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Best Small Company Payroll Software

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.

Phil Strazzulla
Written by
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
Contributing Experts
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Last Updated: May 07, 2025
TOP
Top solution for international payroll and compliance
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Top solution for international payroll and compliance
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for fast direct deposit and lightweight bookkeeping
QuickBooks
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for fast direct deposit and lightweight bookkeeping
QuickBooks
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Good breadth of payroll options for SMBs
Gusto
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Good breadth of payroll options for SMBs
Gusto
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Comprehensive HR software starting at $5 per employee monthly
GoCo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.7
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Comprehensive HR software starting at $5 per employee monthly
GoCo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.7
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Enterprise-grade project management tool with powerful automation
Wrike
4.7
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Enterprise-grade project management tool with powerful automation
Wrike
4.7
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best video interviewing platform for scalability
Willo
4.5
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.8
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best video interviewing platform for scalability
Willo
4.5
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.8
Product  Score
Learn More

Best Small Company Payroll Software

NetchexBest payroll customer service for 50-to-500-employee teams
PaychexHighly scalable payroll and HR for solopreneurs and SMBs
RemoteAmong the best global payroll solutions for distributed SMBs
SquareHighly flexible payroll, best for seasonal employers
OnPayOne flat-rate platform for simple payroll and HR needs
HomebaseBest payroll tool for U.S. small businesses with hourly teams
RipplingModern payroll system with built-in tax & compliance automation for SMBs

Patriot

: Flexible and intuitive payroll, best for U.S.-based SMBs

TOP
Top solution for international payroll and compliance
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Top solution for international payroll and compliance
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for fast direct deposit and lightweight bookkeeping
QuickBooks
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for fast direct deposit and lightweight bookkeeping
QuickBooks
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Good breadth of payroll options for SMBs
Gusto
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Good breadth of payroll options for SMBs
Gusto
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More

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Introduction to Payroll Software for Small Companies

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.

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Our Criteria: Here's How We Chose The Best Small Company Payroll Software

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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Compare the Best Small Company Payroll Software

Popularity Score
Best for
Key Differentiator
Pricing
Free Trial
Customers
Users Score
Product Score
4.4
Remote-first, global SMBs
Robust global payroll tools plus free HRIS
No
35,000+ companies
4.6
4.5
4.1
SMBs seeking payroll & accounting in one solution
Fastest direct deposit
Starts at $31/mo
Get pricing info
Yes
29,000,000+ companies
4.0
4.0
4.0
Budget-minded startups & growing SMBs
Good breadth of payroll options for SMBs
Starts at $49/month
Get pricing info
No
400,000+ Customers
4.0
4.1
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Best Small Company Payroll Software

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Detailed Reviews of the Best Payroll Software for Small Companies

Deel

Visit Website
Deel
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Deel

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.

Deel Review

We picked Deel’s payroll because it’s easy to use, offers a variety of payment options, and provides strong compliance support.

Screenshot of Deel’s payroll platform for small businesses

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 Customers

Deel has served over 35,000 companies, including Brex, Makerpad, and Andela.

Deel Pricing

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.

Deel in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

Deel was used on a daily basis for us. It was used to manage all of our international contractors, manage contracts, payments, and payroll, and we used their employer-of-record model to hire in certain areas as well. Being able to run international payroll for various countries outside of the US using one system was extremely helpful. The customer support for Deel is also great, as you get an employment advisor as well who will help you understand how to best use Deel's international PEO/Employer-of-Record services. To summarize, hiring, international payroll, understanding employment/payroll laws of various countries, and making it digestible are the highlights of using Deel. It saved us a lot of time, money, and energy.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I like that you can use one platform to run multiple payrolls for different countries.
  • I like that they make hiring contractors in other countries easier.
  • I like that they make understanding other countries' payroll and employment laws easy with all sorts of helpful resources.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our small start-up company of under 50 employees was looking to hire international consultants in various areas, mainly Canada, Brazil, and later Poland and Ireland. We've used Deel for about 2 years now mainly for contract management and international payroll, and used their PEO and Employer of Record services as well. The key benefit is being able to hire great talent outside of the US and being protected and advised around payroll and employment laws for various countries.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I dislike their reporting function as it's essentially just Excel and doesn't allow for advanced filtering/reporting.
  • I dislike that the integration with Rippling is a bit wonky. Some employee info will flow in, but not all.
  • I dislike that making changes in contracts can be difficult and that the e-signature capability is not great.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

I believe that Deel is the best in class in terms of international hiring/payroll/compliance/PEO. They have a great team behind getting the system of hiring set up in each individual country. Their customer service is really great and they are great consultants that help you meet your goals. If you use their PEO or Employer of Record service it can be costly depending on where you're hiring.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • Location of Hiring - Depending on where you're hiring, Deel may not support that region so it's important to take a look at which areas they cover. They do cover most major areas of international hiring.
  • Cost - Overall it's an affordable and effective system for international payroll. It does sit outside of the HRIS ( if you use one) so that's something to think about as an additional cost.
  • HRIS Compatibility - It's also important to think about the compatibility with your HRIS, otherwise you have a lot of data sitting outside of your HRIS which you can manually upload through CSV reports.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

In the time that I used Deel, they developed their PEO availability regions. I believe they do a good job at customer listening, and their team is extremely attentive.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is great for small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to quickly expand internationally. It's also important to note that in each new location you're hiring in, if you're looking to have a hiring hub of 20+ more employees in that particular company, using Deel may only be a short-term solution. But for quick hires, small hiring hubs, and hiring consultants across countries, it's a great platform.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I imagine it may not be the best for a very well-established company with a significant number of hires in particular locations. For example, having 20+ employees in one country would not be the best fit for Deel.

QuickBooks

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QuickBooks
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked 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.
QuickBooks SMB payroll software screenshot

QuickBooks Review

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.

QuickBooks Customers

29,000,000+ companies, including Industrial Manila, Tamar's Hope, and Hiplus.

QuickBooks Pricing

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.

QuickBooks in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I use Quickbooks for monthly invoicing, financial statements, and to keep track of account receivables. We don't currently have it integrated with other softwares, but are thinking about integrating it with our workforce planning software in the future if that is possible. In terms of workflow, I access Quickbooks at least once a week to load new invoices, match receipts, upload receipts from my phone, and download our monthly PnL report. We have a separate system that we put the PnL report in that helps us track our cash flow in a way that accounts for projections.

What do you like about this tool?

It is easy to use - the interface is intuitive. I like the app and the fact I can do receipt tracking on my phone. I like that I can easily give my employees a company card and have them forward receipts into Quickbooks.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We work with a CPA firm who helped us to integrate Quickbooks across our organization. We began using Quickbooks in 2018, when our firm had just under $60,000 in revenue a year. Today, we use Quickbooks to manage the company's $1.7M and growing annual budget. We used Quickbooks because we wanted to have accurate timely financial statements across the organization, track all of our expenses, and manage our businesses PnL easily. I've been the primary user for the past 5 years.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I wish that it had better cash flow capabilities - the current capabilities do not account for projections. I also wish that when adding users there was an option to add employees who just had employee cards who need to email receipts into Quickbooks instead of having to take up a user seat - right now we have some employees emailing receipts to a company user to forward them on because there is only five seats in our plan. I also wish Quickbooks integrated better with my bank - the bank connection is always breaking and needs to be updated.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I haven't used similar tools - before Quickbooks I did everything on a spreadsheet. I did choose Quickbooks because it came highly recommended from my CPA firm.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

People should think about their needs for financial reporting. People should also think about their needs for billing, and tracking employee expenses.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?
What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

It works great for my consulting firm!

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I think it will work for most people, but I can see it being a challenge for people who have always tracked receipts and expenses manually to shift.

Gusto

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Gusto
Learn More
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked 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
Gusto-SMB-payroll-software-dashboard

Gusto Review

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.

Gusto Customers

Gusto serves over 400,000 customers across all the United States. They don't specify which portion of that is Small Businesses, but from our experience, a myriad of SMBs across the US love using Gusto and feel confident sticking with it as their payroll expands.

Gusto Pricing

Gusto's pricing for their payroll product starts from $49/mo + $6/mo per each team member. This is the Simple plan, which is good if you only need single-state payroll, and basic reporting and support. The fees start at $80 for the Plus plan and $180 for their Premium offering, with a $12 or $22 per person monthly fee, respectively. In case you're interested in only hiring independent contractors, they do offer a Contractor Only plan that starts at $35 per month. That said, they have been known to release limited time offers where the price drops considerably.

Best For

Startups with limited budgets (Basic plan) and SMBs with smaller HR departments and greater financial capacity (Premium plan).

Gusto in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use Gusto on a weekly and bi-weekly basis to pay contractors, send offer letters, engage employees, and onboard new hires. The key workflows that we use are our recruiting workflow and hiring workflow. Of the workflows, Gusto is heavily used on the hiring and employee management side. Gusto is used from the time an employee receives an offer letter through to their onboarding and paychecks.

What do you like about this tool?

The top three reasons why we like this solution are: 1. We no longer have to jump from a spreadsheet, to a PowerPoint, to QuickBooks, and an ATS to accomplish daily tasks. 2. We are saving money by having one centralized system that integrates with our other software instead of paying for multiple systems. 3. Gusto has helped reduce our time to hire thanks to automated onboarding.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We are a startup organization, and we were seeking a cost-effective SaaS HR platform to assist with our onboarding and employee management. We started off utilizing spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and Google Docs. We wanted to streamline our process and have everything in one centralized location. We have used Gusto for two years, and it has been a tremendous help with our hiring workflow. The key benefit it provides is having everything in one place that is readily accessible to all responsible parties in the hiring workflow as well as our employees. We love the self-service functionality.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I dislike Gusto’s applicant tracking system. It isn’t user-friendly and doesn’t have the best UI. They can improve the ATS by making it user-friendly and creating a better dashboard.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Gusto fares well with its competitors in benefits administration and onboarding services. From a cost perspective and the number of features included in their lower-tiered plan, Gusto outperforms its competition. They offer flexible monthly plans that scale with your business without being locked into a contract. This is a very enticing feature for startups that are still getting familiar with tools on the market and determining their software needs.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

People should consider how many users require access and whether Gusto integrates with their existing software. They should also look at the number of existing employees and their projected hiring goals to determine if Gusto is a long-term solution.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Over time, Gusto has added new features such as the ATS. It appears it is attempting to be an HRIS. They have also added additional third-party integrations.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Gusto is an excellent tool for startups. It provides cost-effective solutions to help you get started with a small workforce.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I don’t feel Gusto is a good fit for a company seeking an HRIS or a company with over 100 employees. Gusto falls short in this area. Although Gusto has great onboarding capabilities, at times there are discrepancies with payroll, and the ATS isn’t user-friendly or robust.

Patriot

Visit Website
Patriot
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked 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.
Patriot-SMB-payroll-software-dashboard

Patriot Review

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.

Patriot Customers

10,000+ companies, including Ninja Window Washing, B Squared Fine Homes, and Coblentz Cabinets.

Patriot Pricing

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.

Patriot in action
No items found.

Netchex

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Netchex
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked Netchex

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.
Netchex SMB payroll software screenshot

Netchex Review

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.

Netchex Customers

6,500+ organizations, including Xpressdocs, BK Corrosion, Regal Hospitality, and The Colony ER Hospital.

Netchex Pricing

Netchex uses a per employee per month pricing model, which varies based on company size and products.

Best For

Businesses with 50-500 employees.

Netchex in action
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Paychex

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Paychex
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
3.9 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked 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.
Paychex SMB payroll software screenshot

Paychex Review

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.

Paychex Customers

745,000+ companies, including Warner Bros, Denny's, Grubhub, and Frito-Lay.

Paychex Pricing

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.

Paychex in action
Reviewer's Rating
5/10

We use Paychex primarily for payroll processing, with a representative handling our gross-to-net calculations, reporting, and funding documents. The system is used on a regular payroll cycle to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.

While it automates some tasks, we still need to review reports and verify calculations before finalizing payroll. As part of the ancillary services, Paychex files taxes and some compliance documentation, but we must stay involved to ensure accuracy—similar to other third-party vendors.

Overall, we rely on it for essential payroll functions, though the experience has not always been seamless.

What do you like about this tool?
  • We have access to an in-country partner in Germany who speaks the local language, which helps with communication and local compliance.
  • They are knowledgeable about specific regulations, helping us stay compliant with payroll laws.
  • Paychex facilitates ancillary payments such as taxes and health insurance, reducing some administrative burden on our team.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our organization needed a local payroll solution to stay compliant with regulations, and Paychex offered a competitive price. We have been using it for six years, but it has not always met our expectations.

While it handles basic payroll functions, we have encountered issues with customer support and system limitations. The platform can be inefficient at times, requiring more manual intervention than expected. Although it has helped us manage payroll, we are not entirely satisfied with the overall experience.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • It is difficult to get in touch with a representative, especially if they are not based in-country.
  • The representatives often do not speak English or use a translator, which has been a challenge—something we haven’t encountered with other providers in 20+ countries.
  • The platform lacks flexibility and often requires manual workarounds for tasks that should be automated.
How is this tool different than their competitors?
  • The tools are quite similar—Paychex offers a basic platform with standard payroll processing and reporting features.
  • Its reporting capabilities are not particularly advanced, and more robust reports or analytical tools would improve the payroll review process.
  • The response rate from representatives is comparable to other providers, but the lack of language support makes communication more difficult.
  • Overall, it does not stand out significantly from competitors in terms of functionality or service.
What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • When choosing a payroll provider, consider whether having a local contact who speaks the in-country language is essential for your team.
  • Decide if you prefer to process payroll in-house or rely on an external vendor, as this affects the level of control and oversight needed.
  • If your internal team lacks the bandwidth to manage payroll, outsourcing to a provider like Paychex can be helpful, but it’s important to stay involved to ensure accuracy.
  • Evaluate the reporting and compliance support offered, as robust tools can simplify payroll reviews and audits.
  • Customer support responsiveness is another critical factor, especially if you operate across time zones or require multilingual assistance.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Paychex has made incremental updates to its user-facing portals to improve accessibility and functionality.

They continue to invest in their technology, but the platform remains relatively basic compared to more advanced systems like Workday or UKG Pro.

Some improvements have been made, such as modernized interfaces and slight enhancements in automation, but the tool still lacks the robust reporting and analytics many users need.

Overall, while the tool has evolved, it has not significantly differentiated itself from competitors in terms of innovation or functionality.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?
  • Paychex is well-suited for small businesses (50 employees or fewer) that need payroll support but lack in-house expertise on local compliance and tax regulations.
  • It is especially beneficial for organizations expanding into new countries that require a local payroll partner to handle filings and payments.
  • Companies with limited HR and payroll resources may find it useful, as it helps offload some administrative tasks.
  • Larger organizations or those needing more advanced reporting and automation may find it lacking.
What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?
  • This tool is not a good fit for highly complex organizations with hundreds or more employees, especially those with advanced payroll needs or intricate reporting requirements.
  • Larger companies often require more customization, scalability, and robust analytics than Paychex can provide.
  • Organizations that need more specialized payroll features or integration with other enterprise systems may find the platform insufficient.
  • Companies requiring multinational support with deeper language flexibility or more granular compliance management would likely benefit from a more comprehensive tool.

Remote

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Remote
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked 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.
Remote SMB payroll software screenshot

Remote Review

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

Remote customers include brands like GitLab, Paystack, and Loom, but the exact number is undisclosed.

Remote Pricing

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.

Remote in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

I use Remote as a tool for our international hiring process, and we require international candidates at least once per month. Remote allows me to control the entire recruitment process from the job position posting until the onboarding process. It also helps me source candidates that match our job description and manage and organize the applicants through their integration with our ATS system.

What do you like about this tool?

I love Remote because I can post job openings in different countries, which helps me attract more candidates and create a talent pool. I like that it is user-friendly, and the features are easy to use and understand; you do not need to watch YouTube videos to learn how the platform works. Finally, it helps me create job postings that are more attractive to candidates using AI.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our Customer Service department requires bilingual and, in some cases, trilingual profiles. This skill can be challenging to find in the market if you focus your search on just one country. I have been using Remote for the past four years, and it has helped us find seasoned candidates on different continents, opening the possibility of hiring international employees and meeting our recruitment goals.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It can increase the number of ATS systems that they can integrate with the platform. Remote has amazing additional services, but they offer them as an enterprise plan (extra cost); I believe some of them, such as global payroll, could be included in the talent acquisition plan. Although customer support is available 24/7, sometimes it takes a few days to get back to you with a solution.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I have used different platforms to hire international employees. Remote.com allows me to contract directly with the employee for my organization, while other platforms only allow me to hire the candidates as freelancers or contractors, and we require full-time employees.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you want to increase your talent pool and hire remote workers, Remote.com is a good option. In addition, if you need help processing payroll according to the employment laws in each country, Remote.com takes care of it with global payroll.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Remote.com has changed the way of remote work. Before, there was just one option: hiring someone as a freelancer or contractor. However, their platform is available in different countries and has opened the possibility of hiring full-time employees. Companies can now count on team members to be 100% focused on their needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Remote.com is for any type of organization, whether an international or multinational company or a business startup, because their platform adjusts to the organization's needs.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I believe it would not be a good fit for an organization that is looking to hire from a specific country where Remote.com does not have a presence.

Square

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Square
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked 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.
Square-SMB-payroll-software-dashboard

Square Review

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 Customers

Square's clients include The Art of Donut, Glamourax Salon, and Live by the Sword, but the exact number of customers remains undisclosed.

Square Pricing

  • 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.

Square in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

We use Square for mobile sales. It allows us to avoid a hodgepodge of Venmo and PayPal transactions going through multiple workers. We use it a few times a month when we run large events and sell concessions. It's made the sales transactions much easier for customers. And it's also allowed us better control over our budget.

What do you like about this tool?

It's very convenient to use on the go. We don't have to pay a monthly fee - we just pay a percentage of transactions. Customers like having this option instead of using cash.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

My organization bought Square for mobile sales transactions. It's a small operation, and we had been operating cash only, but a lot of customers didn't have cash. We tried using other online payment services, but they were going through organization volunteers instead of directly to the organization. This made it difficult to manage the budget and track down payments.

What do you dislike about this tool?

We are a very small non-profit operation so the transaction charges can add up. I don't like that we have to pay more if we have to manually enter a payment card number.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I can only compare this to using Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle and Square is much easier for us to use. Customers don't need to have a pre-existing account - they can just use their credit or debit card. It makes things much easier.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider whether this would be easier to use than cash or cash apps. Also consider the transaction fees. They can add up when you are a small business and/or nonprofit.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I think they are always trying to be more user-friendly and accessible. It's nice to have a pricing model where we don't have to pay a monthly or annual fee.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

It could be good for a range of organizations from large to small. Mine is very small and the pricing flexibility is good for us and allows us much easier transactions with our customers.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I think most organizations would benefit from Square. Again, I would just caution you to consider the transaction fees and make sure they are within an acceptable range for your organization.

OnPay

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OnPay
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.7 / 5

Why we picked 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.
OnPay-SMB-payroll-software-dashboard

OnPay Review

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 Customers

OnPay Pricing

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.

OnPay in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use OnPay to process bi-weekly payroll for our employees and contractors. We utilize the direct deposit functionality and use it to withhold for benefits and 401(k) deductions. It automatically remits payroll taxes to the state on our behalf. We have also recently started using it to track and approve employee PTO requests.

What do you like about this tool?

We are a small non-profit, and they provide us with a non-profit discount. It has all the functionality we need without being overly complicated. Processing payroll is quick and easy.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We bought OnPay because it seemed to be the best fit for our organization. It has all the functionality we need to handle HR and payroll for our small group of employees. It is robust enough to meet our needs but not overly complicated like some of the larger systems. It is easy to use, yet it allows us to process multi-state payroll and manage our employees' time off. It also includes all the basic reporting that we require.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It doesn't offer much in terms of custom reporting. Much of the HR information requires navigating to individual employee records to view. You can't edit a benefit plan once it's created; you have to make a new one to implement any changes.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

OnPay is really the only system of its type and size that I've used, so I can't say how it compares to competitors. It is much simpler than ADP or UKG, which I have used, but we are getting it for a fraction of the cost. The simplicity of the system actually works well for our team.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider the needs of your business and team. OnPay is a fairly basic HR and payroll system. It covers all the essentials, but if you need extensive reporting or numerous integrations with other systems, you might want to explore a higher-tier HR/payroll solution. Additionally, consider cost. Even without the non-profit discount, it's a very economical solution compared to some of the larger providers.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I haven't noticed any significant changes since we started using OnPay, but as I mentioned, it already meets our needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

I believe OnPay is great for smaller companies that don't need extensive features in their HR and payroll system.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I think a large organization with complex reporting needs would struggle to get everything they require from OnPay.

Homebase

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Homebase
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Popularity Score
4.6 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.7 / 5

Why we picked 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

Homebase Review

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.

Homebase Customers

100,000+ companies, including The Blind Goat & Xin Chao, Fuzzy Goat Yarn Shop, and Forth & Nomad.

Homebase Pricing

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.

Homebase in action
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Rippling

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Rippling
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked 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

Rippling Review

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.

Rippling payroll platform has a modern, clean user interface
Rippling payroll platform has a modern, clean user interface

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.

Rippling Customers

Notable customers include Hovercraft, Harver, and The Portland Clinic.

Rippling Pricing

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.

Rippling in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I help with recruiting and other HR stuff here at Tatem. While I am no longer a part of this as my role has expanded into marketing, I formerly used Rippling to manage employee payments, write, edit, and send employee contracts, get employee signatures on legal documents, make approved changes to employee and company profiles, and more. Now I just use it as a non-administrator employee and it's equally great. I also loved using the apps for insurance for Tatem.

What do you like about this tool?

It's incredibly easy to use and has a great customer experience. The customer support is excellent, always very responsive, and helpful. They have so many functionalities and features available, from insurance to legal documents.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our founder used Rippling in his former company and had had a good experience with it. We tried Gusto due to all the hype, but it was a bit hard to use at first. We ultimately returned to Rippling due to its excellent user experience, customer support, and ease of use. It also just seemed to have more features and functionalities available.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Honestly, nothing. Maybe if I had to choose something, I'd say that their design could be a bit more modern or updated, and it'd be great if they had an easy to use mobile app.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Compared to Gusto, Rippling is much more straightforward. Gusto had very poor user experience for first-time users, but with Rippling, I didn't have to wonder what's next. I was able to hop on and begin using it as both an admin and employee.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Rippling is a tool that's comprehensive enough that it will cover every possible HR scenario imaginable. It works for teams of all sizes. It has a responsive support team which you’ll need.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I feel like they've made product updates along the way to enhance their user experience and ensure there are no glitches. They really focus on creating an excellent, no-fuss UX.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

We're in technology (SaaS), but it could really be good for anything.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

A solopreneur or a one-person team.

Pro Tips on Payroll Software for Small Companies

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.

About the Author

Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
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Phil is the founder of SelectSoftware Reviews, a website dedicated to helping HR and Recruiting teams find and buy the right software through in-depth, expert advice. He has bought over $1 million worth of HR and Recruiting tools. Additionally, as of 2023, nearly 3 million HR professionals have relied on his advice to determine which business software they should buy.

Phil studied finance at New York University and started his career working in venture capital before getting his MBA from Harvard Business School. His in-depth understanding of the Saas landscape, especially HR Tech, stems from nearly a decade of researching and working with these tools as a computer programmer, user, and entrepreneur.

Featured in: Entrepreneur Harvard Business School Yahoo HR.com Recruiting Daily Hacking HR Podcast HR ShopTalk Podcast Employer Branding for Talent Acquisition (Udemy Course)

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