Top 10 Payroll Software Solutions for Small Business
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: Analysis Reference: SBPR24Q3 | Category: Payroll For Small Business
About Payroll For Small Business
Payroll software automates the process of paying employees, calculating taxes, and managing filings for businesses. Solutions tailored for small businesses typically emphasize ease of use, affordability, and core payroll functionalities.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Payroll Features
- → HR Features
- → Pricing Value
- → Integrations
- → Customer Support
The Best Payroll For Small Business
#10
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
Key Features
- ✓PEO Services: Acts as a co-employer, handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance. (Co-employment model)
- ✓Access to Benefits: Offers competitive health insurance and other benefits typically available to larger companies.
- ✓Compliance Support: Assistance with employment regulations, workers' comp, and HR best practices.
- ✓Integrated Platform: Combines payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance tools.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$59.00 / monthly
- Per employee/month (volume discounts available)
- Payroll processing
- Tax filings
- HR tools & consulting
- Compliance support
- Reporting
Limitations: Benefits access costs extra (Plus plan)
Plus
$99.00 / monthly
- Per employee/month (volume discounts available)
- Includes Basic features
- Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance
- HSA/FSA options
- 401(k) access
Limitations: Higher per-employee cost, PEO model may not suit all businesses
Pros
- + Access to better benefits packages
- + Strong compliance support (PEO model)
- + Integrated HR and payroll platform
- + Excellent customer service reputation
Cons
- - PEO model involves co-employment relationship
- - Generally more expensive than basic payroll software
- - Pricing is per employee, can add up quickly
Verdict
"Excellent choice for businesses wanting the benefits and compliance advantages of a PEO, particularly access to competitive health insurance."
#9
SurePayroll
By Paychex, Inc.
Online payroll service focused on small businesses, including specific options for household employers.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Very small businesses, Household employers (nannies, caregivers), Businesses needing simple, reliable payroll
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll runs and tax filing.
- ✓Multiple Pay Options: Direct deposit, paper checks.
- ✓Nanny Payroll Option: Specialized service for household employers.
- ✓Mobile Payroll App: Allows running payroll from mobile devices.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Self-Service
$19.99 / monthly
- Base fee + $4/employee
- Run payroll online
- Calculates taxes, user files/pays
- Direct deposit
- Standard reports
Limitations: Requires user to handle tax payments and filings
Full-Service
$29.99 / monthly
- Base fee + $5/employee
- Includes Self-Service features
- Automated tax calculation, filing, and payment
- W-2s and 1099s handled
Limitations: Fewer integrations than some competitors
Pros
- + Relatively affordable Full-Service option
- + Specific plan for household employers
- + Easy-to-use interface
- + Mobile app available
Cons
- - Owned by Paychex, potentially complex support structure
- - Limited HR features
- - Fewer integrations than broader platforms
Verdict
"A solid, straightforward payroll option, particularly good for very small businesses or household employers seeking simplicity and automation."
#8
Rippling
By Rippling
Unified workforce platform combining HR, IT, and Finance, including a powerful payroll module.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Tech-savvy businesses, Companies wanting unified HR/IT/Finance, Businesses needing strong automation and integration
Key Features
- ✓Unified Platform: Payroll is integrated with HR (onboarding, benefits) and IT (app provisioning, device management).
- ✓Global Payroll: Supports payroll processing for employees in multiple countries.
- ✓Workflow Automations: Automates tasks across departments based on employee events (e.g., hiring, promotion).
- ✓Robust Reporting: Customizable reports across HR, payroll, and IT data.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Modular Pricing
$8.00 / monthly
- Starts at $8/user/month for the core platform (Unity)
- Payroll module is an add-on (requires quote)
- Choose required modules (HR, IT, Finance)
- Full-service US payroll
- Global payroll options
- Time & attendance
- Benefits admin
Limitations: Requires quote for full pricing, Can become expensive as modules are added, Payroll cannot be purchased standalone
Pros
- + Powerful unified platform concept
- + Extensive automation capabilities
- + Strong integration features
- + Modern interface
- + Global capabilities
Cons
- - Complex pricing requires a quote
- - Payroll cannot be bought separately from core platform
- - May be too complex for very simple needs
Verdict
"Ideal for tech-forward companies seeking a deeply integrated HR, IT, and payroll system with robust automation, but requires commitment to their platform."
#7
Patriot Payroll
By Patriot Software, LLC
Affordable and easy-to-use online payroll software targeted at small business owners.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Budget-conscious small businesses, Businesses prioritizing simplicity, Companies comfortable with DIY tax filing (Basic plan)
Key Features
- ✓Two Payroll Tiers: Offers Basic Payroll (DIY taxes) and Full Service Payroll (automated taxes).
- ✓Ease of Use: Simple interface designed for users without payroll expertise.
- ✓Free Setup & Support: Assistance with setup and ongoing support included.
- ✓Optional Add-ons: Time tracking and HR software available for additional fees.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic Payroll
$10.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $4/employee
- Run payroll
- Direct deposit or print checks
- Employee portal
- Setup & support
- Requires user to handle payroll tax deposits & filings
Limitations: Does not handle tax filings/payments
Full Service Payroll
$30.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $4/employee
- Includes Basic features
- Handles all federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and deposits
- W-2 and 1099 filing included
Limitations: HR and Time Tracking are extra costs
Pros
- + Highly affordable, especially the Basic plan
- + Very easy to learn and use
- + Good customer support
- + Transparent pricing
Cons
- - Basic plan requires manual tax handling
- - Limited HR features (add-on required)
- - Fewer integrations than larger platforms
Verdict
"Best value for budget-conscious small businesses prioritizing ease of use and low cost, especially if comfortable with DIY tax filing or opting for Full Service."
#6
OnPay
By OnPay, Inc.
All-inclusive payroll, HR, and benefits service with simple, flat-rate pricing for small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Small businesses wanting predictable pricing, Companies needing integrated HR tools, Businesses in specific industries (e.g., agriculture, nonprofits)
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Payroll processing for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors across all 50 states. (Multi-state included)
- ✓Integrated HR Tools: Onboarding, offer letters, PTO tracking, document storage, and compliance resources.
- ✓Benefits Administration: Health insurance, retirement plans, and workers' comp integration.
- ✓Industry Specializations: Specific features and tax handling for industries like farming, restaurants, and nonprofits.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
All-Inclusive Plan
$40.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/person
- Full payroll features
- Multi-state payroll
- All HR tools included
- Benefits admin (carrier fees may apply)
- Extensive integrations
- No hidden fees
Limitations: No mobile app, Interface slightly less modern than some
Pros
- + Simple, transparent flat-rate pricing
- + Includes HR features at no extra base cost
- + Strong customer support reputation
- + Good for specific industry needs
Cons
- - No dedicated mobile application
- - User interface is functional but less sleek than some competitors
Verdict
"Excellent value proposition offering comprehensive payroll and HR features for a straightforward flat monthly fee."
#5
Square Payroll
By Block, Inc.
Simple and affordable payroll solution, especially well-suited for businesses already using the Square POS system.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Square POS users, Retail and restaurants, Contractor-only businesses, Budget-conscious small businesses
Key Features
- ✓Integration with Square POS: Automatically syncs timecards and tips from Square POS for payroll. (Seamless)
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll runs, tax filings, and payments.
- ✓Contractor Payments: Offers a low-cost plan specifically for paying independent contractors.
- ✓Employee Management: Includes employee accounts for accessing pay stubs and tax forms.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Pay Contractors Only
Contact Vendor
- $6/contractor paid per month
- 1099-NEC filing
- Direct deposit
- No monthly subscription fee
Limitations: Only for contractors, no W-2 employees
Pay Employees & Contractors
$35.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/person paid per month
- Full-service payroll
- Automated tax filings
- W-2 and 1099 support
- Time tracking integration
- Benefits administration options
Limitations: Benefits admin costs extra, HR features are basic
Pros
- + Excellent integration with Square ecosystem
- + Affordable and transparent pricing
- + Very easy to use
- + Good option for businesses paying mostly contractors
Cons
- - Limited HR features compared to competitors
- - Fewer third-party integrations outside Square
- - Customer support can be harder to reach
Verdict
"Top choice for businesses already using Square POS or those needing a simple, affordable payroll service, especially for contractors."
#4
Paychex Flex
By Paychex, Inc.
Flexible payroll and HR platform offering a wide range of services, suitable for businesses of various sizes, including small ones.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Businesses seeking all-in-one HR/payroll, Companies needing dedicated support, Scalability from small to large
Key Features
- ✓Scalable Payroll Services: Handles payroll processing, tax administration, and various payment options.
- ✓Integrated HR Suite: Offers HR administration, benefits management, time tracking, and hiring tools.
- ✓Dedicated Support: Provides access to dedicated payroll specialists depending on the plan.
- ✓Compliance Monitoring: Helps businesses stay updated on changing regulations.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Flex Essentials
$39.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $5/employee
- Online payroll processing
- Tax administration
- Direct deposit/pay cards
- Standard reporting
- Employee self-service
Limitations: Basic features, Limited HR support
Flex Select
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Includes Essentials features
- Dedicated payroll specialist
- More integrations (e.g., accounting)
- Paper check option
Limitations: Requires quote
Flex Pro
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Includes Select features
- Workers' comp reporting
- State unemployment insurance service
- Employee screening
- Garnishment payment service
Limitations: Requires quote, More complex features
Pros
- + All-in-one platform potential
- + Scalable for growth
- + Dedicated support available
- + Strong compliance resources
Cons
- - Interface can be less intuitive than competitors
- - Pricing for higher tiers requires a quote
- - Can become expensive with add-ons
Verdict
"A comprehensive option, particularly strong for businesses anticipating growth or needing dedicated support, though transparency lacks in higher tiers."
#3
ADP Run
By ADP, LLC
Scalable payroll and HR solution from a major industry player, suitable for small businesses planning to grow.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Growing small businesses, Businesses needing robust compliance support, Companies looking for scalable solutions
Key Features
- ✓Comprehensive Payroll Processing: Handles payroll, tax filing, direct deposit, and reporting.
- ✓HR Support & Compliance: Access to HR forms, compliance database, background checks, and expert support options.
- ✓Multiple Plan Tiers: Offers various packages catering to different levels of payroll and HR needs.
- ✓Reporting & Analytics: Provides detailed reports on payroll, taxes, and employee data.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Core payroll processing
- Tax filing
- Direct deposit
- Employee access
- Basic HR tools
Limitations: Requires quote, Limited HR features
Enhanced
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Includes Essential features
- Check signing & stuffing
- State unemployment insurance management
- Background checks
- ZipRecruiter access
Limitations: Requires quote
Complete
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Includes Enhanced features
- HR help desk
- Employee handbook wizard
- Salary benchmarks
Limitations: Requires quote
HR Pro
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Includes Complete features
- Enhanced HR support
- Learning management
- Legal assistance
Limitations: Requires quote, Most comprehensive & likely expensive
Pros
- + Highly scalable platform
- + Strong compliance features
- + Reputable brand with extensive experience
- + Good range of HR add-ons
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent (requires quote)
- - Can be more complex than simpler solutions
- - May be overkill for very small businesses
Verdict
"A robust, scalable solution for growing businesses needing strong compliance and HR support, but requires contacting sales for pricing."
#2
QuickBooks Payroll
By Intuit Inc.
Payroll solution integrated directly into the QuickBooks accounting ecosystem, ideal for existing QuickBooks users.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: QuickBooks users, Small businesses needing accounting integration, Businesses prioritizing tax accuracy
Key Features
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks Integration: Payroll data automatically syncs with QuickBooks accounting software.
- ✓Automated Payroll & Taxes: Calculates, files, and pays federal and state payroll taxes. (Guaranteed Accurate)
- ✓Multiple Pay Options: Supports direct deposit (including same-day/next-day options) and manual checks.
- ✓Time Tracking Integration: Connects with QuickBooks Time for streamlined payroll based on tracked hours.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core
$45.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $5/employee
- Full-service payroll
- Automated taxes & forms
- Next-day direct deposit
- Employee portal
Limitations: Basic HR support
Premium
$75.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $8/employee
- Same-day direct deposit
- Automated payroll
- HR support center
- Expert review
- Time tracking via QuickBooks Time Elite
Limitations: Higher cost for advanced features
Elite
$125.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $10/employee
- Dedicated HR advisor
- Tax penalty protection
- White glove setup
- 24/7 expert support
- Time tracking via QuickBooks Time Elite
Limitations: Most expensive tier
Pros
- + Unbeatable QuickBooks integration
- + Strong tax calculation and filing features
- + Multiple direct deposit speeds
- + Comprehensive payroll options
Cons
- - Can be expensive, especially higher tiers
- - Best value primarily for existing QuickBooks users
- - HR features less robust than dedicated HR platforms
Verdict
"Ideal choice for businesses already embedded in the QuickBooks ecosystem seeking seamless payroll integration."
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#1
Gusto
By Gusto, Inc.
Comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for modern small to medium-sized businesses, known for its user-friendly interface.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Startups, Small Businesses, Businesses needing integrated HR, Companies seeking ease of use
Key Features
- ✓Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll processing across all 50 states, including tax calculations and filings. (Automated)
- ✓Employee Self-Service: Portals for employees to access pay stubs, tax forms, and manage personal information.
- ✓Benefits Administration: Integrated health benefits, 401(k)s, and workers' comp administration.
- ✓HR Tools: Onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, and compliance assistance.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Simple
$40.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $6/person
- Full-service single-state payroll
- Employee self-service
- Basic hiring & onboarding
- Integrations
Limitations: Single-state payroll only, Limited HR tools
Plus
$80.00 / monthly
- Base fee + $12/person
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced hiring & onboarding
- PTO management
- Time tracking
Limitations: Higher per-employee cost
Premium
Contact Vendor
- Quote-based pricing
- Dedicated support
- HR resource center
- Compliance alerts
- Full-service payroll migration
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Pros
- + Excellent user interface
- + Strong HR and benefits integration
- + Automates most payroll tasks
- + Good third-party integrations
Cons
- - Higher price point than some basic competitors
- - Customer support responsiveness can vary
Verdict
"Best overall for small businesses needing a user-friendly, integrated payroll and HR solution."
Final Thoughts
The small business payroll market offers diverse solutions, from easy-to-use, affordable options like Patriot and Square Payroll to comprehensive HR and payroll platforms like Gusto and Rippling. Integration with existing systems (like QuickBooks) and the need for specific HR features or PEO benefits (Justworks) are key differentiators. OnPay stands out for its simple, all-inclusive pricing.