Top Payroll Services for Small Businesses Compared
By Lucy Chen | Published: 2025-03-11 | Category: Best Payroll Service For Small Business
About Best Payroll Service For Small Business
Payroll services automate employee payment processing, tax calculation, filing, and compliance for businesses. They streamline tasks like calculating wages, withholding taxes, and managing direct deposits or checks.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Payroll Features
- → Tax Management
- → HR & Benefits Support
- → Integrations
- → Pricing & Value
- → Customer Support
The Best Best Payroll Service For Small Business
#10
Zenefits
By TriNet Zenefits
HR platform with integrated payroll, focusing on streamlining HR tasks like onboarding, benefits, and time tracking.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: HR-focused small businesses, Companies needing strong onboarding and benefits administration, Businesses looking for an all-in-one HRIS
Key Features
- ✓HR Platform Focus: Strong emphasis on HR workflows, employee management, and compliance. (HR-centric)
- ✓Integrated Payroll Add-on: Payroll is an optional module that integrates tightly with the HR platform. (Modular)
- ✓Benefits Administration: Robust tools for managing health insurance and other benefits (own broker or Zenefits broker). (Flexible)
- ✓Time & Scheduling Tools: Includes time tracking, scheduling, and PTO management features. (Included (Tier dependent))
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$8.00 / Monthly per employee
- Core HR (hiring, onboarding, records)
- Time & Scheduling
- Integrations
- Mobile app
Limitations: Payroll is an add-on cost
Growth
$16.00 / Monthly per employee
- Essentials features
- Compensation management
- Performance management
Limitations: Payroll is an add-on cost
Zen
$27.00 / Monthly per employee
- Growth features
- Employee engagement surveys
- People Hub
Limitations: Payroll is an add-on cost
Payroll Add-on
$6.00 / Monthly per employee (requires HR plan)
- Full-service payroll
- Tax filing
- Direct deposit
- Garnishments
Limitations: Must purchase base HR plan
Pros
- + Strong core HR features and workflows
- + Good benefits administration tools
- + Modular pricing allows choosing needed features
- + Modern interface
Cons
- - Payroll is an extra cost add-on
- - Pricing can be higher than payroll-first solutions
- - Some reports of declining customer support quality
Verdict
"A solid choice for businesses prioritizing HR management features like onboarding and benefits, where payroll is a necessary but secondary component to the core HR platform."
#9
Justworks
By Justworks, Inc.
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing payroll, benefits, HR tools, and compliance support under a co-employment model.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Businesses seeking PEO services, Companies wanting access to large-group benefits, Businesses prioritizing compliance support, Distributed teams
Key Features
- ✓PEO Services: Acts as a co-employer, handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance. (Co-employment Model)
- ✓Access to Benefits: Provides access to competitive health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits typically available to larger companies. (Large-Group Rates)
- ✓Compliance Support: Helps manage employer-related compliance requirements (EPLI, workers' comp). (Integrated)
- ✓HR Tools & Consulting: Offers HR tools, onboarding, and access to HR consultants. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$59.00 / Monthly per employee (volume discounts available)
- Payroll & tax filing
- Compliance support (WC, EPLI)
- HR tools
- Reporting
- Onboarding
Limitations: Does not include access to Justworks' medical, dental, vision benefits
Plus
$99.00 / Monthly per employee (volume discounts available)
- Basic features
- Access to medical, dental, vision insurance
- HSA/FSA options
- 401(k) options
Limitations: Higher per-employee cost
Pros
- + Access to high-quality, large-group benefits
- + Strong compliance support (PEO model)
- + Excellent customer service
- + Integrated HR tools and resources
Cons
- - PEO model isn't suitable for all businesses
- - Per-employee cost is higher than non-PEO payroll services
- - Fewer direct software integrations
Verdict
"Best PEO option for small businesses wanting comprehensive HR, compliance, and access to competitive benefits, ideal for those comfortable with the co-employment model."
#8
Patriot Payroll
By Patriot Software, LLC
Affordable online payroll designed for small businesses, offering basic and full-service options.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Budget-conscious small businesses, Companies comfortable handling some tax filings (Basic tier), Businesses needing simple, core payroll
Key Features
- ✓Affordable Pricing: Offers some of the lowest starting prices in the market. (Low Cost)
- ✓Basic vs. Full Service: Choose between DIY tax filing (Basic) or automated filing (Full Service). (Flexible)
- ✓Optional Add-ons: Offers time tracking and HR software modules for an extra fee. (Modular)
- ✓Free Setup & Support: Provides free setup assistance and ongoing customer support. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic Payroll
$10.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Payroll processing
- Direct deposit/printable checks
- Employee portal
- Setup & support
Limitations: User handles payroll tax deposits and filings
Full Service Payroll
$30.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Basic features
- Automated tax filing (Federal, State, Local)
- Year-end tax forms
Limitations: HR and Time Tracking are extra cost add-ons
Pros
- + Highly affordable, especially the Basic plan
- + Easy-to-use interface
- + Good customer support
- + Option for full-service tax filing
Cons
- - Basic plan requires manual tax handling
- - Limited integrations
- - HR and time tracking cost extra
- - Fewer features than comprehensive platforms
Verdict
"Best value for budget-conscious small businesses needing core payroll functionality, especially if comfortable with the Basic plan's DIY tax approach."
#7
Square Payroll
By Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.)
Payroll service integrated into the Square ecosystem, ideal for retail and service businesses already using Square POS.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Square POS users, Retail businesses, Restaurants, Businesses paying contractors and employees
Key Features
- ✓Square Ecosystem Integration: Syncs employee hours from Square POS and other Square tools. (Seamless)
- ✓Simple Pricing: Straightforward pricing, especially for contractor-only payments. (Transparent)
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Handles payroll calculations, tax filings, and payments. (Included)
- ✓Employee & Contractor Payments: Supports both W2 employees and 1099 contractors. (Flexible)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Contractors Only
$6.00 / Monthly per contractor paid
- 1099 E-File & delivery
- Direct deposit
- No base fee
Limitations: Only for contractors
Employees & Contractors
$35.00 / Monthly + per person fee
- Full-service payroll
- Automated tax filing
- Employee self-service
- Time tracking integration
- Benefits options
Limitations: Fewer advanced HR features than specialists
Pros
- + Excellent integration with Square POS
- + Very simple pricing, especially for contractors
- + Easy-to-use interface
- + Good for businesses with fluctuating contractor needs
Cons
- - Limited HR features beyond basics
- - Benefits administration options are less comprehensive
- - Customer support primarily online
Verdict
"Best for businesses already using Square POS or those primarily needing to pay contractors, offering simplicity and seamless integration within its ecosystem."
#6
ADP RUN
By ADP, LLC
Payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses (typically under 50 employees) from a major industry leader.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Businesses seeking brand recognition and stability, Companies needing scalable HR options, Franchises
Key Features
- ✓Comprehensive Payroll: Handles wage calculation, tax filing, direct deposit, and reporting. (Robust)
- ✓HR Support Options: Tiered plans offer varying levels of HR tools, resources, and expert support. (Scalable)
- ✓Compliance Focus: Helps businesses navigate complex labor laws and tax regulations. (Strong)
- ✓Add-on Modules: Offers time tracking, benefits administration, retirement plans, and insurance. (Modular)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential Payroll
Contact Vendor
- Payroll processing
- Tax filing
- Direct deposit
- Employee access
- Basic reporting
Limitations: Requires custom quote, Limited HR
Enhanced Payroll
Contact Vendor
- Essential features
- Check signing & stuffing
- State Unemployment Insurance management
- Background checks
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Complete Payroll & HR+
Contact Vendor
- Enhanced features
- Basic HR tools (handbook wizard, job descriptions)
- HR helpdesk access
Limitations: Requires custom quote
HR Pro Payroll & HR
Contact Vendor
- Complete features
- Enhanced HR support
- Training
- Business advice
Limitations: Requires custom quote, Highest cost
Pros
- + Industry leader with strong reputation
- + Scalable solutions with extensive HR support options
- + Robust compliance features
- + Wide range of add-on services
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
- - Can be more expensive than competitors
- - Interface can feel complex or dated
- - Sales process can be lengthy
Verdict
"A reliable choice for businesses prioritizing stability, compliance, and scalable HR support, though often at a higher and less transparent price point."
#5
OnPay
By OnPay, Inc.
All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits solution with straightforward pricing for small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Mixed W2/1099 workforce, Agriculture, Restaurants, Non-profits, Businesses wanting simple pricing
Key Features
- ✓All-Inclusive Pricing: One main tier includes most payroll, HR, and tax features. (Transparent)
- ✓Multi-State Payroll: Handles payroll and taxes across multiple states at no extra charge. (Included)
- ✓Industry Specializations: Specific features tailored for industries like agriculture and restaurants. (Targeted)
- ✓Integrated HR Tools: Offers onboarding, PTO tracking, compliance resources, and document management. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard
$40.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Full-service payroll (W2/1099)
- Automated tax filing (multi-state)
- Employee self-service
- Integrated HR tools
- Benefits admin integration
- Key integrations
Limitations: Fewer direct integrations than some larger players
Pros
- + Simple, transparent pricing model
- + Includes multi-state payroll at no extra cost
- + Good set of core HR features included
- + Strong customer support
Cons
- - Fewer third-party integrations compared to leaders
- - User interface is functional but less polished than some
- - Limited mobile app functionality
Verdict
"Excellent value proposition with straightforward, all-inclusive pricing, particularly strong for businesses operating in multiple states or specific niche industries."
#4
Paychex Flex
By Paychex, Inc.
Scalable payroll and HR solution from a long-standing industry provider, suitable for various business sizes.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Established businesses, Companies needing strong compliance support, Businesses planning to scale, Multiple industries
Key Features
- ✓Scalable Solutions: Offers plans from basic payroll to comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM). (Tiered)
- ✓Dedicated Support: Often provides dedicated payroll specialists, especially on higher tiers. (Available)
- ✓Compliance Expertise: Strong focus on tax and HR compliance. (High)
- ✓HR Services: Includes options for HR administration, benefits, time tracking, and recruiting. (Extensive Options)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Flex Essentials
$39.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Online payroll processing
- Tax administration
- Direct deposit/paycards
- Standard reporting
- Employee self-service
Limitations: Basic features, Limited HR support
Flex Select
Contact Vendor
- Essentials features
- Dedicated payroll specialist
- More integrations
- Basic HR library
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Flex Pro
Contact Vendor
- Select features
- Integrated HR suite (SUI, WC)
- Onboarding
- Analytics
Limitations: Requires custom quote, Higher cost
Pros
- + Highly scalable platform
- + Strong compliance features
- + Dedicated support options available
- + Comprehensive HR add-ons
Cons
- - Pricing isn't transparent for higher tiers
- - Interface can feel less modern than some competitors
- - Base plan is relatively basic
Verdict
"A robust and scalable solution ideal for established businesses prioritizing compliance and dedicated support, willing to pay for comprehensive features."
#3
Rippling
By Rippling
Unified workforce platform combining HR, IT, and Finance, including robust payroll.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Tech companies, Businesses needing integrated IT/HR/Payroll, Companies scaling rapidly, Global workforce management
Key Features
- ✓Unified Platform: Combines payroll, benefits, HR, app management, and device management. (Integrated)
- ✓Global Payroll: Supports payroll processing for international employees and contractors. (Available)
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automate tasks across HR, IT, and Finance based on triggers like onboarding. (Customizable)
- ✓Robust Reporting: Extensive reporting capabilities across all integrated modules. (Comprehensive)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core Platform + Payroll Module
$8.00 / Monthly per employee (requires Core Platform base)
- Full-service US payroll
- Tax filing
- Time & Attendance
- Global payroll add-on
- Extensive integrations
Limitations: Must purchase Core platform first, Can become expensive with many modules
Pros
- + Extremely powerful and integrated platform
- + Excellent for managing HR and IT together
- + Strong automation capabilities
- + Supports global payroll
Cons
- - Can be complex to set up
- - Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
- - Might be overkill for very small businesses with simple needs
Verdict
"Best for tech-savvy businesses wanting a unified system for HR, IT, and payroll, especially those with global operations or complex automation needs."
#2
QuickBooks Payroll
By Intuit Inc.
Payroll service tightly integrated with the QuickBooks accounting ecosystem.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Existing QuickBooks Users, Businesses needing seamless accounting integration, Self-service focused businesses
Key Features
- ✓QuickBooks Integration: Seamless data sync with QuickBooks Online or Desktop for accounting. (Native)
- ✓Automated Payroll & Taxes: Calculates paychecks and payroll taxes, with automated filing available. (Automated (Tier dependent))
- ✓Same-Day Direct Deposit: Option for faster employee payments. (Available (Tier dependent))
- ✓Basic HR Support: Includes basic workforce management tools. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core
$45.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Full-service payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Employee self-service
Limitations: Automated tax filing costs extra or requires higher tier
Premium
$75.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Core features
- Same-day direct deposit
- Automated tax filing
- HR support center
- Time tracking
Limitations: Higher cost
Pros
- + Best-in-class QuickBooks integration
- + Familiar interface for QuickBooks users
- + Multiple plan options
- + Fast direct deposit options
Cons
- - Full automation and HR support require higher tiers
- - Customer support can be inconsistent
- - Less comprehensive HR features than competitors
Verdict
"The clear choice for businesses already heavily invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem, offering seamless accounting integration."
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#1
Gusto
By Gusto, Inc.
Comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR platform focused on modern small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Startups, Tech Companies, Creative Agencies, Small Retail
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll processing for W2 employees and 1099 contractors across all 50 states. (Automated)
- ✓Tax Filing & Compliance: Handles federal, state, and local tax filings automatically. (Automated)
- ✓Benefits Administration: Offers health insurance, 401(k), workers' comp, and other benefits integration. (Integrated)
- ✓HR Tools: Includes onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, and HR resource center. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Simple
$40.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Full-service single-state payroll
- Employee self-service
- Basic hiring & onboarding
- Integrations
Limitations: Single state only, Limited HR tools
Plus
$80.00 / Monthly + per employee fee
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced hiring & onboarding
- Time tracking & PTO management
Limitations: Higher base fee
Pros
- + Intuitive interface
- + Strong HR and benefits integration
- + Excellent employee self-service portal
- + Automated tax handling
Cons
- - Can become expensive as employee count grows
- - Base plans lack some advanced HR features
Verdict
"Best overall for usability and integrated HR features, ideal for businesses prioritizing a modern, employee-friendly platform."
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right payroll service depends on your business size, budget, existing software stack, and HR needs. Leading options like Gusto offer excellent usability and integrated HR, while QuickBooks Payroll excels for its accounting integration. OnPay and Patriot provide great value, Rippling offers unparalleled platform unification, and PEOs like Justworks deliver comprehensive benefits and compliance support.