Gusto
Best all-in-one QuickBooks alternative for small business
Overview
Gusto is a top-rated payroll and HR platform that outpaces QuickBooks in value, usability, and built-in features. It offers full-service payroll, tax filing, employee benefits, hiring, and compliance tools—all integrated in one system. Unlike QuickBooks, Gusto includes many advanced tools in its base plan, like onboarding workflows and benefits administration. It also supports international contractor payments and offers a contractor-only plan, making it more flexible for modern teams.
Key Features
Integrated payroll, benefits, hiring, and time tracking
Automated federal, state, and local tax filing
Unlimited payroll runs, multiple pay schedules
Pay via direct deposit, check, or prepaid card
Employee self-service with lifetime access
Next-day or 2-day direct deposit
Built-in time tracking and project tracking
International contractor payments in 120+ countries
Global EOR (Canada, India, expanding)
300+ software integrations
Transparent, automation-rich reporting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Intuitive, all-in-one interface
Automated tax compliance included
Unlimited pay runs and schedules
Lifetime access to employee records
Strong support for global contractors
Cons
Multi-state payroll only on Plus and Premium
Time tracking not in base plan
Mobile app is limited for admins
Benefits only available in 38 states
Pricing
Gusto’s plans start at $49/month + $6/person/month.
Time tracking and multi-state payroll begin with the Plus plan ($80/month + $12/person/month).
Premium includes everything Gusto offers—pricing is customized.
Free trial available until your first payroll.
No free plan.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
OnPay
Best value QuickBooks alternative for small business
Overview
OnPay offers full-service payroll, taxes, benefits, and basic HR tools in one affordable package. With no pricing tiers or hidden fees, it’s one of the most budget-friendly QuickBooks alternatives available. OnPay includes support for multi-state payroll, multiple pay schedules, and built-in compliance tools—all in a simple, easy-to-use platform. While it lacks advanced features like time tracking or robust integrations, it’s a reliable fit for small businesses that want straightforward payroll without the bloat.
Key Features
Flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees
Full tax filing (federal, state, local)
Unlimited payroll runs with multi-state support
Pay by direct deposit, check, or debit card
2-day or 4-day deposit options
Self-service employee onboarding
Lifetime employee portal access
Basic HR tools: document storage, checklists, onboarding
PTO tracking and reporting included
ACA and workers’ comp support
Pros and Cons
Pros
All features included in one flat plan
Clear, transparent pricing
Simple UI great for first-time users
Built-in compliance and tax filing
Lifetime employee access to docs
Cons
No time tracking or workforce costing
Limited third-party integrations
Charges extra for W-2/1099 mailing
No mobile app or global support
Customer support is phone-only
Pricing
OnPay costs $40/month + $6/employee, with all features included.
Optional W-2/1099 mailing costs extra.
One-month free trial available.
No free plan.
Remote
Best alternative to QuickBooks for global payroll
Overview
Remote simplifies global hiring by combining payroll, compliance, and contractor payments in 200+ countries. Unlike QuickBooks, which offers no international payroll tools, Remote supports full-time hires through its Employer of Record (EOR) service and contractors through localized contracts. Its unified dashboard and user-friendly interface make it a standout choice for small businesses with international teams—though it can be pricey for EOR support.
Key Features
Global contractor payments in 180+ countries
EOR services in 80+ countries
Localized tax, benefits, and labor compliance
One-click contractor invoicing
Unified dashboard for global teams
No conversion fees for 70+ currencies
Guides for labor laws, holidays, and leave by country
Owned entities (no third-party vendors)
Custom onboarding workflows and portals
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built-in compliance across borders
One platform for EOR, payroll, and contractors
Owned entities ensure faster support
Localized benefits and stock options
Intuitive platform and clean UI
Cons
EOR pricing adds up quickly
No support for PayPal or Payoneer
No free plan for contractor-only accounts
Limited domestic-only features
Email-only support
Pricing
EOR: $599/employee (annual), $699/monthly.
Contractor plan: $29/month per contractor.
Global payroll (own entity): custom quote.
30-day free trial available.
No free plan.
ADP Run
Best QuickBooks alternative for quickly growing businesses
Overview
ADP Run is built for businesses with fewer than 50 employees looking to scale quickly. It offers full-service payroll, tax filings, onboarding, and add-on HR tools—backed by ADP’s reputation and infrastructure. While QuickBooks also supports growing teams, ADP’s modular approach and larger enterprise pathway (via ADP Workforce Now) make it a better fit for companies eyeing long-term expansion. The downside: ADP’s pricing is unclear and its platform can feel clunky for smaller, fast-moving teams.
Key Features
Multi-state payroll with direct deposit
Payroll tax filing and new-hire reporting
Optional HR tools: handbook builders, compliance alerts, ATS
Workforce costing, analytics, and LMS tools available
700+ software integrations
Support for paper checks and debit card payments
Tiered platform options for different business sizes
Dedicated account rep support
Pros and Cons
Pros
Scalable toolset for growing businesses
Extensive add-on HR and compliance tools
700+ integrations
Options to upgrade as you grow
Trusted global brand
Cons
Pricing is not transparent
Add-ons quickly increase monthly costs
Requires multiple modules to match others’ base features
Interface feels outdated
No built-in contractor payments
Pricing
Pricing is quote-only.
Forbes reports plans may start around $59/month + $4/employee, but add-ons for time tracking, benefits, and HR are extra.
ADP offers a 3-month free trial on select plans.
No free version.
Justworks
Best PEO alternative to QuickBooks
Overview
Justworks is a tech-forward PEO that bundles payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance into a single solution. Unlike QuickBooks, which offers DIY HR features, Justworks handles them for you—including benefits administration, unemployment claims, and onboarding support. Their flat-rate pricing and 24/7 customer service make them one of the most small-business–friendly PEOs on the market, though the full HR experience comes at a higher cost than standalone payroll software.
Key Features
PEO model with legal co-employment
Unlimited payroll runs with tax filing
Self-service onboarding and benefits enrollment
Support for international contractors (28+ countries)
Mobile app for employees
Expense tracking and PTO management
Admin permissions and HR reporting
24/7 support via phone, chat, SMS, and Slack
Optional time tracking add-on
Traditional benefits in Plus plan
Pros and Cons
Pros
Full-service PEO offloads compliance
24/7 responsive customer service
Simple, transparent pricing
International contractor support
Strong admin tools and permissions
Cons
Benefits only in Plus plan
Less control over policies and docs
Time tracking costs extra
Not ideal for complex HR needs
Pricier than non-PEO tools
Pricing
Basic: $59/employee/month (drops to $49 after 50 employees).
Plus: $99/employee/month (drops to $89 after 50 employees).
Free 14-day trial available.
No free plan.
Rippling
Best QuickBooks alternative for tech-forward teams
Overview
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce platform that combines payroll, HR, IT, and finance. For tech-forward teams, it's a compelling alternative to QuickBooks—offering automation, integrations, and global support that go far beyond standard payroll tools. You can build your own modular system, including global payroll, EOR services, onboarding, device management, and expense tracking. However, the à la carte pricing and one-year contract can make it a less accessible option for leaner small businesses.
Key Features
Unified platform for HR, payroll, IT, and finance
Global payroll and EOR support in 25+ countries
Built-in compliance for wage laws, tax filings, and overtime
Customizable workflow automation (e.g., bonus triggers, reminders)
500+ software integrations across categories
Time tracking, org charts, and compensation planning
Employee onboarding/offboarding automation
Secure app/device provisioning for remote teams
Two-day direct deposit
Admin permission controls
Pros and Cons
Pros
Powerful automation saves admin time
Supports employees and contractors worldwide
Scales with growing teams and complex needs
Deep integration library
Modular pricing—pay for what you use
Cons
Must purchase base Unity platform
Custom pricing isn’t transparent
Minimum 1-year commitment
Can get expensive with add-ons
Overkill for very small teams
Pricing
Starts at ~$35/month + $8/employee for core HR and payroll.
Global payroll: $20/employee/month.
EOR: $599/employee/month.
All pricing is custom.
No free trial or free plan.
Square Payroll
Best QuickBooks alternative for POS integration
Overview
Square Payroll is built for businesses already using Square’s point-of-sale system. It seamlessly pulls in timecards and tip data, streamlining payroll for restaurants, cafes, and retail shops. Square handles payroll taxes, direct deposits, and contractor payments with flat-rate pricing that’s easy to understand. While it doesn’t have deep HR features, its POS-specific tools—like tip pooling and team scheduling—make it a smart alternative to QuickBooks for service-based businesses.
Key Features
Direct POS integration for timecards and tips
Full-service tax filing in all 50 states
Unlimited payroll runs with no extra fees
Contractor-only payroll option
Built-in time tracking and shift management
Team scheduling and time-off requests
Employee self-service portal
Pay via direct deposit, paper check, or Square Cash App
Optional “Square Shifts” time tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless connection to Square POS
Transparent, flat-rate pricing
Built-in tip pooling and reporting
Free time tracking for teams under 5
Great for restaurants and retail
Cons
Fewer HR features than other platforms
No custom reporting tools
Four-day direct deposit by default
Limited customer support availability
Time tracking extras cost more after 5 users
Pricing
$35/month + $6/employee.
Contractor-only plan: $5/contractor/month.
“Square Shifts” time tracking free for 5 users; starts at $4/user after that.
No free plan or trial.
SurePayroll
Best alternative to QuickBooks for household payroll
Overview
SurePayroll specializes in household payroll—perfect for families hiring nannies, housekeepers, or caregivers. It’s a more tailored solution than QuickBooks, offering simplified tax calculations, Schedule H filing, and basic benefits like 401(k)s and workers’ comp. You’ll get payroll and new-hire reporting in all 50 states, but HR features and integrations are limited. With optional full-service tax filing, SurePayroll takes the stress out of household payroll compliance, though pricing can creep up with add-ons.
Key Features
Household and nanny payroll services
Federal, state, and local tax calculations
Schedule H and 1040-ES filing support
Direct deposit and paper checks
Multiple pay rates and schedules
New-hire reporting in all states
Optional workers’ comp and 401(k)
Phone support on nights and weekends
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable payroll for household employees
Optional full-service tax filing
Extended customer support hours
Same-day and next-day direct deposit
Designed for household compliance
Cons
Pricing not listed publicly
Local tax filing costs extra
Limited integrations
Minimal HR tools
Benefits add-ons raise monthly cost
Pricing
Self-service: ~$19.99/month + $4/employee.
Full-service: ~$29.99/month + $5/employee.
Local taxes, integrations, and benefits add extra cost.
Six-month free trial available.
No free plan.
Payroll4Free
Best free alternative to QuickBooks
Overview
Payroll4Free offers a zero-cost option for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. It provides basic payroll processing, tax form generation, PTO tracking, and employee self-service—all for free. Unlike QuickBooks, it doesn’t handle tax filing or payments unless you pay for the add-on service, and the platform only works on Windows. Still, for scrappy startups and nonprofits, it’s a handy temporary solution until you're ready to scale.
Key Features
Free payroll for up to 10 employees
Pays both W-2 and 1099 workers
Generates 1099s, W-2s, and tax forms
Basic PTO and vacation tracking
Standard payroll and benefit reports
Employee self-service portal
Direct deposit or paper check options
QuickBooks integration
Optional tax filing add-on
Pros and Cons
Pros
Completely free for small teams
Includes PTO tracking and tax forms
Works with W-2s and 1099s
QuickBooks-compatible
Basic reporting features
Cons
Windows-only platform
No mobile or cloud version
Tax filing costs extra
Ad-supported interface
Minimal customer support
Pricing
Free for ≤10 employees.
Tax filing service (optional): ~$25/month.
No mobile access or premium support.
No free trial needed—base plan is free.
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 wanting an all-in-one QuickBooks alternative for payroll, HR, and benefits | ||
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Budget-conscious small businesses needing straightforward payroll without add-ons | |
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Businesses hiring and paying international employees or contractors |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Quickly growing small businesses needing scalable payroll and compliance | |
 | $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) | Small businesses replacing QuickBooks with a full-service PEO | |
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | Tech-forward teams needing advanced automation beyond QuickBooks | |
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Retail and restaurant businesses using Square POS | ||
 | $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed | Household employers or very small teams with simple payroll needs | |
 | Free core; add‑ons $10–$35 | Very small businesses needing a free QuickBooks payroll alternative |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) |
| ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) |
| $35/mo + $6/employee | |
| $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| Free core; add‑ons $10–$35 |
FAQ
What are people replacing QuickBooks with?
Small businesses are replacing QuickBooks with more flexible, affordable tools like Gusto, OnPay, and Rippling. These platforms offer better support, modern UX, and built-in HR or global payroll features that QuickBooks often lacks or charges extra for.
Is QuickBooks being phased out?
No, QuickBooks is not being phased out, but Intuit has shifted focus to its cloud-based products. Support for QuickBooks Desktop is ending for some versions, pushing many users toward online alternatives or other providers entirely.
What is the downside to QuickBooks Online?
The biggest downsides are limited payroll features, slow customer support, and rising costs. Key tools like time tracking, HR, and benefits often require costly upgrades or third-party add-ons, which makes it hard for small businesses to budget predictably.
When should you stop using QuickBooks?
It’s time to stop using QuickBooks when it no longer fits your business needs—like managing multi-state payroll, international workers, or advanced HR. Many growing businesses outpace its capabilities or want simpler, all-in-one alternatives without the hidden fees.
Do CPAs like QuickBooks?
Many CPAs use QuickBooks, but not all love it. While it’s popular, some dislike the limited reporting in QuickBooks Online or its user interface. Some prefer tools with more robust accounting features or better integration with payroll and HR systems.
