The 10 Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses of 2025
We’ve carefully demoed and tested dozens of payroll systems to arrive at this selection of the best payroll software for small businesses. See below for expert insight, pricing info, pros & cons, integrations, and more.

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Small business payroll software automates, organizes, and optimizes payroll processing tasks for SMEs who don’t enjoy the luxury of limitless budgets and copious capacity. Selecting the correct tool for the task can quite literally make or break a small business, so it’s crucial you know what to look for when making a decision.
We have collated evidence and insight from multiple sources including demos, interviews, and user questionnaires to provide you with the best possible buyer’s guide for small business software below. We have been writing about these tools for years, so we know what makes one platform stand out from the rest.
We considered numerous factors when whittling down our list of small business payroll software tools to the select few featured in this guide, chief among which are automation capabilities, compliance features, and price.
- Payroll Automation: One of the primary considerations for any small business looking for payroll software is reliably automating tasks. We prioritized the tools with the most advanced features here, which translates to saving more hours each payroll cycle.
- Compliance: Then there’s the question of peace of mind. You want to know that the system helps you remain compliant and avoid fines. The companies we chose all do an excellent job when it comes to helping small business owners adhere to all regulations regarding payroll.
- Pricing: Lastly, we know that price is a significant consideration for most small businesses. We picked tools that would adapt to all kinds of budgets and situations. This ranges from tools that are good for solopreneurs paying contractors to premium plans designed for larger headcounts but that still won’t break the bank.
To learn more about our process for evaluating software companies, read this blog on how we select the best HR tech.
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Deel
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Deel offers an intuitive and highly automated solution which we found particularly useful for international teams, big and small. Its ability to simplify payroll across 100+ countries while ensuring compliance, combined with a free HRIS makes it a strong option for small businesses managing global talent.
PROS
- Payroll automation supports payments in over 200 currencies.
- 15+ payment options including bank transfers, Wise, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.
- Strong compliance support with 200+ in-house legal, tax, and payroll experts.
- Free, lightweight global HRIS for payroll customers.
- Competitive pricing for salaried employees.
- Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
- Deel HR is free for companies of all sizes.
- Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
- User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
- Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.
CONS
- No free trial available.
- Pricing for contractors is slightly higher than some competitors.
- Key features like onboarding automation come as add-ons.
- Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
- Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
- Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.
We picked Deel’s payroll because it’s easy to use, offers a variety of payment options, and provides strong compliance support.

The payroll automation immediately caught our eye during testing. Running payroll across multiple countries is as simple as a few clicks, and we could pay both employees and contractors in over 200 currencies. Furthermore, with so many payment options, including bank transfers, Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and even cryptocurrency, it feels like Deel has thought of every possible way to ensure employees and contractors get paid efficiently.
One of our favorite features is the Deel Card, which allows global contractors to receive payments in USD and use the funds directly without the hassle of currency conversions—something we believe, most, if not all, distributed teams will appreciate.
Beyond ease of use, Deel’s built-in compliance support is also well executed. As a 14-person startup, we understand that many small businesses don’t have an in-house legal or tax team, so knowing that Deel has over 200 experts ensuring compliance in more than 100 countries does provide great peace of mind. There is also a Shield module for those needing extra protection against compliance risks. However, we did find that modifying contracts wasn’t as flexible as we wanted—any changes require an addendum, which could mean additional administrative work for HR.
When it comes to pricing, Deel is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the vendor provides free HRIS for all payroll customers, which is a great perk for small businesses needing a lightweight HR system. The payroll pricing for salaried workers is also reasonable, being at just $19 per U.S.-based employee and $29 per employee per month for companies with entities abroad.
On the other hand, Deel charges $49 per contractor per month, which is somewhat steeper than competitors like Papaya Global ($30 per contractor per month) and Oyster ($29 per contractor per month). We also noticed that some key features, such as onboarding automation, come as add-ons, which can increase the total cost of ownership.
Deel has served over 35,000 companies, including Brex, Makerpad, and Andela.
Deel provides a range of payroll services: Deel Payroll at $29/employee/month, Deel U.S. Payroll at $19/employee/month, Deel Contractor at $49/month, Deel EOR at $499/month, and Deel US PEO at $89/employee/month.
Best For
Deel’s payroll software is a great fit for small businesses managing a global workforce.
I use Deel to manage multiple contractors in various countries and to maintain compliance with contractor/freelancer working relationships. Deel provides a reliable solution for handling international payments efficiently.
The platform processes payments quickly and in a streamlined way. I also have the ability to conduct background checks on international workers, which I find to be very valuable. Deel also provides compliance guides for employers to help keep everything organized and in one place.

I like the following aspects of Deel:
- The ability to pay international contractors/freelancers in US currency or their local currency.
- The ability to pay international contractors/freelancers on a timely schedule without delays.
- The compliance guides and knowledge base that Deel provides for customers.
My organization decided to implement Deel for several key reasons. Last year, I was managing multiple projects that required hiring contractors from various countries. I needed a solution that could handle international payments seamlessly and efficiently.
While I had been using platforms like Bill.com and QuickBooks, the payment processing times for international contractors were often lengthy. Deel offered a much faster and more streamlined process, including the ability to conduct background checks on international contract workers and freelancers. This made it the ideal solution for my organization's needs.
- Deel's customer service is not always available during EST or PST hours when issues arise.
- Deel can be costly when hiring multiple workers; there should be bundled rates or plans for several workers.
- There have been issues with entering banking information, and Deel doesn't work with certain banks, without providing an explanation.
Deel is similar to Oyster. I have tried both with clients and prefer Deel, as it is more cost-effective and provides a more streamlined process.
Consider what countries the freelancers/contractors/workers are located in and whether Deel supports those countries.
The company also needs to consider compliance and how contracts should be executed. Several countries, including the US, have strict labor laws regarding how a freelancer/contractor should be classified versus an employee.
I have been a Deel customer for almost two years. During that time, they have resolved many issues with the platform, and it is now much more user-friendly and easier to use.
Deel is good for businesses that hire freelancers and contractors and want to avoid the risk of misclassification.
Deel is not good for companies that do not hire any freelancers or contractors.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks' direct deposits are super fast, and if you're already using other products from this vendor, it's a major bonus. The payroll tool integrates beautifully with the rest of QuickBooks’, which makes it a breeze to manage timesheets, invoicing, and expenses.
PROS
- Unlimited pay runs, auto full-service payroll, and same-day deposits included.
- Supports unscheduled payrolls and automatic year-end tax filings.
- Reminders for tax readiness provided.
- Pricing transparency. 30-day free trial available.
- Unlimited pay runs, auto full-service payroll, and same-day deposits included.
- Supports unscheduled payrolls and automatic year-end tax filings.
- Reminders for tax readiness provided.
- Pricing transparency. 30-day free trial available.
CONS
- No employer app.
- More expensive than some competitors like Patriot.
- Limited third-party integrations.
- No global payroll features.
- No employer app.
- More expensive than some competitors like Patriot.
- Limited third-party integrations.
- No global payroll features.

Millions of small businesses have used Intuit QuickBooks accounting software for their lightweight bookkeeping, so we bet this brand is no stranger to most of you. It is effective, simple, and affordable. And as we tested its online payroll product, the same is true for this tool.
QuickBooks payroll processes employee pay stubs and automatically files taxes in a simple, intuitive interface. Remarkably, the direct deposits are among the fastest we’ve seen, with next-day payments offered in the cheapest plan and same-day ones in the rest.
The platform also helps with calculating and submitting your payroll taxes, and it gives you reminders to make sure you're tax-ready.
Many HRs we talked to praised this payroll for its seamless integration with other QuickBooks products, which was also part of the reasons they chose this software in the first place.
However, we would not recommend this tool for businesses with international staff, as global payroll is currently beyond the vendor's capabilities. The same goes for those on a tight payroll budget. For context, QuickBooks charges $25 per month plus $6 per employee, while Patriot does $17 plus $4 per employee.
Regarding the mobile experience, although the browser version is optimized for both desktop and mobile use, there is no dedicated mobile app for employers, and the employee app lacks some features found on the web version. For example, on the web, we could match our receipts to incoming bank transactions, whereas in the mobile app, we were only able to take photos of the receipts.
29,000,000+ companies, including Industrial Manila, Tamar's Hope, and Hiplus.
QuickBooks has three plans as below and a 30-day free trial:
- Core: $25 per month plus $6 per employee
- Premium: $55 per month plus $8 per employee
- Elite: $80 per month plus $15 per employee
Best For
Small businesses that are already using QuickBooks accounting.
We use Quickbooks for all of our invoicing needs, as well as for AR reporting when needed. We can also keep track of all of our contacts in the vendor section which makes it an easy place to go if we need information.

- User-friendliness is the main pro we find when using Quickbooks.
- It’s been very easy to train my HR employees how to send and receive invoices.
- It’s linked to our bank.
- It gives the option for people to pay via ACH when sending out invoices (easy for them to pay with a touch of a button).
When my organization was looking for options to help quickly get out invoices to our clients they thought Quickbooks would be the perfect solution. We have now successfully been using Quickbooks for 10 years for our invoicing needs as well as AR reporting which helps our HR team run smoothly.
- Sometimes it runs slow if more than one user are in the software at a time.
- Connectivity issues will happen at times which could make it frustrating to use when you are in a hurry.
- You have to add in other apps to be able to use all the functionality of Quickbooks and pay further pricing.
The only other software we have tried in the past was NetSuite, and we ultimately decided to go with Quickbooks due to its pricing and ease of use. NetSuite did have more functionality but overall we liked the way Quickbooks worked with our company’s needs.
They should figure out what they specifically want to use the tool for, and make sure they do their research and pick the correct type of Quickbooks so they can easily work through what they need to get done.
The website itself has changed over the years but in a good way! We feel it is super easy to navigate and works for our business needs.
Really any corporate type of business that needs to send invoices out to customers, our organization does staffing and recruiting and we rely on Quickbooks to be able to send out invoices to clients.
Maybe manufacturing companies or just very small, less than 10 person companies might not benefit from QuickBooks online.

Gusto

Gusto is a top-notch option for SMBs when it comes to full-service payroll and customer service. Plus, its UI is among the best we’ve seen in this space.
PROS
- Features online signatures, automated tax filing, unlimited pay runs, and automatic deductions for benefits administration.
- Supports payroll for U.S. W2 workers and domestic or international contractors.
- Reliable customer support. Licensed benefits advisors assist with all plans.
- Transparent pricing with no long-term contracts or setup fees.
- The dashboard feature keeps tabs on compliance tasks
- The hiring and onboarding sequence is nicely streamlined between HR and the new hire
- Post-offer, pre-start tasks are made easy with integrations like CorpNet (state tax set up) Checkr (background checks)
- Easy payroll for U.S.-based W-2 folks, domestic, and international contractors
- Person-to-person phone support, email, and other customer service resources
- The business model is responsive to customer needs
CONS
- No support for international full-time salaried workers.
- No accounting tool for tracking earnings and spending.
- Simple plan lacks time tracking and online signature features.
- Compliance alerts and broker integration cost extra.
- No free trial available.
- Gusto can support payments for international contractors, but not employees
- No native accounting feature to keep earning and spending under the same roof
- Analytics dashboard is simplistic

We’ve kept track of Gusto for years, and in our view, they have done a great job avoiding a common software pitfall. The vendor has kept a steady pace through the years and their primary focus on payroll and benefits has not been clouded by impulsively building more features into their stack. Instead, they work with numerous integrated partners who take the wheel on new initiatives, letting Gusto focus on what they do best.
One of our favorite features is the full-service payroll. Gusto supports payroll for U.S.-based W-2 employees and domestic and international contractors. This vendor also offers e-signature collection, automated tax filing, automatic deductions, varied payroll schedules, and unlimited pay runs so businesses can ensure employees receive pay and benefits promptly.
For a long time, we have also appreciated how transparent Gusto is about pricing. The payroll software does not require long-term contracts or setup fees, allowing SMBs to manage their payroll efficiently without any unexpected costs.
A fair warning, though, international payroll through Gusto is only possible for contractors, not for full-time employees. In other words, they don’t offer an EOR model. Another feature Gusto lacks is accounting, meaning you must use third-party integrations for complete financial management.
Furthermore, while the Simple plan is cost-friendly, it lacks essential features like native time tracking and the e-sign. Lastly, compliance alerts and broker integration are terrific features, but the platform requires you to either opt for its Premium plan or pay extra to use them.
We are excited to announce that Gusto now serves more than 400,000 customers nationwide! Please update any and all references of "300,000+ customers" to "400,000+ customers".
Gusto is increasing our Simple Plan’s pricing from $40 per month + $6 per person per month to $49 per month + $6 per person per month (a $9 increase in monthly base).
Best For
Startups with limited budgets (Basic plan) and SMBs with smaller HR departments and greater financial capacity (Premium plan).
We process payroll semi-monthly, so we use Gusto at least 24 times a year. Occasionally, I log in to update benefits information, such as 401k contributions. It's convenient to store employee documents digitally, eliminating the need for paper files. Gusto is set up to automatically calculate and deduct 401k contributions, including our 25% match up to the maximum. Additionally, it automatically transfers these funds directly to our provider, so I don't have to worry about making separate payments.

The interface is user-friendly. Benefits deductions are seamlessly integrated with payroll processing. I appreciate how support tickets are efficiently tracked within Gusto.
Our small business needed a cost-effective payroll solution, and Gusto provided an affordable option. We've been using it for just under a year to manage payroll for our two employees. We also needed a solution for direct 401k deductions from our payroll, which has allowed us to save on taxes with pre-tax deductions.
I am not pleased that the support team seems to be outsourced outside of the USA, which occasionally makes me question the accuracy of the information provided. Also, I wish I didn't have to use one of their partners to integrate our 401k plan.
Gusto's interface is superior to many competitors with its ease of use and straightforward setup. It intuitively understands my needs without requiring setup in multiple areas to achieve the desired functionality.
Gusto might not be ideal for larger companies. It can be challenging to manage frequent payroll changes due to the platform's complexity in this area.
Since I am relatively new to using Gusto, I am not familiar with its historical changes or updates.
Gusto is very well-suited for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
Companies with more than 50 employees or those with frequent payroll changes may find Gusto less accommodating.

Patriot

Patriot offers unlimited payroll runs, free account setup, U.S.-based inhouse support, and takes full responsibility for any issues pertaining to user tax filings.
PROS
- Intuitive and simple service.
- Guaranteed tax filing accuracy with free end-of-year payroll tax filings.
- Free U.S.-based software support via phone, email, and chat.
- Transparent fee structure, 30-day free trial available.
- Regularly rolls out new features and enhancements.
- Intuitive and simple service.
- Guaranteed tax filing accuracy with free end-of-year payroll tax filings.
- Free U.S.-based software support via phone, email, and chat.
- Transparent fee structure, 30-day free trial available.
- Regularly rolls out new features and enhancements.
CONS
- No support for teams with members outside the U.S.
- No employee benefits management services.
- Limited integration capabilities.
- No support for teams with members outside the U.S.
- No employee benefits management services.
- Limited integration capabilities.

We didn’t expect this level of flexibility from an economical payroll tool. With Patriot, there’s no limit to the number of payroll runs, and you can pay your team members at the frequency of their choice, be it weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.
Moreover, this platform does not charge any fees for its account setup assistance. Should you opt to DIY, it probably won’t be much trouble, thanks to the platform’s payroll startup wizard and the in-house support team. In our tests, it took just 7 minutes to hear back from them.
As long as all your team members are based in the U.S., you’ll find Patriot to be an invaluable ally, as this vendor can handle payroll processing and direct deposit payments for both full-time salaried workers and contractors. If you opt for the higher-tiered plan, this platform can also take care of your payroll tax filing and payment at both the federal and state levels.
That said, we should caution you that Patriot will charge $12 per month for each state tax filing. And unlike some competing tools like Gusto, this vendor does not support employee benefits management.
Another point to note is that Patriot’s payroll services are tailored to US-based companies. In other words, it’s not a good fit for those with international hires.
10,000+ companies, including Ninja Window Washing, B Squared Fine Homes, and Coblentz Cabinets.
Patriot offers two payroll plans:
- Basic costs $17/month plus $4 per employee or contractor. The business owner is responsible for payroll and tax filing.
- Full Service costs $37/month plus $4 per employee or contractor. The business owner runs payroll, but Patriot handles payroll tax filings.
Best For
Small businesses whose employees and contractors are based in the U.S.
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Netchex
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We really like Netchex because it's super easy to use. Your team won’t need a bunch of training to get started, and if anyone’s got questions, there’s always a dedicated customer support rep ready to help out.
PROS
- Seamless plan upgrades without data loss.
- Pre-payroll reports for critical error checks before payroll processing.
- Highly praised customer service, entirely U.S.-based.
- Payroll grid for easy input, changes, and error fixes during payroll cycle.
- Diverse payment options: paper checks, direct deposit, and pay cards.
- Grows with your team: With Netchex, it’s very easy to opt for a new plan and keep all your data in the same place even if you outgrow your current pricing plan. Other vendors require a switch to a new service in that kind of event.
- Dedicated support team: Netchex are note-worthy for their award-winning and often lauded customer service. It’s all US-based and provided in real-time through email, live chat, and phone calls.
- Pre-payroll reports: Allows for critical error checks before submission.
- Flexible payroll grid: Easy to make changes or correct errors on the fly.
- Versatile payment options: Includes paper checks, direct deposit, and pay cards.
CONS
- Users must use the payroll module to access other functionalities.
- Overkill for teams with under 50 employees.
- Undisclosed pricing. No free trial available.
- Requirement of payroll: Users must use the payroll module to access other functionalities, so it wouldn’t work as stand-alone HR software.
- No free trial: Potential users can't test the software without committing to a purchase. The demo with a sales rep is the closest thing.

We know that most small businesses are pressed for time, so their payroll tool must be extremely easy to use. And the fact that Netchex remains easy and pleasant to work with in all our test cases is truly impressive.
You can add employees, set payroll cycles, and fix issues with minimal training. Plus, no matter which plan you pick, you’ll get a customer support rep from Netchex who not only helps with the initial setup and then vanishes, but stays approachable for any snags that may arise post-implementation.
Given how pricey payroll mistakes can be, being able to spot issues before everything is finalized is a lifesaver - and that’s exactly what Netchex’s pre-payroll does, which we love. It gives you a heads-up if there's a paycheck going out to someone who shouldn't be getting one or if the numbers aren’t adding up right.
Another big thumbs up for Netchex is its eye for innovation. They’ve recently added some neat features like AskHR, where employees can get quick answers to their questions, and Netchex AI, which is stellar at crunching data in complex ways.
As much as Netchex is geared towards SMBs, if you've got fewer than 50 employees, it might feel a bit much and lean towards the expensive side. And just like Paychex, they don’t let you take their service for a test drive before committing.
6,500+ organizations, including Xpressdocs, BK Corrosion, Regal Hospitality, and The Colony ER Hospital.
Netchex uses a per employee per month pricing model, which varies based on company size and products.
Best For
Businesses with 50-500 employees.

Rippling

If your team is lean but spread across states, and you’re tired of managing payroll tax portals or correcting W-2 errors, Rippling is one of the most comprehensive and modern solutions we’ve encountered in this field. The vendor provides significant value for SMBs looking to centralize their payroll, benefits, and compliance workflows with built-in automation features to minimize dependence on manual processes.
PROS
- Automated state tax handling manages registrations and payroll taxes across 50 US states.
- All-in-one payroll platform integrates time tracking, benefits, and accounting, reducing errors and manual work.
- Compliance support provides access to HR experts and tools like Mineral for legal guidance and policy automation.
- Termination workflows automate offboarding payments to meet final paycheck deadlines.
- User-friendly interface for both payroll admins and employees, requiring minimal training.
- All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products
- With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
- Operates globally with any currency
- Workflow automation
- Analytics opportunities
- Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included
CONS
- New customers cannot trial a pay run before going live.
- Self-led onboarding process can leave some users feeling unsupported during setup.
- Users find document uploads clunky, citing issues with receipt attachments and locating drafts.
- Support inquiries via chat can cause delays in escalation.
- Total buy-in to Rippling is essential
- Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company.
- New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing
We tested Rippling’s payroll platform with an eye toward the challenges SMBs face—tight bandwidth, multi-state compliance, and minimal margin for error. What we found is a system that delivers impressive automation, especially for teams managing remote or distributed workforces.

Take Hovercraft, a small marketing agency with employees in nine states. They leaned on Rippling’s HR Services to handle the notoriously painful task of registering for state payroll tax accounts and staying compliant across jurisdictions.
When we looked under the hood, it was clear how this worked: Rippling automatically creates state accounts, handles tax payments, and flags regulatory updates—tasks that would otherwise consume days of admin time each month. Hovercraft now saves an estimated 30 hours per week, enough to avoid hiring an additional operations staffer.
That said, it’s not just compliance that Rippling streamlines. At The Portland Clinic, a healthcare provider with 500 employees, payroll used to be error-prone due to disconnected systems (ADP for payroll and UKG for time tracking). After switching to Rippling, the clinic integrated time and attendance into payroll, which cut down on data entry errors and post-payroll corrections.
During our evaluation, we liked how Rippling’s approval reminders and auto-calculated overtime reduced manual intervention and improved pay run accuracy. Their payroll admin shared, “I’ve come to a point where I trust it and rarely have to double-check it.”
But Rippling isn’t plug-and-play for everyone. Several users we spoke with described the implementation process as more DIY than expected. There’s no dry run for your first payroll, which left some admins feeling anxious about going live. One user mentioned it was “like flying blind,” and wished for a dedicated setup partner.
Support is another mixed bag. The chat-based system works well for routine questions, but escalations can take longer than some teams would prefer, especially if they’re used to immediate live help.
Notable customers include Hovercraft, Harver, and The Portland Clinic.
Rippling's pricing starts at $8 per user, in addition to a $40 monthly platform fee.
Best For
Rippling’s payroll software is best for small and mid-sized businesses that manage multi-state teams and want to reduce admin hours through automation.

Paychex

Paychex is worth mentioning as a top SMB payroll tool because of Paychex Flex, a simplified but powerful version of its product. It’s an all-in-one payroll system designed to grow with your business, built as a simple-to-use solution that gets it done without any fluff.
PROS
- Timecard processing can be fully automated.
- Integrates well with benefits providers like Benetrac for benefits management.
- User-friendly interface for reviewing W2s and paystubs.
- Timecard processing can be fully automated.
- Integrates well with benefits providers like Benetrac for benefits management.
- User-friendly interface for reviewing W2s and paystubs.
CONS
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Some users reported slow app login.
- Less modern looking compared to competitors.
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Some users reported slow app login.
- Less modern looking compared to competitors.

When it comes to SMB payroll tech, Paychex Flex has been our perennial favorite, thanks to its scalability. We first tested this software a couple of years ago, and until now, we’re still impressed with the simplicity and the range of plans it offers for various business sizes.
From HR to retirement packages, online payroll services, and benefits, you get the flexibility to choose what really fits your team’s needs. And as we’ve kept a close eye on every HR tech we review, we’ve barely heard negative comments about this platform’s usability.
We are not big fanz of Paychex’s appearance (the design looks quite dated compared to modern-looking competitors like Gusto or Remote, actually), but what’s underneath didn’t disappoint—the platform’s features are constantly improving. The timecards are a good example. Each time an employee punches in and out, the system generates a timecard and is ready to process once it’s time to run a payroll cycle. This alone can save dozens of hours of company time.
Paychex products have evolved a lot, but unfortunately, the integration capabilities have not. As of this writing, the platform still lacks native integration with Quicken. While we can’t say this is a deal breaker for most, those seeking to remove manual entry for certain tasks like 401k transactions may find this bothersome and might be better served by another tool.
745,000+ companies, including Warner Bros, Denny's, Grubhub, and Frito-Lay.
Paychex Flex offers three curated plans: Essentials, Select, and Pro. Essentials has a monthly base rate of $39 plus $5 per employee. Select and Pro are custom plans that require a call for a quote.
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses that require a scalable payroll and HR solution.
I primarily use Paychex in my HR role to run payroll and track employee hours. I also onboard new employees and send out necessary forms through the platform. Additionally, I manage leave balances and communicate important dates and upcoming holidays with employees. This program allows me to send documents for employee signatures as well. I use it regularly to ensure smooth HR and payroll operations.
Paychex is easy to use and has an aesthetically pleasing interface. I appreciate the communication features it offers. My favorite part is being able to manage payroll, timekeeping, and document distribution all in one place.
My organization wanted to cut costs and upgrade our payroll system. After reviewing several options, we chose Paychex primarily for its features and pricing. This program allows us to create user profiles for as many administrators as needed. Training was also a challenge for us, but Paychex provides tutorials and a dedicated 1-800 support line. I have personally used it for over three years.
There isn’t much I would change. However, having a dedicated account manager to meet with directly would be helpful. I do appreciate the dedicated 1-800 support line and quick response times.
I prefer the ease of use and navigation of Paychex over its competitors. I also appreciate the mobile applications and the integrated chatbot for quick support.
You should consider how much time you want to spend managing payroll and HR tasks within the app. It’s important to decide whether you prefer a software-based solution or outsourcing to a payroll company. Additionally, determine whether you want to handle IRS payments and tax filings yourself or have them managed by the service.
The biggest improvements over the years have been the addition of job posting features and salary benchmarks. The AI chatbot has also been a great addition, helping me find quick answers efficiently.
Paychex is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses.
Paychex may not be the best fit for larger organizations with high turnover rates or frequent new hires.

Remote

We highly recommend Remote to SMBs looking to hire employees and contractors worldwide. With this platform, you can easily handle salaries, benefits, expenses, and incentives compliantly in over 170 countries—all in one place.
PROS
- Fast and compliant payroll in 170+ countries.
- Live chat support with local payroll experts.
- Flexible, localized benefit packages.
- Flat-rate pricing structure, no deposits or hidden fees.
- Mobile app streamlines expense reimbursement with autofill from receipt photos.
- Fast and compliant payroll in 170+ countries.
- Live chat support with local payroll experts.
- Flexible, localized benefit packages.
- Flat-rate pricing structure, no deposits or hidden fees.
- Mobile app streamlines expense reimbursement with autofill from receipt photos.
CONS
- Doesn’t have a free trial.
- Redundant for organizations solely recruiting within the U.S.
- Help center documentation isn’t easiest to understand.
- Doesn’t have a free trial.
- Redundant for organizations solely recruiting within the U.S.
- Help center documentation isn’t easiest to understand.

Scaling internationally is exciting news for any business, but it also comes with a huge HR headache. Each country and state has different laws (which change over time), and local talent has varying interests in compensation packages. Having been there ourselves, so we can't help but appreciate how much easier Remote has made it for SMBs looking to expand their teams globally.
Remote offers two plans: one for global payroll and another for Employer of Record (EOR)—which includes everything from payroll to benefits, HR, and tax needed to hire and pay people from over 170 countries compliantly. Both come with transparent rates and no hidden fees. However, what really stands out to us is that regardless of the plan chosen, you gain access to in-house, local payroll support. We bugged these people a couple of times in our testing, and they have never let us down once—always quick turnaround and thorough guidelines.
That said, we do wish there was a free trial so the platform is more accessible to small businesses. Also, those preferring self-help documentation instead of always having to reach out to human support might not be satisfied with what's available in Remote's help center. In our experience, the instructions are not the easiest to follow, as they are mostly in written form with very few product screenshots for illustration.
Remote customers include brands like GitLab, Paystack, and Loom, but the exact number is undisclosed.
Remote offers two packages for payroll management:
- Global Payroll: $50 per employee per month
- Employer of Record: Starting at $599/month billed annually
Best For
Remote-first companies to hire and pay employees and contractors worldwide.
I use remote.com to hire contractors in multiple countries for our company. Once we find a candidate we want to hire, we send an offer letter and start the onboarding process in remote.com. Employees create their invoices at the end of the month and we complete payment through remote.com immediately.

- Ease of use - ability to learn how to use the system in a day
- You are able to contract from over 100 countries in remote.com
- Reporting is clear and easy to understand
As a small organization we were looking to hire many contractors in various countries. Remote.com is extremely easy to use and makes hiring internationally simple. I have been using Remote.com since March 2023.
- Customer service was not helpful and very rude. I had to get a manager involved.
- The system is not very robust. It really is just a payment and time tracking services system, any organization would need an employee performance management system.
- The integrations are underdeveloped and could be improved.
This is the first contractor tool that I have used, and I am very impressed. Remote.com does everything we need so I do not see us needing to switch to a different product.
I think people should assess what countries they need to hire contractors in, and make sure that remote.com is able to hire in those countries. Furthermore the cost of remote.com is pretty reasonable for the price that it costs.
I have not really seen a difference since I have been using it since March 2023. I will say that the reporting is great and I am always happy to improve my process while using it.
Companies with multiple contract workers
Companies with the majority of their hires in the United States.

Square

Square’s level of flexibility is amazing. It supports unlimited pay runs and next-day direct deposit, comes with some add-ons that you can choose to pay for if you need them, and can beautifully integrate with its ecosystem as well as several third-party business tools.
PROS
- Integrates with Square POS and other Square tools. Strong third-party integrations.
- Free seasonal inactivity provided.
- Reasonable, flat pricing. Free trial available.
- Free federal and state tax filing and payments.
- U.S.-based phone support for all plans.
- Integrates with Square POS and other Square tools. Strong third-party integrations.
- Free seasonal inactivity provided.
- Reasonable, flat pricing. Free trial available.
- Free federal and state tax filing and payments.
- U.S.-based phone support for all plans.
CONS
- Does not support employers in household and agricultural sectors.
- Automated payroll, PTO, sick leave tracking, time tracking, shift scheduling, and overtime calculations can only be accessed on higher-priced plans.
- Does not support employers in household and agricultural sectors.
- Automated payroll, PTO, sick leave tracking, time tracking, shift scheduling, and overtime calculations can only be accessed on higher-priced plans.

We first tested Square in 2020 and have kept a close eye on the tool ever since, and we have to admit that this is one of the best payroll options available when it comes to flexibility.
Square has two simple plans: one for contractor payroll and another for both contractors and full-time employees. The pricing is transparent and reasonable, with no annual commitment required. The best part, though, is that users can pause their subscription and won't be charged until it resumes after 9 months or when they process payroll again, whichever comes first. For businesses dealing with off-season, this is a huge money saving.
If you're a retailer, especially a store owner or in the restaurant business, you’ll find the combination of Square POS and Square payroll useful in many ways. Plus, if you're looking for third-party integrations, there are still plenty of options offered.
Just keep in mind that Square Payroll only works for businesses that file Form 941 or Form 944 and doesn't support employers in the household and agriculture sectors.
We should also warn you that even though the contractor plan is incredibly affordable — at $6 per contractor per month — it doesn’t cover features like automated payroll, PTO, and overtime calculations. You’d have to choose the higher-priced plan to access these features.
Square's clients include The Art of Donut, Glamourax Salon, and Live by the Sword, but the exact number of customers remains undisclosed.
- Employees and Contractors: $35/month + $6 per person paid per month. Free trial is available.
- Contractors Only: $6/contractor paid per month
Best For
Seasonal employers, including store owners and restaurants.
Initially, we used Square to process credit cards and provide receipts to customers. Square offers much more now. We can offer our customers financing, which is especially helpful in today's economy. We can schedule appointments through Square, helping us stay on track. We can also send and receive text messages. Square allows us to do marketing, driving customers to our online shop where they can shop and pay with one click.
I like the ease of use in the field for me and the customer. I can offer financing to my clients if they need extra time to pay. I can text my customers from this app, which makes it easier for me, as all their information is at my fingertips when I am in Square.
We needed a way to accept credit card payments at the point of sale, which moved regularly. We had no stationary retail location and needed to process credit cards on the spot. The alternative was writing the information down and processing it later, which created a lot of problems - incorrectly written card numbers, expiration dates, or cards that didn't process. Square took care of all of those issues, allowing us to provide a receipt to the customer and giving us peace of mind. This really streamlined our business.
Some of the transaction fees make it expensive to do business. I'd like to see more options for POS hardware. The integrations need to be more robust; there are some good platforms, but there need to be more to select from.
Square offers a robust array of services that complement basic credit card processing. They have taken it to the next level and expanded to include anything a small to large business may need. Square integrates with payroll, bookkeeping, staff management, payments, operations, and reporting. It can handle client management, scheduling, texting, and marketing.
Look at all the tasks this app can do and compare that to what you currently do within your organization. Do a cost comparison and see which one is more customer-focused. Consider which one uses fewer vendors and requires less manpower to manage.
Square has constantly evolved to become indispensable. It does everything from processing credit cards, invoicing, payroll, and banking to managing vendors, creating purchase orders, managing inventory, bookkeeping, reporting, client management, and marketing. If you can imagine something you want done, Square can probably customize a package with that in it for you.
Square is suitable for small to large businesses looking for a comprehensive solution for their payment processing and business management needs.
Square might not be suitable for an enterprise-sized organization due to its scalability limits.

OnPay

OnPay is fast, and you won't have to spend hours figuring out how to use this tool. In addition to payroll, this vendor provides some nice HR basics in its one-and-only plan, at no extra costs.
PROS
- Free tax form handling for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
- Some HR services included within the plan at no additional cost.
- 30-day free trial available (starts after OnPay verification).
- Well-developed online help resources.
- Free tax form handling for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
- Some HR services included within the plan at no additional cost.
- 30-day free trial available (starts after OnPay verification).
- Well-developed online help resources.
CONS
- Poor functioned employee mobile app.
- Requires payment four days before payday for direct deposit.
- Doesn’t support automatic payroll.
- Customer support sometimes hard to reach.
- Poor functioned employee mobile app.
- Requires payment four days before payday for direct deposit.
- Doesn’t support automatic payroll.
- Customer support sometimes hard to reach.

If you’ve already read our reviews of other payroll tools we’ve included in this guide, you may have noticed that OnPay is not the only vendor that can perform full-service payroll plus HR and benefits. However, it is the only one that has bundled all these functions into a single, affordable plan.
Starting at $46 per employee per month, you'll receive everything from multi-state payroll processing to automated onboarding, e-signing, broker-of-record integration, employee self-service, and account migration—all without additional fees or the need for plan upgrades.
Moreover, this platform is one of the few in the industry that offers a 30-day free trial, which you can easily sign up for online through its website. The only thing to note here is that the trial starts only after OnPay verifies your provided information, including your bank account. So make sure you double check the form before submitting.
Compared to its peers, OnPay has done an outstanding job providing online free guides. Despite being free resources, the guides are rich in information and offer many good insights into payroll, benefits, and HR.
Unfortunately, the vendor’s support didn’t meet our expectations. It took some time to receive a response from their live chat, and our email also had to wait until the next day for a reply.
Lastly, a few things to be clear: Unlike Gusto, OnPay has no native time tracking tool. It also doesn’t support automatic payroll.
OnPay charges a $40 monthly base fee plus $6 per employee. It also offers a free trial.
Best For
Small business owners that need full-service payroll and HR basics.
I use OnPay daily. The platform reduces the workload for my department, especially concerning taxes and payroll runs. It also provides in-depth reports on employee compensation, ensuring we stay updated on compensation compared to industry standards. The platform is very user-friendly and easy to teach to my colleagues in the department.
- It minimizes mistakes during payroll runs.
- It allows for unlimited payroll runs.
- I also appreciate the automated tax filings.
We were looking for software to help streamline our tax processes. OnPay offers an automated tax system that handles most of the work, and it also allows us to run unlimited payrolls. This feature was crucial for us since we have multiple shifts within our organization. With OnPay, we found that these two pain points became much more manageable. I have personally used this platform for over two years.
- I wish there was more flexibility in drilling down into specific reports.
- The company’s customer support could be better.
- The pricing structure could also use improvement.
The payroll runs and automated tax filings are two specific features that set OnPay apart from its competitors.
If you're facing increased payroll runs that add extra costs per month, I would certainly consider this platform for your organization. This feature handles most of the heavy lifting regarding payroll, saving you time and effort. The automated tax filings are also a significant benefit for any business looking to streamline this process, reducing the workload for your HR or Accounting/Finance departments.
From my experience, the overall customer service has improved significantly. Getting support when needed, even for simple questions, has become easier since I started using the platform.
OnPay is well-suited for any organization or industry, particularly small to medium-sized businesses.
Large corporations may not find OnPay the best fit.

Homebase

We found Homebase Payroll to be a strong choice for small businesses with hourly workers, particularly those already and/or looking to integrate scheduling and time tracking into their payroll workflow. Its automation capabilities significantly reduce payroll errors, and its compliance features ensure accurate tax filings.
PROS
- Easy, real-time syncing with Homebase’s time tracking system eliminates manual timesheet adjustments.
- Built-in overtime prevention tool auto-clocks out workers to reduce unintended labor costs.
- Automated tax filing at the federal, state, and local levels makes compliance easier for small businesses.
- Automated hours, wage and tip calculations to reduce payroll errors.
- Transparent pricing. Free plan available for basic time tracking and scheduling.
- More cost-effective than Patriot Payroll for multi-state businesses due to no additional state tax filing fees.
- Separate dashboards for managers and employees
- Real-time communication features allow for schedule changes on the move
- Requesting and approving paid time off is easy
- Great scheduling templates help managers streamline work
CONS
- Homebase doesn't offer benefits administration directly. (it can be obtained through their partnership with Stride though.)
- Not suitable for businesses with salaried employees due to its focus on hourly workers.
- Currently only supports U.S.-based businesses.
- Limited third-party integration support
- Additional features are somewhat expensive
If intuitive time tracking, compliance support, and transparent pricing are high on your priority list, Homebase is a solid option worth considering.
There are many great payroll solutions on the market; however, many bury their costs in the fine print. For a transparent priced option, we like Homebase. Right on its website, you can easily find out how much the payroll tool costs.
As of this writing, it’s priced at $39 per month plus $6 per active employee, which is relatively affordable. To sweeten the deal, the vendor also has a free trial. The only thing to keep in mind is that payroll is an add-on, so you'll need to choose one of their four plans to access it. That being said, their basic plan is free to start with—good enough for companies with one location and up to 20 employees.
Another thing we loved about this payroll software is its automation capabilities, particularly its real-time syncing with the time tracking system. To test this out, we set up a schedule for an hourly team and had employees clock in and out using their mobile app.
The system didn’t disappoint: it automatically pulled hours worked, calculated overtime, and factored in PTO, all without requiring manual timesheet adjustments. Compared to Gusto’s Simple Plan, which lacks built-in time tracking, Homebase includes this feature natively, making it a better option for businesses managing shift workers.
We also liked the overtime prevention tool, which automatically clocks out employees at the end of their shifts to prevent unnecessary labor costs. In this area, Homebase outshines QuickBooks Payroll, which does not offer built-in overtime prevention.
With Homebase, your tax filing is automated at the federal, state, and local levels. We prefer this to Patriot’s Full Service Plan, which charges $12 per month per state for the feature. We think many users would, too.
However, Homebase doesn’t have built-in benefits administration features the way Gusto does, so you’d need to rely on a third-party tool for such needs.
Another drawback we noticed while assessing the product was that this payroll system does not offer automatic compliance reporting, or real-time GPS tracking, all of which are available in Gusto Premium and QuickBooks Payroll.
100,000+ companies, including The Blind Goat & Xin Chao, Fuzzy Goat Yarn Shop, and Forth & Nomad.
Homebase Payroll costs $39/month + $6/month per active employee and is offered as an add-on.
Best For
Homebase Payroll is a great option for small businesses with shift-based employees, such as retail stores, restaurants, and service providers.
Payroll Software Benefits and ROI for Small Businesses
Payroll Software Helps SMBs Save Time and Money
For small businesses, time is money. You don’t want to spend time on repetitive tasks that can be easily automated. It is estimated that an hour wasted per employee amounts to $3,750 per year, and that figure can be as high as $11,250! For a small business, this is too high of a cost to bear. It affects your profitability and growth.
On the other end of the spectrum, automated payroll management saves you a lot of time (up to 40 hours a month) and money.
Automated Payroll Help Reduce Human Errors
Money lost due to human error during payroll preparation proves to be a huge problem. The American Payroll Association estimates that human error can reach 8% while processing payroll manually. To give an example of what this means in hard numbers, an 8% human error rate on a $15,000 payroll equals $1,200 lost in erroneous wage calculation.
Payroll Software Helps Protect SMBs from Compliance Issues and Tax Penalties
With payroll software solutions, you are protected from compliance issues. Small businesses do not have the time nor resources to be at the front of the ever-changing tax policy landscape.
It is especially complicated when you have employees in different states or beyond US borders. Each state and country has differing tax policies (deduction rates, compulsory contributions, etc.). If you default in filing correct tax returns, you will be penalized. As a small business looking to grow and expand, losing money to tax penalties will grossly affect your bottom line. All these can be avoided with a simple automated payroll solution.
Pricing Models for Small Business Payroll Service
For small businesses, payroll software mostly offers two kinds of pricing models:
- Flat rate per month/year
- Base rate plus per employee per month/year
The majority of the payroll software companies mentioned in this article use a base rate model. That is a good choice for small businesses, especially those with few employees. If you are a rapidly-growing business or you already have a sizable number of employees (say > 50) then a flat-rate pricing model might be best.
FAQs
Which payroll company is best for small businesses?
It depends on your business needs and the price you are willing to pay. If you want an affordable, stand-alone, full-service payroll, you can go for the more affordable options like Patriot, Quickbooks, and Zenefits. If you want HR solutions too, Gusto and Paychex Flex are a good fit.
What is the most used payroll software?
Due to its accounting suite, Quickbooks is the most used payroll software. Paychex and Gusto are close runner-ups.
What is the best international small business payroll service?
Amongst the payroll software providers on our list, Remote offers the best international options.
Final Advice on Buying a Small Business Payroll Solution
For small businesses, the process of choosing a payroll service provider can be cumbersome. The extreme dynamicity of small businesses requires you to choose one that fits your exact needs. We advise you to highlight your needs using these questions:
- How big is my business? Are you a solopreneur, a microbusiness with fewer than 10 employees, or maybe a small enterprise with over 100 staff?
- Who are my employees? Are your employees salaried workers or contractors? If they are salaried, do you pay an hourly wage or monthly salary?
- What is my budget? How much can you spend per employee/per month?
Answering these questions satisfactorily will streamline your payroll options. If, for example, you have employees who get paid per hour, you will likely opt for a payroll software that has time tracking to calculate and sync employee hours with payroll.
In the end, make sure to take your time and ask a lot of questions before you choose the best payroll software for your small company.
Please note that the services mentioned in this article are for small companies in the United States. If you are a global business looking to compensate your remote employees while staying compliant with international labor laws, check out our roundup of the best international payroll companies.
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