Gusto
Best All-in-One Payroll Solution for Small Businesses
Overview
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR solution designed for small and midsize businesses that want efficiency without complexity. Its user-friendly platform streamlines payroll, benefits, and compliance, helping teams save time and reduce errors. With built-in automation, transparent pricing, and integrations with leading business tools, Gusto makes it simple to manage the entire employee journey.
Key Features
Automated payroll runs with tax filing
Benefits management (health, dental, vision, retirement)
Time tracking and PTO management synced with payroll
New-hire reporting and compliance support
Employee self-service dashboard
401(k) and workers’ compensation integration
Multiple pay schedules and options
Built-in HR tools (onboarding, offer letters, checklists)
Hundreds of app integrations
Robust reporting and analytics
Pros and Cons
Pros
Intuitive interface and easy setup
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Strong compliance and automated filings
Excellent integration ecosystem
Scales with growing teams
Cons
Limited global payroll capabilities
HR features can be basic compared to enterprise systems
Customer support response times can vary
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 Combining Payroll, HR & IT in One Platform
Overview
Rippling brings payroll, HR, benefits, and IT together in a single platform. Its modular design lets you choose only what you need, while automation handles onboarding, device management, and compliance. For growing or remote teams, it eliminates duplicate work across departments, making payroll more efficient by integrating people operations and IT in one streamlined system.
Key Features
US and global payroll with tax filing
Core HR and employee directory
Time and attendance management
Automated onboarding and offboarding
Device and application management
Expense management tied to payroll
Marketplace of integrations
Customizable reporting and analytics
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly modular and scalable
Strong automation across HR and IT
Extensive integration ecosystem
Great fit for growing or distributed teams
Cons
Pricing can be complex
Learning curve for smaller teams
Advanced modules can be expensive
Support less hands-on for smaller clients
Pricing
Payroll starts at $8 per employee per month
Platform fee often applies (~$35/month)
Add-ons (e.g., global payroll, EOR) priced separately
EOR services may cost $499–$599 per employee per month
ADP RUN
Best for Compliance and Scalability Backed by a Trusted Brand
Overview
RUN Powered by ADP combines decades of payroll expertise with tools designed for small businesses. It manages payroll, benefits, and compliance, scaling easily as your workforce expands. With strong multi-state support, automated tax filing, and employee self-service, ADP RUN is ideal for companies that expect growth and want the reliability of an established payroll provider.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing
Automated error detection
Recurring payroll automation
Employee self-service via mobile app
Compliance resources and HR forms
Benefits and time tracking add-ons
Integrations with accounting and HR tools
General ledger export functionality
Pros and Cons
Pros
Trusted brand with compliance expertise
Scales easily into enterprise solutions
Modular features for flexibility
Strong multi-state and tax support
Cons
No transparent pricing
Costs rise quickly with add-ons
Interface less modern than newer platforms
Some features only in higher tiers
Pricing
Pricing is custom; reported estimates start at ~$59/month + ~$4 per employee
Four tiers available: Essential, Enhanced, Complete, HR Pro
Costs vary based on add-ons and company size
Overview
OnPay keeps payroll efficient with unlimited runs, full tax filing, and no hidden fees. Its flat-rate pricing includes W-2 and 1099 support, multi-state compliance, and benefits integration, making it a strong fit for small to midsize businesses. By balancing simplicity with essential features, OnPay provides reliable payroll without unnecessary complexity or added costs.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs
Full-service tax filing and W-2/1099 support
Multi-state payroll at no extra cost
Employee self-service portal
New-hire reporting
Garnishment and deduction handling
Benefits and retirement plan integration
Free migration and onboarding support
Pros and Cons
Pros
Simple, predictable pricing
Full-featured payroll without extra costs
Accuracy guarantee for tax filings
Strong fit for SMBs wanting no-frills reliability
Cons
Limited advanced HR features
U.S.-only payroll
Fewer bells and whistles than competitors
Add-ons may cost extra
Pricing
$49/month + $6 per employee
No per-pay-run charges
Most features included in base plan
Patriot Payroll
Best for Budget-Conscious Small Businesses
Overview
Patriot Payroll is one of the most affordable payroll options, offering both a DIY version and a full-service plan. It supports unlimited payroll runs, tax filing, and contractor payments at low monthly rates. While its features are more basic than competitors, it’s an efficient, reliable solution for lean small businesses prioritizing cost savings over advanced HR tools.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs
DIY or full-service tax filing
Employee self-service portal
Flexible pay rates and deductions
Multi-state payroll support
Simple reporting and exports
W-2 and 1099 processing
Optional HR and time tracking add-ons
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very affordable compared to competitors
Flexible DIY or full-service tax options
Reliable payroll core functions
Good fit for small, lean businesses
Cons
Limited advanced HR tools
DIY tax option increases liability
Simplistic interface and reporting
Not ideal for fast-growing companies
Pricing
Basic (DIY): $17/month + $4 per employee
Full Service: $37/month + $5 per employee
Add-ons for HR and time tracking available
Justworks
Best for Payroll Bundled with Benefits and Compliance
Overview
Justworks simplifies payroll by bundling it with benefits, HR, and compliance in one package. As a PEO, it takes on administrative and legal responsibilities, giving businesses access to quality health plans and compliance expertise. For small to midsize teams wanting to outsource HR complexity, Justworks offers peace of mind—though it may be more than very small companies need.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing
Benefits administration bundled in
HR tools and compliance support
Access to HR/legal advisors
Automated compliance workflows
Time and attendance management
Employer of record support
Unified billing for payroll and benefits
Pros and Cons
Pros
Reduces HR burden through bundled services
Access to robust benefits plans
Transparent per-employee pricing
Great fit for outsourcing compliance risk
Cons
Higher cost than leaner payroll tools
Less flexibility if you only want payroll
Overkill for very small teams
Benefit costs may still vary by plan
Pricing
Basic: ~$59 per employee per month
Plus: ~$99 per employee per month
Discounts apply after 50 employees
Paychex Flex
Best for Growing Businesses That Need Scalable HR Support
Overview
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform that scales with your business. It delivers full-service payroll, compliance, and benefits, with optional HR modules for recruiting, time tracking, and retirement plans. With 24/7 support and multi-state capabilities, Paychex is a dependable choice for businesses anticipating growth and needing a platform that expands alongside them.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax management
Support for W-2 and 1099 workers
Multi-state compliance support
Flexible pay schedules and methods
Employee self-service portal and mobile app
Optional HR, benefits, and retirement modules
Robust reporting and dashboards
24/7 customer support with optional “Paychex Promise”
Pros and Cons
Pros
Trusted, established provider
Scalable platform for growing teams
Broad payroll and HR features
Strong customer support options
Cons
Pricing not transparent
Costs can rise quickly with add-ons
Interface less modern than newer tools
Lower tiers lack advanced HR features
Pricing
Pricing is custom and requires a quote
Typically includes a base monthly fee plus per-employee fee
Add-ons (HR, benefits, time tracking) billed separately
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 and midsize businesses that want an efficient, all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform | ||
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | Growing or remote teams that want payroll combined with HR and IT automation | |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Businesses that need strong compliance support and a scalable payroll system backed by a large provider | |
 | $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) | Budget-conscious small businesses that want low-cost payroll with optional tax filing | |
 | $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) | Teams that want payroll bundled with benefits and compliance through a PEO model | |
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Growing businesses that need scalable payroll with flexible HR add-ons and live support |
| 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) |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) |
| $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. |
FAQ
What is the best payroll system to use?
The best payroll system depends on your business size and needs. For small to midsize businesses, Gusto is often the top all-in-one choice thanks to automation and compliance. Larger organizations may prefer ADP or Paychex for scalability and advanced HR tools.
Who is better than ADP?
For small businesses, alternatives like Gusto, OnPay, or Rippling may be better than ADP. They offer simpler pricing, modern interfaces, and automation without the complexity of enterprise platforms. ADP remains strong for large companies needing deep compliance support.
How much does Paychex payroll cost per month?
Paychex pricing varies depending on company size and features. Most businesses pay a base monthly fee plus a per-employee cost. Typical packages start around $39 per month plus $5 per employee, though actual costs require a custom quote from Paychex.
Can I run payroll by myself?
Yes, small business owners can run payroll manually or with spreadsheets, but this is time-consuming and prone to errors. Dedicated payroll software automates calculations, tax filings, and compliance—saving time and reducing risk. For most businesses, software pays for itself in efficiency and accuracy.
Is there any free payroll software?
Yes, some free payroll tools exist, such as Payroll4Free, but they often come with significant limitations and lack automated tax filing. Affordable paid tools like Patriot Payroll or OnPay provide far more reliability, compliance support, and long-term value for small businesses.
