’ comp integration
Reporting and exports
Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely low entry price
Upgrade to full tax filing when needed
Web-based simplicity
Flexible add-ons
Cons
Tax filing requires upgrade
Add-ons raise cost quickly
Limited integrations
Extra fees for multi-state filing
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee
Full-Service Payroll: $37/month + $4–$5 per employee
Add-ons (time & attendance, etc.) cost extra
BambooHR
Best HRIS with Growth Potential
Overview
BambooHR emphasizes HR first, offering employee records, onboarding, PTO tracking, and performance management in a clean interface. Payroll is an add-on, but the platform shines as an HRIS that scales with growing businesses. While pricing is higher and best suited for companies beyond the startup phase, BambooHR is a polished, comprehensive HR solution with strong long-term value.
Key Features
Employee profiles and core HR management
Onboarding and offboarding workflows
PTO and leave tracking
Performance management
Applicant tracking system (ATS)
Reporting and analytics
Employee self-service & mobile app
Integrations with payroll systems
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong HR feature set
Great user experience
Payroll add-on available
Flexible contracts
Cons
Payroll requires extra cost
Pricing is not transparent
May be costly for very small teams
Advanced features require add-ons
Pricing
Flat monthly rate for companies ≤ 25 employees (~$250/month)
Per-employee pricing for larger businesses
Custom quotes required
QuickBooks Payroll
Best for Businesses Already Using QuickBooks
Overview
QuickBooks Payroll integrates directly with QuickBooks accounting, saving time by syncing payroll with bookkeeping. It automates tax filings, offers same-day direct deposit, and provides compliance tools for new hires. While HR features are limited to higher tiers, QuickBooks Payroll is a convenient, efficient choice for small businesses already using QuickBooks that want payroll and accounting in one place.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing
Same-day direct deposit
New hire compliance
HR support center (higher plans)
Benefits and workers’ comp integration
PTO and time tracking
Mobile app access
Sync with QuickBooks accounting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Perfect for QuickBooks users
Integrated reporting and accounting
Same-day direct deposit
Strong automation
Cons
Can get pricey
HR features limited to higher tiers
Mixed customer support reviews
Multi-state payroll may cost extra
Pricing
Core: $45/month + $6 per employee
Premium: $80/month + $8 per employee
Elite: $125/month + $10 per employee
Free trial available
Rippling
Best All-in-One HR & IT Platform
Overview
Rippling unifies HR, payroll, benefits, and IT management into one modular system. It handles everything from onboarding and device provisioning to global payroll and compliance automation. With 500+ integrations and scalable modules, it’s powerful for growing businesses, though pricing is less transparent and may feel heavy for very small teams. Best for SMBs that want everything connected.
Key Features
Payroll with tax filing
Global payroll support
Onboarding and offboarding workflows
Benefits administration
Device and app management
Compliance automation
Workflow automation
500+ integrations
Pros and Cons
Pros
Combines HR and IT in one platform
Highly scalable
Automates compliance tasks
Wide integration marketplace
Cons
Pricing not transparent
Overkill for very small teams
Add-ons increase costs
More setup required than lighter tools
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core modules
Custom pricing based on features selected
Sloneek
Best Transparent, No-Hidden-Fee HR Platform
Overview
Sloneek delivers straightforward HR tools at affordable, transparent pricing. Features include employee records, time and attendance, contracts, performance reviews, and workflow automation. Multi-language support makes it useful for remote and distributed teams. While payroll functionality is limited, Sloneek is an easy-to-use, budget-friendly choice for small businesses seeking simple HR management without hidden costs or complex extras.
Key Features
Employee records & digital contracts
Time & attendance tracking
Vacation and absence management
Workflow automation
Task management features
E-signatures & document storage
Performance reviews
Integrations with Slack, Teams, etc.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent pricing
Covers core HR needs for SMBs
Easy to use, multi-language support
Great for remote teams
Cons
Limited payroll functionality
Lacks advanced analytics
Smaller ecosystem
Stronger presence in Europe
Pricing
Team plan: ~$4–$6 per user/month
Business plan: ~$7–$9 per user/month
14-day free trial available
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 needing affordable all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits | ||
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | SMBs wanting transparent, all-inclusive payroll + basic HR | |
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Retail, restaurant, and hourly teams using Square POS | ||
 | $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) | Very small businesses needing ultra-low-cost payroll | |
 | Custom pricing | (7 days) | Growing SMBs that want a strong HRIS (payroll as add-on) | |
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | Businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting | |
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | SMBs wanting unified HR + payroll + IT automation | |
 | Team plan: ~$4–$6 per user/month; Business plan: ~$7–$9 per user/month | (14 days) | Small or remote teams needing low-cost HR without hidden fees |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $35/mo + $6/employee | |
| $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) |
| Custom pricing | (7 days) |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) |
| Team plan: ~$4–$6 per user/month; Business plan: ~$7–$9 per user/month | (14 days) |
FAQ
What is the best HR software for a small business?
The best HR software depends on your team’s size, budget, and needs. Gusto is a popular all-in-one option, while Zoho People offers modular pricing. OnPay and Square Payroll are affordable options for payroll with HR support.
What is the best free HR software?
Completely free HR software is rare. Zoho People offers a free plan for up to five users, while many providers offer free trials. Free tools often lack compliance, automation, and customer support—important as your business grows.
Which payroll software is the cheapest?
Patriot Payroll and OnPay are among the most affordable. Patriot starts at $17/month plus $4 per employee, while OnPay is $49/month plus $6 per employee. Square Payroll’s contractor plan is $6 per contractor per month.
How much does Paychex cost per month?
Paychex Flex Essentials typically starts at $39/month plus $5 per employee. Pricing increases with advanced HR features, so small businesses often compare it against Gusto, OnPay, or Patriot for cost savings.
How much does Gusto cost per month?
Gusto’s Simple plan starts at $49/mo + $6/person. Plus is $80/mo + $12/person, and Premium is custom-priced. Gusto is free until you run your first payroll.
Is HR software worth the cost?
Yes. HR software saves small businesses time, reduces errors, and improves compliance. Platforms like Gusto, OnPay, and Zoho People deliver automation and reliability, often paying for themselves by reducing admin hours and avoiding costly mistakes.
