Comprehensive Comparison of Leading Online Payroll Services
By Dante Holloway | Published: Current Review Period | Category: Online Payroll Services
About Online Payroll Services
Online payroll services automate the complex process of paying employees, including calculating wages, withholding taxes, and managing filings and payments. These platforms offer efficiency, accuracy, and compliance features for businesses.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Core Payroll Features
- → HR & Benefits Admin
- → Integrations
- → Pricing Value
- → Customer Support
The Best Online Payroll Services
#10
Paylocity
By Paylocity
Cloud-based HCM and payroll software focused on employee experience and modern HR needs, suitable for mid-sized to larger companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-Sized to Large Businesses, Employee Engagement Focus, Modern HR Technology, Integrated Talent Management
Key Features
- ✓Comprehensive HCM Suite: Includes payroll, benefits, talent management, workforce management, and employee engagement tools.
- ✓Employee Engagement Features: Tools like community forums, peer recognition, and surveys.
- ✓Mobile-First Design: Strong mobile app capabilities for both employees and administrators.
- ✓Video Integration: Unique features incorporating video into HR processes like onboarding and communication.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom Bundles
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Modular approach - select needed functionalities
- Payroll is the core
- Add HR, Benefits, Talent, Workforce Management modules
Limitations: Pricing not publicly available, Complex setup
Pros
- + Modern interface with strong mobile app
- + Focus on employee experience and engagement tools
- + Comprehensive suite of HCM modules
- + Innovative features like video integration
Cons
- - Opaque, quote-based pricing
- - Can be expensive
- - May be too feature-rich for smaller organizations
Verdict
"A leading choice for mid-market and enterprise clients seeking a modern HCM platform with strong payroll and a focus on employee engagement."
#9
Paycor
By Paycor
Comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) platform including payroll, targeting mid-market and larger businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-Sized Businesses, Companies Needing Full HCM Suite, Talent Management Focused, Complex HR Needs
Key Features
- ✓Unified HCM Platform: Combines payroll with HR, talent acquisition, workforce management, and benefits administration.
- ✓Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Provides deep insights into workforce data.
- ✓Talent Management Tools: Includes features for recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and learning.
- ✓Industry Solutions: Offers tailored solutions for specific industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$99.00 / monthly
- Approx. base fee + per employee cost varies
- Payroll & Tax compliance
- Basic HR
- Onboarding
Limitations: Quote required for exact pricing, Limited features
Essential
$149.00 / monthly
- Approx. base fee + per employee cost varies
- Adds more robust HR tools
- Employee self-service
Complete
$199.00 / monthly
- Approx. base fee + per employee cost varies
- Adds compensation planning
- Advanced analytics
Perform (HCM)
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Full HCM suite including talent management
Pros
- + Robust suite of HCM features beyond payroll
- + Strong talent management capabilities
- + Powerful analytics and reporting
- + Good industry-specific solutions
Cons
- - Pricing can be high and less transparent
- - May be overly complex for small businesses
- - Implementation can be involved
Verdict
"A strong contender for mid-market companies needing a unified platform for payroll, HR, and advanced talent management."
#8
Patriot Payroll
By Patriot Software
Affordable online payroll service focused on simplicity and core payroll functions, targeting very small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Very Small Businesses, Budget-Conscious Companies, Basic Payroll Needs, DIY Tax Filing Option
Key Features
- ✓Affordable Pricing: Offers some of the lowest starting prices in the market.
- ✓Two Service Tiers: Basic Payroll (DIY taxes) and Full Service Payroll (automated tax filings).
- ✓Ease of Use: Simple, straightforward interface designed for non-experts.
- ✓Optional Add-ons: Time tracking and HR software available for an additional fee.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic Payroll
$10.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $4/employee
- Payroll processing
- Direct deposit
- Employee portal
- Requires manual tax filing
Limitations: User must handle tax deposits and filings
Full Service Payroll
$30.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $4/employee
- Includes all Basic features
- Automated tax filings and payments
Limitations: HR and Time Tracking are paid add-ons
Pros
- + Highly affordable, especially for very small businesses
- + Extremely easy to set up and use
- + Transparent pricing
- + Option for full-service tax handling
Cons
- - Limited HR features compared to competitors
- - Fewer integrations than larger platforms
- - Basic tier requires manual tax handling
Verdict
"An excellent choice for very small businesses prioritizing affordability and ease of use for core payroll functions."
#7
OnPay
By OnPay
Full-service payroll and HR solution with straightforward, all-inclusive pricing, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Small to Mid-Sized Businesses, Companies Needing Simple Pricing, Specific Industries (e.g., Agriculture, Nonprofits), Integrated HR
Key Features
- ✓All-Inclusive Pricing: One monthly base fee plus a per-employee charge covers all payroll and HR features.
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Handles all tax filings and payments (federal, state, local), multiple pay rates/schedules.
- ✓Integrated HR Tools: Includes offer letters, onboarding workflows, PTO management, and document storage.
- ✓Industry Specialization: Experience handling payroll for specific verticals like restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
All-Inclusive
$40.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/employee
- Full-service payroll for W-2/1099
- Multi-state payroll
- All HR tools included
- Benefits admin integration
Limitations: No dedicated mobile app (web is mobile-responsive)
Pros
- + Simple, transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- + Good set of integrated HR features for the price
- + Strong customer support reputation
- + Handles payroll for specific industries well
Cons
- - Lacks a dedicated mobile application
- - Interface is functional but less sleek than some competitors
Verdict
"Offers excellent value with its straightforward pricing covering robust payroll and HR features, great for SMBs wanting predictability."
#6
Square Payroll
By Square
Simple payroll service integrated into the Square ecosystem, ideal for retailers, restaurants, and businesses using Square POS.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Square POS Users, Retail & Restaurants, Businesses Paying Contractors, Simple Payroll Needs
Key Features
- ✓Square Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly syncs with Square POS, appointments, and timecards.
- ✓Simple Pricing: Transparent pricing structure, including a contractor-only plan.
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated tax calculations, payments, and filings.
- ✓Employee Management Tools: Includes basic time tracking, tip reporting, and employee app.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Pay Contractors Only
$6.00 / monthly
- $6/person paid per month
- 1099 filings
- Direct deposit
Limitations: No W-2 employees
Pay W-2 Employees & Contractors
$35.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/person paid per month
- Full-service payroll
- Multi-state payroll
- Employee app
Limitations: Basic HR features, Limited integrations outside Square
Pros
- + Excellent integration with Square POS
- + Very simple and transparent pricing
- + Easy to use, especially for existing Square customers
- + Good contractor payment option
Cons
- - Limited HR and benefits administration features
- - Integrations outside the Square ecosystem are minimal
- - Less suitable for complex payroll needs
Verdict
"An excellent, straightforward payroll solution for businesses already using Square products, particularly retail and service industries."
#5
ADP RUN
By ADP
Payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses (typically under 50 employees) from a major industry player.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Business Payroll (1-49 Employees), Companies Needing Strong Compliance, Businesses Seeking Brand Reputation
Key Features
- ✓Tailored Small Business Plans: Multiple package options designed specifically for the needs of small businesses.
- ✓Automated Payroll & Tax Filing: Handles calculations, deductions, filings, and payments accurately.
- ✓HR Support & Compliance: Access to HR forms, compliance database, and expert support options.
- ✓Mobile App: Robust mobile app for admins and employees.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Core payroll processing
- Tax filing
- Direct deposit
- Basic reporting
Enhanced
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Adds check signing, state unemployment insurance management
- Background checks
Complete
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Adds basic HR support, handbook wizard
HR Pro
$-1.00 / custom
- Quote-based pricing
- Adds enhanced HR support, training tools, legal assistance
Pros
- + Strong brand reputation and reliability
- + Comprehensive payroll and tax features
- + Good range of HR support options
- + Scales to larger ADP platforms if needed
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
- - Can be more expensive than alternatives
- - Interface may feel dated to some users
Verdict
"A solid, dependable payroll and HR solution for small businesses that value brand stability and robust compliance features, despite opaque pricing."
#4
Paychex Flex
By Paychex
Scalable payroll and HR solution from a long-standing provider, suitable for businesses of various sizes, from small to enterprise.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Scalable Payroll Needs, Businesses Seeking Comprehensive HR Support, Compliance Focused Companies, All Business Sizes
Key Features
- ✓Scalable Solutions: Offers plans tailored for small businesses up to enterprise-level needs.
- ✓Dedicated Support: Provides access to dedicated payroll specialists.
- ✓Robust HR Features: Includes options for recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and extensive compliance resources.
- ✓Multiple Input Methods: Allows payroll data entry via web, mobile app, or phone.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Flex Essentials
$39.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $5/employee
- Online payroll processing
- Tax administration
- Standard reporting
Limitations: Basic features, Limited HR tools
Flex Select
$-1.00 / custom
- Custom pricing
- Dedicated payroll specialist
- More HR features
- Check signing options
Flex Pro
$-1.00 / custom
- Custom pricing
- Advanced HR analytics
- Employee screening
- Full HCM suite options
Pros
- + Highly scalable platform for growth
- + Strong compliance and tax handling reputation
- + Comprehensive HR service offerings
- + Dedicated support available
Cons
- - Pricing is often opaque (quote-based)
- - Interface can feel less modern than some competitors
- - Can be more expensive than SMB-focused options
Verdict
"A reliable and scalable choice for businesses prioritizing compliance, comprehensive HR features, and dedicated support, suitable for various sizes."
#3
Rippling
By Rippling
Unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and Finance, including robust payroll capabilities, targeting tech-savvy companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Technology Companies, Businesses Needing IT/HR Integration, Global Payroll, Automated Workflows
Key Features
- ✓Unified Platform: Combines Payroll, Benefits, HR, App Management, and Device Management.
- ✓Global Payroll: Supports payroll processing for international employees and contractors.
- ✓Workflow Automations: Powerful tools to automate processes across HR, IT, and Finance.
- ✓Strong Integrations: Connects with hundreds of third-party applications.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Modular Pricing
$8.00 / monthly
- Starts at $8/user/month for the core platform
- Payroll is an add-on module (pricing varies)
- Choose needed modules (HR, IT, Finance)
Limitations: Can become expensive as modules are added, Complex setup
Pros
- + Extremely powerful integration capabilities (HR/IT/Finance)
- + Highly customizable and scalable
- + Strong global payroll features
- + Modern interface
Cons
- - Pricing based on modules can add up quickly
- - Can be overly complex for simple payroll needs
- - Steeper learning curve
Verdict
"Best suited for mid-sized to larger companies, especially those in tech, needing a unified platform for workforce management beyond just payroll."
#2
QuickBooks Payroll
By Intuit
Payroll service tightly integrated with the QuickBooks accounting ecosystem, suitable for businesses already using QuickBooks.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Existing QuickBooks Users, Small Business Accounting & Payroll, Contractor Payments
Key Features
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks Integration: Payroll data syncs automatically with QuickBooks accounting software.
- ✓Full-Service Payroll Options: Automated payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and payments across different tiers.
- ✓Same-Day Direct Deposit: Available on higher tiers for faster employee payments.
- ✓Basic HR Support: Access to HR advisors and compliance resources available in premium plans.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core
$45.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $5/employee
- Full-service payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Basic reporting
Limitations: Limited HR features
Premium
$75.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $8/employee
- Same-day direct deposit
- Time tracking
- HR support center
Limitations: HR support is not dedicated
Elite
$125.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $10/employee
- Expert setup review
- Tax penalty protection
- Personal HR advisor
Pros
- + Excellent integration with QuickBooks accounting
- + Familiar interface for QuickBooks users
- + Competitive pricing tiers
- + Same-day deposit option
Cons
- - HR features are less robust compared to dedicated HR platforms
- - Best value primarily for existing QuickBooks customers
Verdict
"The ideal choice for businesses already embedded in the QuickBooks ecosystem, offering seamless payroll and accounting integration."
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#1
Gusto
By Gusto
All-in-one platform combining payroll, benefits, and HR, favored by small to medium-sized businesses for its user-friendly interface.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Business Payroll, Startup HR & Payroll, Benefits Administration, Employee Onboarding
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated calculations, tax filings (federal, state, local), direct deposit, year-end W-2s/1099s.
- ✓Employee Self-Service Portal: Allows employees to view pay stubs, access tax documents, and update personal information.
- ✓Integrated Benefits: Offers health insurance, 401(k) plans, workers' comp, and other benefits directly within the platform.
- ✓HR Tools: Includes hiring and onboarding tools, time tracking, PTO management, and compliance assistance.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Simple
$40.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/employee
- Single-state payroll
- Basic HR suite
- Employee self-service
Limitations: Limited HR support, Single-state only
Plus
$80.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $12/employee
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced HR tools
- Time tracking
Limitations: Higher per-employee cost
Premium
$-1.00 / custom
- Custom pricing
- Dedicated support
- HR resource center
- Full HR suite
Pros
- + Highly intuitive interface
- + Strong integration of payroll, HR, and benefits
- + Excellent employee self-service features
- + Good onboarding tools
Cons
- - Pricing can become costly for larger teams
- - Customer support experiences can vary
Verdict
"Gusto excels for SMBs seeking an easy-to-use, integrated platform for payroll, benefits, and core HR functions."
Final Thoughts
The online payroll landscape offers solutions ranging from affordable, basic payroll for small businesses to sophisticated Human Capital Management suites for larger enterprises. Key differentiators include ease of use, integration capabilities (especially with accounting or HRIS), pricing transparency, HR feature depth, and customer support quality. Choosing the right service depends heavily on business size, complexity, budget, and specific needs beyond core payroll processing.