Comparison of Top Online Payroll Services
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-02-22 | Category: Onlinepayrollservices
About Onlinepayrollservices
Online payroll services automate the process of paying employees, calculating taxes, and filing payroll tax forms electronically. They often include features for benefits administration, HR compliance, and time tracking.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Core Payroll Features
- → HR & Benefits Features
- → Integrations
- → Pricing
- → Customer Support
The Best Onlinepayrollservices
#10
Justworks
By Justworks, Inc.
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) offering payroll, benefits, HR tools, and compliance support, co-employing clients' employees.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small to Medium Businesses, Companies Seeking PEO Services, Businesses Wanting Access to Large-Group Benefits
Key Features
- ✓PEO Services: Acts as a co-employer, taking on certain employer responsibilities and liabilities.
- ✓Access to Enterprise-Level Benefits: Provides access to competitive health insurance and other benefits typically reserved for large companies.
- ✓Compliance Support: Assistance with payroll taxes, workers' comp, unemployment insurance, and HR regulations.
- ✓Integrated Platform: Combines payroll, benefits, HR tools, and compliance in one system.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$59.00 / Per Employee/Month
- Payroll & tax filings
- HR consulting
- Compliance support
- Onboarding tools
- Workers' comp
Limitations: Limited benefits access
Plus
$99.00 / Per Employee/Month
- Everything in Basic
- Access to medical, dental, vision benefits
- Access to 401(k) plans
- Health advocacy services
Pros
- + Access to high-quality benefits packages
- + Strong compliance support (PEO model)
- + Excellent customer service
- + User-friendly platform
Cons
- - PEO model may not suit all businesses
- - Pricing is per employee, can be costly for larger teams
- - Fewer direct software integrations than some non-PEO platforms
Verdict
"An excellent choice for businesses seeking the benefits and compliance support of a PEO, particularly those wanting to offer competitive, large-group benefits."
#9
Paylocity
By Paylocity Holding Corporation
Comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suite including payroll, HR, talent management, and workforce analytics, targeting mid-sized to larger businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-Sized Businesses, Large Businesses, Companies Needing Comprehensive HCM
Key Features
- ✓Unified HCM Platform: Combines payroll with extensive HR, talent, benefits, and workforce management tools.
- ✓Employee Engagement Tools: Features like community forums, peer recognition, and surveys.
- ✓Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Provides deep insights into workforce data and trends.
- ✓Compliance Management: Tools and resources to help manage complex compliance requirements.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom Bundles
Contact Vendor
- Payroll
- HR
- Benefits Administration
- Time & Labor
- Talent Management
- Analytics
Limitations: Requires custom quote, Modular pricing, features depend on bundle
Pros
- + Very comprehensive HCM feature set
- + Strong focus on employee engagement
- + Powerful analytics and reporting
- + Scalable for larger organizations
Cons
- - Can be overwhelming for small businesses
- - Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- - Implementation can be complex
Verdict
"A robust HCM solution best suited for mid-market and larger companies needing an integrated platform that goes far beyond basic payroll."
#8
Square Payroll
By Block, Inc.
Payroll service integrated with the Square POS and payments ecosystem, ideal for retail, restaurants, and service businesses already using Square.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android (via Square Team App)
Best For: Square Users, Retail Businesses, Restaurants, Contractor Payments
Key Features
- ✓Square Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly syncs with Square POS, timecards, and team management.
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll runs, tax filings, and payments for employees and contractors.
- ✓Simple Pricing: Straightforward pricing for employees and contractor-only plans.
- ✓Benefits Options: Access to health insurance and retirement savings plans through partners.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Pay Employees & Contractors
$35.00 / Monthly + Per Person Paid Fee
- Full-service payroll
- Automated tax filings
- Multiple pay rates
- Employee self-service portal
- Time tracking integration
Pay Contractors Only
Contact Vendor
- 1099-NEC filing
- Direct deposit
- No monthly subscription fee
Pros
- + Excellent integration with Square POS
- + Simple pricing structure
- + Good for businesses paying contractors
- + Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- - HR features are basic
- - Fewer integrations outside the Square ecosystem
- - Customer support can be difficult to reach
Verdict
"The best option for businesses heavily utilizing the Square platform, offering seamless integration for payroll, time tracking, and sales data."
#7
Patriot Payroll
By Patriot Software, LLC
Affordable online payroll designed for simplicity, targeting small businesses that need core payroll functions without extensive HR extras.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Very Small Businesses, Budget-Conscious Businesses, Companies Needing Basic Payroll
Key Features
- ✓Low-Cost Payroll: Offers Basic and Full-Service payroll at competitive price points.
- ✓Ease of Use: Simple interface designed for business owners without payroll expertise.
- ✓Optional Add-ons: Time tracking and HR software available for additional fees.
- ✓Free Setup & Support: Includes free setup assistance and ongoing customer support.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic Payroll
$10.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Run payroll
- Direct deposit or printable checks
- Employee portal
- Payroll reports
Limitations: User handles payroll tax deposits and filings
Full Service Payroll
$30.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Everything in Basic
- Patriot handles all payroll tax deposits and filings (Federal, State, Local)
Pros
- + Very affordable pricing
- + Extremely easy to use
- + Good customer support
- + Flexible options (Basic vs. Full Service)
Cons
- - Limited HR features (add-on required)
- - Fewer integrations compared to larger platforms
- - Basic Payroll requires manual tax handling
Verdict
"An excellent choice for very small businesses prioritizing affordability and ease of use for core payroll functions, especially if extensive HR features are not needed."
#6
OnPay
By OnPay, Inc.
Full-service payroll and HR solution focused on simplicity and transparent pricing, catering mainly to small and medium-sized businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Small Businesses, Medium-Sized Businesses, Specific Industries (Restaurants, Farms, Non-profits)
Key Features
- ✓All-Inclusive Pricing: One monthly price includes payroll, HR tools, and benefits administration access.
- ✓Industry Specializations: Features tailored for specific industries like agriculture and restaurants (e.g., Form 943, tip reporting).
- ✓Integrated HR Tools: Includes offer letters, onboarding checklists, PTO tracking, and document storage.
- ✓Multi-State Payroll: Handles payroll and tax filing across multiple states at no extra charge.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
All-Inclusive
$40.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Full-service payroll (all states)
- Unlimited pay runs
- W-2 and 1099 processing
- Integrated HR tools
- Benefits administration integration
- Setup & data migration support
Pros
- + Simple, transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- + Good feature set for the price
- + Strong support for specific industries
- + Rated highly for customer support
Cons
- - Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
- - Mobile app functionality is limited (primarily web-based)
- - HR features are good but less extensive than dedicated HR platforms
Verdict
"A great value proposition, particularly for small businesses and those in niche industries, offering comprehensive payroll and basic HR in one affordable package."
#5
Paychex Flex
By Paychex, Inc.
Scalable payroll and HR platform suitable for businesses of various sizes, from small startups to larger enterprises.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Businesses of All Sizes, Companies Needing Scalable HR/Payroll, Industries with Specific Compliance Needs
Key Features
- ✓Flexible Payroll Processing: Multiple ways to run payroll, including mobile app and automated runs.
- ✓Integrated HR Suite: Includes hiring, onboarding, benefits administration, time tracking, and performance management options.
- ✓Compliance Support: Assistance with tax filing, workers' comp, and labor law posters.
- ✓Dedicated Support: Access to dedicated payroll specialists (depending on plan).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Flex Essentials
$39.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee (Starting)
- Online payroll processing
- Tax services
- Direct deposit/paycards
- Standard reporting
Limitations: Pricing varies, base shown, Limited HR features
Flex Select
Contact Vendor
- Everything in Essentials
- Dedicated payroll specialist
- More reporting options
- Employee onboarding essentials
Flex Pro
Contact Vendor
- Everything in Select
- Integrated HR administration
- Employee screening
- State Unemployment Insurance service
Pros
- + Highly scalable platform
- + Comprehensive HR features available
- + Strong compliance tools
- + Dedicated support options
Cons
- - Can be complex to navigate
- - Pricing is often quote-based and can be high
- - Base plan is quite limited
Verdict
"A powerful, scalable solution suitable for businesses planning for growth or those with complex HR and payroll needs, backed by strong support."
#4
ADP RUN
By ADP, Inc.
Payroll and HR solution from a major industry player, tailored for small businesses (typically under 50 employees).
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses (1-49 employees), Businesses Seeking Scalability, Companies Needing Strong Compliance Support
Key Features
- ✓Payroll & Tax Filing: Handles payroll processing, tax calculation, deposit, and filing.
- ✓HR Services: Offers HR support including onboarding, background checks, and compliance resources.
- ✓Reporting & Analytics: Provides various standard and custom reports.
- ✓Scalability: Easy transition to ADP's larger platforms as business grows.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential
Contact Vendor
- Payroll processing
- Tax filing
- Direct deposit
- New hire reporting
Limitations: Requires custom quote, Basic features
Enhanced
Contact Vendor
- Everything in Essential
- Check signing & stuffing
- State Unemployment Insurance management
- Background checks
Complete
Contact Vendor
- Everything in Enhanced
- HR HelpDesk
- Employee Handbook Wizard
- Compliance database
Pros
- + Established provider with strong reputation
- + Robust compliance features
- + Scalable solutions for growing businesses
- + Good range of HR tools available
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
- - Can be more expensive than some competitors
- - Interface can feel less modern than newer platforms
Verdict
"A reliable choice for small businesses prioritizing compliance, scalability, and the backing of a large, established payroll provider."
#3
QuickBooks Payroll
By Intuit Inc.
Payroll service integrated directly into the QuickBooks accounting software ecosystem, suitable for businesses already using QuickBooks.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: QuickBooks Users, Small Businesses, Businesses Prioritizing Accounting Integration
Key Features
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks Integration: Payroll data automatically syncs with QuickBooks accounting.
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll runs, tax calculations, and filings.
- ✓Time Tracking: Integrated time tracking available in higher tiers or via QuickBooks Time.
- ✓Health Benefits & Workers' Comp: Options available through partners.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core
$45.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Full-service payroll
- Automated taxes & forms
- Next-day direct deposit option
Premium
$75.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Everything in Core
- Same-day direct deposit
- Automated time tracking
- HR support center
Elite
$125.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Everything in Premium
- Expert setup & review
- Tax penalty protection
- Personal HR advisor
Pros
- + Excellent integration with QuickBooks accounting
- + User-friendly interface for QuickBooks users
- + Automated tax filing
- + Multiple plan options
Cons
- - Best value primarily for existing QuickBooks users
- - HR features are less robust than dedicated HR platforms
- - Customer support quality can be inconsistent
Verdict
"The go-to choice for businesses already invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem, offering seamless accounting integration and solid payroll features."
#2
Rippling
By Rippling
A unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and Finance, offering highly customizable payroll integrated with broader employee management.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Tech Startups, Businesses Needing Integrated HR/IT, Companies with Global Employees
Key Features
- ✓Global Payroll: Process payroll for employees and contractors in multiple countries.
- ✓Unified Platform: Combines HR, payroll, benefits, app management, and device management.
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automate tasks across HR, IT, and Finance based on employee data changes.
- ✓Robust Integrations: Extensive library of integrations with third-party applications.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core Platform
$8.00 / Per Employee/Month (Requires Quote)
- Employee management base
- Add-on modules for Payroll, Benefits, IT, Finance
Limitations: Payroll is an add-on module, Pricing requires custom quote
Pros
- + Highly integrated platform (HR, IT, Finance)
- + Strong automation capabilities
- + Excellent for managing apps and devices
- + Global payroll support
Cons
- - Can be complex due to its breadth
- - Pricing is quote-based and can be high
- - Payroll is not standalone, requires core platform
Verdict
"Ideal for businesses wanting a single platform to manage nearly all aspects of employee data, including payroll, HR, and IT, especially those with complex needs or global operations."
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#1
Gusto
By Gusto, Inc.
Comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, known for its user-friendly interface.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses, Startups, Modern Workforce Management
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll processing, tax calculation, and filing (federal, state, local).
- ✓Employee Benefits: Administration for health insurance, 401(k), workers' comp, commuter benefits.
- ✓HR Tools: Onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, compliance assistance.
- ✓Integrations: Connects with popular accounting, time tracking, and HR software.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Simple
$40.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Full-service single-state payroll
- Employee self-service
- Basic hiring & onboarding
- Integrations
Limitations: Limited HR tools, Single-state payroll only
Plus
$80.00 / Monthly + Per Employee Fee
- Everything in Simple
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced HR tools
- Time tracking
Pros
- + Intuitive user interface
- + Strong feature set for SMBs
- + Good integration capabilities
- + Transparent pricing
Cons
- - Customer support response times can vary
- - Can become costly for larger teams
- - Limited customization in higher tiers
Verdict
"An excellent all-around choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an easy-to-use platform with integrated payroll, benefits, and HR."
Final Thoughts
The online payroll services market offers diverse solutions, from simple, affordable options for small businesses to comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suites and PEOs for larger or more complex organizations. Key differentiators include ease of use, breadth of HR features, integration capabilities, pricing transparency, and specialized industry support. Choosing the right service depends heavily on business size, budget, specific HR needs, and existing software infrastructure.