Gusto is an excellent choice for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Starting at $39 monthly + $6 per month, per employee, it offers a wide range of payroll and HR functions. It ranks well for both payroll and HR software because of its affordability and multiple plan options (for contractors and with HR services). However, Gusto may not fit every company’s needs and budget, in that case, a top competitor product may be the best option.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Best overall Gusto alternative for small businesses
- OnPay: Companies that prioritize user-friendliness over other payroll software attributes
- Square Payroll: Online and on-location retailers and restaurants, especially those using Square POS
- SurePayroll: Small businesses needing payroll plus a few HR support options
- Rippling: Businesses that primarily need robust onboarding and offboarding support along with an integrated way to pay workers
- Patriot: Businesses needing cheap but popular payroll options to pay a small number of employees
- Paychex: Small to large businesses needing a full-service solution that can grow with them
OnPay and Patriot are more affordable than Gusto, so if budget is your top concern, you should consider looking at both products. If you are looking for self-service plans fit for small start-ups and even household employers, SurePayroll and Patriot fit the bill. For faster payouts, QuickBooks can facilitate next-day deposits on its basic plan instead of paying a premium with Gusto. Square Payroll is the best choice for restaurants because it’s able to automatically track and import tips and commissions with its own POS system. When looking for a more solid set of HR features with multiple third-party integrations, you can choose Rippling over Gusto, especially if you plan to expand overseas. Lastly, if you want to pay your employees using paychecks and are interested in check signing and stuffing services, you can look into Paychex.
How We Chose the Best Gusto Alternatives
We considered many top payroll services, looking at how they competed with Gusto. We then evaluated the 11 best options for running payroll and HR services that are most important to small businesses, scoring them according to the criteria below. Finally, we chose the top seven software to help you decide which payroll software is best for your business. Overall, for features and customer satisfaction, QuickBooks Payroll is the best Gusto alternative.
30% of Overall Score
We looked for convenience features like automatic pay runs, tax filing (federal, state, and local levels), and the ability to pay contractors and employees. We also considered specific needs such as tip planning. When it comes to payroll features, SurePayroll rivals Gusto in almost all components—including the tax penalty guarantee.
25% of Overall Score
In addition to each software’s pricing per employee, we checked if they require setup fees. We also favored those that allowed unlimited pay runs and multiple plan options. Among the seven Gusto alternatives, Patriot offered the best price for its full-service payroll with a two-month trial.
20% of Overall Score
Payroll software should be easy to use. We looked for an intuitive user platform, including live phone support and flawless integration with other software. User comments on the learning curve and day-to-day operations were also given plus points. QuickBooks Payroll and OnPay were favored by a lot of users among the seven Gusto alternatives. Both were reviewed positively, similarly to Gusto.
10% of Overall Score
The best payroll software includes simple HR features, such as onboarding, self-service portals, and benefits. We favored companies with advisors on hand to help with legal compliance issues. Paychex, OnPay, and Square are competitive in this area since they offer expert advice and benefits management without spending too much.
10% of Overall Score
We took the average user ratings from G2, Capterra, and Software Advice, which are based on a 5-star scale; any option with an average of 4+ stars is ideal. We also favored software with 1,000+ reviews on any third-party site. Some Gusto alternatives are well-received by users; others like SurePayroll and Onpay scored less than three stars.
5% of Overall Score
In addition to the number of payroll reports, we considered whether they are customizable or if you could create special reports for your specific needs. Paychex is comparable to Gusto in this area since it has robust reporting and analytics features that are also customizable.
QuickBooks Payroll
PROS
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Same- and next-day direct deposit
- Self-service onboarding
- Integrates with QuickBooks and QuickBooks Desktop
CONS
- It doesn’t handle local taxes
- It doesn’t work with QuickBooks Mac
- Few integrations outside of Intuit software
- Inconsistent customer support quality
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 3.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
QuickBooks Payroll is a great payroll software for small businesses. It seamlessly integrates with the PC or online version of QuickBooks accounting and can handle most payroll functions, from onboarding to tax preparation. Plus, it has the same- and next-day direct deposit to get employees paid promptly. It does not automatically handle local taxes (needs to be manually set up), pay on-demand, or report new hires (depending on plan) to the state like Gusto. It does however, have a tax penalty protection feature for its Elite plan should you ever receive an IRS penalty. QuickBooks’ tax resolution team will represent you and pay all penalty fees and interest up to $25,000 per year regardless of who made an error.
Earning an overall score of 4.44 out of 5 in our evaluation, QuickBooks Payroll was rated highly for its pricing, ease of use, payroll functionality, and reporting tools. On the contrary, its limited employee payment options and third-party software integrations, including its inability to pay and file local taxes, contributed to its low scores. In terms of user reviews, it received positive feedback from online reviewers who said that its user-friendly interface makes pay processing easy for them. Some added that it has a solid mobile application to match.
Read our QuickBooks Payroll review to learn more about QuickBooks Payroll and how to maximize its functions for your business. Also, check out how easy it can be to run payroll with QuickBooks Payroll.
QuickBooks Payroll Pricing
Both Gusto and Quickbooks have three plan options, but QuickBooks’ Core and Premium plans are pricier than Gusto’s Core and Complete plans.
- Core: This option costs $45 plus $4 per employee monthly and includes full-service payroll with next-day direct deposits, health benefits options, and automated federal and state tax calculations, payments, and filings.
- Premium: Priced at $75 plus $8 per employee monthly, you get all the features included in Core plus workers’ compensation administration, time tracking, and same-day direct deposits.
- Elite: This plan, which costs $125 plus $10 per employee monthly, comes with additional features like 24/7 support, tax penalty protection, and access to a personal HR adviser.
QuickBooks Payroll Standout Features
- Intuitive interface: The software has intuitive controls that allow you to set up and run payroll in a few easy steps. It doesn’t have a complicated-looking interface, and if you have questions about its functionalities, QuickBooks Payroll has how-to articles that can guide you through its features.
- Efficient pay processing: Automatically run payroll so that you have more time to focus on business-building projects. With its full-service payroll, you can efficiently pay both employees and contractors, although you have to handle local payroll tax payments and filings yourself.
- Quick and easy direct deposits: QuickBooks Payroll offers same- and next-day direct deposits if you need to pay employees quickly. Gusto provides a next-day deposit only in its premium plans, while you can enjoy it in the QuickBooks Core plan.
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks: While it doesn’t integrate with many third-party software, its native integration with QuickBooks allows for seamless data transfers between Intuit QuickBooks products. This means that your payroll information can flow directly to the general journal, plus you can use wage-related information for analytics and other reports using QuickBooks.
- Expert support: For new clients, QuickBooks Payroll has an easy-to-follow setup wizard and implementation support to help you get the system up and running. In addition, you are granted access to payroll experts that you can contact via phone and chat. If you subscribe to its highest tier, you get an HR professional who can provide expert advice. Unlike most other providers with the exception of Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll also offers 24/7 customer support.
OnPay
PROS
- Affordable
- Multiple pay rates and schedules
- Optimized mobile application
- Multi-state payroll
CONS
- PTO accrual calculations can be confusing
- No multiple plan options
- Direct deposit turnaround time is longer than two days
- Lacks pre-loaded HR templates
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
OnPay is a good Gusto alternative, especially for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. With a cloud-based platform and modern interface that rivals that of Gusto, you can automatically run unlimited payroll and withhold and file federal and state taxes using it. Setup and migration are free with OnPay, and you’ll only need to pay for active workers. OnPay also lets you give year-end bonuses without disrupting the regular payroll cycle.
It earned 4.34 out of 5 in our evaluation for its tax penalty guarantee and customizable reporting features that Gusto lacks. However, the tax penalty guarantee only covers mistakes OnPay representatives make, which contrasts with that of QuickBooks, which covers any mistakes. You can use detailed reports within OnPay and even make changes, save custom views, and download reports to share. Most reviewers commented that the software is easy to use—the features are set up in a pretty logical format—and customer support has proven to be top-notch for many. It did not do well with its direct deposit since it has a longer turnaround than its competitors. It also lacks a dedicated mobile application which Gusto has.
To see a full breakdown of OnPay from an expert’s perspective, check out our OnPay review.
OnPay Pricing
Unlike Gusto and QuickBooks, which have multiple plan options, OnPay offers full-service payroll and HR at $36 a month, plus $4 per person monthly. There is no setup fee for new users; instead, OnPay will help you migrate company information to start your payroll without any cost. Except for manual check printing and insufficient funds fees, OnPay has no hidden fees.
OnPay Standout Features
- Flexible payroll features: OnPay supports multiple pay rates and schedules, including multi-state payroll with no extra cost. It also enables you to pay employees through direct deposit, manual check, or pay card. You can access OnPay using your Google, Intuit, or Xero login.
- Customizable reports: Unlike Gusto, payroll reports are customizable using OnPay’s Report Designer. All reports can also be viewed in real time online, downloaded as a PDF or spreadsheet, or exported to your accounting software.
- Lifetime OnPay account: Just like Gusto, OnPay’s self-service portal is accessible to all employees even after leaving the company. With it, you can quickly add your employees’ information and manage payroll. Employees can access their pay stubs, including tax forms and tax forms, anytime. Voluntary deductions are monitored using this portal.
- Solid third-party integrations: OnPay works seamlessly with many providers, When I Work, Humanity, Deputy, Xero, and QuickBooks Online, Desktop, and Time.
- Special payroll services: OnPay caters to specific niches, including churches and nonprofits, restaurants, farms, and other agricultural businesses. It calculates wages (like tip wages) and processes tax filings for these particular industries at no extra cost.
Square Payroll
PROS
- Automatic payroll runs and manual check creation capability
- Self-service onboarding
- Preps and files year-end reports
- Integrates with Square POS and provides free time-tracking
CONS
- Direct deposit takes four days
- Can’t build new reports from scratch
- Phone support requires customer code
- No expert advisers on call
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
Square Payroll is a popular payroll system for small retailers and restaurants, especially those already using Square’s point-of-sale (POS) solution. It handles payroll for contractors and employees, calculates taxes and manages benefits, and has free time-tracking—a bonus for hourly workers. However, direct deposit is slower than Gusto and the competitors on our list.
Square Payroll earned 4.14 out of 5 based on our criteria because of its unique payroll features like the unlimited bonus and off-cycle runs at no extra charge and tip and commission importing. It also automatically syncs to QuickBooks Online and Square POS along with other third-party timecard partners. Based on reviews, users find its solid payroll and tax filing features helpful and easy to use. Its live phone support with experts at no extra cost is also a good feature. However, it lacks preformatted reports and does not offer same-day direct deposit, which earned it lower ratings.
To understand Square Payroll better from an expert point of view, check out our Square review.
Square Payroll Pricing
- Pay employees and contractors: It costs $29 a month, plus $ 5 per employee monthly. It includes unlimited payroll runs, automatic payroll tax calculations and filing, free account setup and live support, timecards, and an employee app. It also allows users to track and import tips and commissions and mail W-2s and 1099 MISC forms.
- Pay contractors only: At $5 per person, per month, you can run unlimited payroll; mail 1099-MISC forms; pay by check, direct deposit, or Cash App; access US-based customer support; and you don’t have to pay during months your contractors don’t work or get paid which is unique with Square Payroll among other providers in this list.
Square Payroll Standout Features
- Seamless payroll tools integration: Aside from unlimited pay runs for both employees and contractors, Square Payroll seamlessly integrates with Square POS, Square Team Management, QuickBooks Online, and other third-party timecard partners.
- Multiple employee payment options: Aside from direct deposit, employees and contractors are paid using manual checks or Cash App.
- Benefits administration: Square Payroll will provide your employees with pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation insurance, health insurance, or even retirement packages that will automatically sync with your payroll in all 50 states compared with Gusto’s 39. On the other hand, Patriot does not have this feature, so you can include Square Payroll as an option for benefits management.
- Online tax filing and reporting: Square Payroll will automatically file your quarterly and annual taxes as well as prepare and file your W-2s or 1099s, whether workers receive an hourly, salary, or custom amount.
- Import tips and commissions: You can automatically track and import tips and commissions from Square’s in-house POS system. It is a unique feature that only Square Payroll has among the top Gusto alternatives.
- Contractor-only plan: If you’re only paying contractors, you don’t have to pay the base fee, and Square will calculate and remit payments to your workers. This is similar to Gusto’s Contractor plan and is great for companies that primarily contract work out vs hiring employees; if they don’t work one month, you don’t pay. The other providers on the list charge you the same price as you’d pay for an employee.
- No annual commitments: Similar with all the Gusto alternatives in this list, Square Payroll offers a no-commitment, cancel-anytime policy, so you can use it as long as you need without worrying about yearly commitments. With Square Payroll, you can even freeze your bill anytime if you are not using a particular service.
SurePayroll
PROS
- Multiple ways to pay employees
- Transparent pricing
- Tax penalty-free guarantee
CONS
- Time clock integration is not free
- No multiple plan options
- No online onboarding
- No expert advisers on call
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
SurePayroll offers both self-service and full-service payroll features that are a fit for small businesses—unlike Gusto, which limits users to full-service payroll services. It’s great to pay yourself as a self-employed worker with software that grows with you as more employees come on board. You can add optional features later, like time-tracking, two-day payroll processing (the default is four-day), and access to HR resources.
With 4.13 out of 5 in our scoring system, SurePayroll rivals Gusto’s payroll features, including its tax penalty guarantee. It scored low on its lack of pay card and on-demand pay option and limited reporting features. However, it received high marks for its affordable pricing and two-month free trial with no setup fees for interested users.
If you want to learn whether or not its payroll functionalities can handle your business needs, read our SurePayroll review.
SurePayroll Pricing
- Self-service: At $19.99 monthly plus $4 per employee, this option allows you to pay employees with unlimited payroll runs and take care of e-filing taxes yourself—if you want to save money. SurePayroll also helps you report new hires in your state and calculate your employees’ paychecks while being backed by its Tax Calculation Guarantee. It just takes four days to complete the payroll processing period.
- Full-service: It costs $29.99 monthly + $5 per employee and includes everything in the self-service plan plus full-service payroll you can run in minutes, with unlimited runs. SurePayroll will do more than calculate your employees’ taxes; it will file and pay them, and cover you with its No Penalty Tax Guarantee if one of its reps make a mistake. It also has a two-day direct deposit processing time which is faster than Square Payroll’s four days, but slower than QuickBooks.
SurePayroll Standout Features
- Free payroll setup and unlimited payroll run in multiple states: SurePayroll has no setup fees. With little prep work, you can start unlimited pay runs while taxes and benefit premiums are deducted accurately. Its system supports multiple pay rates and bonuses included.
- Employee benefits: SurePayroll supports employee benefits, including Social Services, Medicare, and Unemployment State Insurance, in all 50 states. This is in contrast with Gusto’s employee benefits coverage, which is only available in 39 states.
- Automated tax payment and year-end report filing: Unlike some providers that only automate federal and state payroll taxes (e.g., QuickBooks Payroll), SurePayroll automatically withholds, pays, and files taxes on the federal, state, and local levels for free while keeping you tax compliant. To calculate and file local taxes in Ohio and Pennsylvania, a user needs to pay an additional $9.99/month.
- Robust integrations with third-party software providers: It works seamlessly with the following accounting software: QuickBooks Online, Xero, Intacct, AccountEdge, Less Accounting, Zoho Books, and Sage 50-US Edition.
- Bilingual customer support: Aside from English, SurePayroll has Spanish-speaking support available through chat and phone from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central time.
Rippling
PROS
- Intuitive user interface
- Handles federal, state, and local taxes
- Get a fully-featured HR solution as well
CONS
- Payroll is an add-on feature
- Direct deposit turnaround time is longer than two days
- Live phone support costs extra
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.13 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
Rippling’s payroll product is an add-on to its HR platform. Still, it offers an excellent payroll feature set, with automatic tax prep and filing, report customization, and direct deposit payment options. It takes care of your onboarding and offboarding processes, including time and attendance, document management, and benefits administration. Hence, it is no wonder that it rated 4.03 out of 5 stars in our evaluation because it’s a good alternative to Gusto, particularly because of its robust HR features.
Aside from doing your payroll, Rippling has software preloaded onto laptops for new hires to help them set up. It also allows users to self-onboard using an employee portal. In addition, reporting is more straightforward with its pre-built reporting templates and customizable options. One unique feature that Rippling has against the other providers is its IT management for employee apps and devices. The downside in using it is that its live phone support will cost you extra for quick problem resolution, and you’ll only get payroll as an add-on. Many users, however, rate Rippling’s live chats, in-app, and email support as highly responsive.
To learn more about Rippling’s robust HR features and payroll add-on, read our Rippling review.
Rippling Pricing
- Base program: You have to purchase its Employee Management module ($10 per employee monthly) before accessing its other solutions.
- Payroll add-on: For $8 per employee monthly, you can unlock Rippling’s pay processing tools.
- Other add-on services: You have to pay extra for applicant tracking ($6 per employee monthly), employee benefits ($6 per employee monthly), HSA and FSA benefits ($6 per employee monthly), HR help desk ($100 monthly), device management ($8 per employee monthly), and app management ($8 per employee monthly).
Rippling Standout Features
- Unified platform: Rippling has an integrated HR platform in which all of its solutions automatically connect with the other. It seamlessly lets you manage your employees’ payroll, benefits, devices, apps, and more in just one place, which helps you save time and refocus on making your business thrive. Although some of its features are present in other providers, its app and device management tools are unique with Rippling.
- Full range of HR and IT features: You get a full HR suite with robust employee management, benefits administration, time and attendance, and applicant tracking. It also has onboarding and offboarding automation, information technology (IT) management tools, and mobile apps (iOS and Android). These features are scalable depending on your business size and requirements.
- Efficient pay processing: Rippling can handle your global payroll needs, providing your employees easy access to online pay stubs and tax forms through its mobile apps. Rippling automatically calculates and files local taxes along with your federal and state obligations for you, even if you have several business locations. Quickbooks does not automate local filing.
- Flexible and customizable reports: Rippling has a library of pre-built reports that you can freely use. You can also customize using available employee information in Rippling and share these reports to stakeholders to make better and well-informed business decisions.
- Robust integrations: In addition to application programming interface (API) access, you can connect Rippling to more than 400 third-party systems that include accounting (QuickBooks and NetSuite), time and attendance (QuickBooks Time and Deputy), expense management, recruiting, training, and onboarding, and office management software, among others.
- Dedicated support: One-on-one support from certified HR professionals is available at an extra cost. Rippling also provides real-time compliance updates to help keep you up to date with labor regulations.
Patriot
PROS
- Low cost for contractors and employees
- Can pay with manual checks or direct deposit
- Integrates with QuickBooks
CONS
- No state new hire reporting
- Filing of local, state, and federal taxes is available for the full-service plan only
- Limited reporting
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 1.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 3.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
Patriot is a cost-effective payroll software for basic payroll needs. It offers a full-service payroll and a do-it-yourself option that costs only $10 monthly plus $4 per employee, per month if you file your own taxes. Both plans offer unlimited payroll runs using any gadget, allowance of different payroll frequencies, and customizable hours, money, and deductions. And you can pay your employees through direct deposit or manual checks.
Based on our evaluation, Patriot scored 3.94 out of 5 stars. Using its full-service plan, you can file and pay all federal, state, and local taxes, regardless of location, similar to SurePayroll. Also, it offers a penalty-free guarantee that Gusto does not offer. Although it does not do as well as Gusto for reports or HR features, users give it high marks for its ease of use and customer support. Its budget-friendly plans and two-month free trial make it suitable for mom-and-pop businesses.
To see a full breakdown of Patriot from an expert point of view, check out our Patriot review.
Patriot Payroll Pricing
- Basic: $10 monthly plus $4 per employee (payroll only)
- Full Service: $30 monthly plus $4 per employee (payroll and tax compliance)
The Full-Service plan at $70 per month for 10 employees would be $840 per year—the most affordable service on our list.
Patriot Payroll Standout Features
- Free payroll setup: Patriot will just request information and set up your payroll, or you may use its payroll startup wizard and do it yourself.
- Flexible payroll system: Patriot allows you to run unlimited payroll and pay your employees with different frequencies, even in different locations. You can also use its standard hours and money type or create your own, including employee deductions and contributions, all for free.
- Self-service and Full-service plan options: If you are on a budget and would prefer to let Patriot take care of your payroll and then file your employees’ taxes on your own you can just opt for its Basic plan, which other providers like QuickBooks and OnPay do not offer. If you need more features that will help your business deal with taxes, you should sign up for Full-Service Payroll.
- Direct deposit: You can pay both employees and contractors with direct deposit. The standard processing time, however, is four days (longer than the others on our list). If you want the option to process it as quickly as one day, you can opt to pre-fund your account with Patriot each time payroll is processed—in preparation for the next pay run.
- Accessible and detailed payroll reports: Patriot lets you view all tax returns, tax deposits, and even your contribution history. You can filter each report by tax year, date of filing, etc., and download or export the data to either a CSV or PDF file.
- Tax Penalty Guarantee: Patriot ensures that your taxes will be calculated and filed on time. Any disputes caused by their representatives’ errors will be resolved and paid for by Patriot.
- Responsive customer service: Patriot, unlike Rippling, has live phone support run by experts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can even reach out through email and chat.
Paychex
PROS
- Offers two-day direct deposits
- Huge selection of reports, or build your own
- New hire reporting
CONS
- Must contact sales for pricing; fees can increase from year to year
- No manual check creation capability
- Expert advisers cost extra
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 1.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Paychex is a full-featured payroll system with different levels and packages to meet the needs of small and growing businesses. It’s the only Gusto competitor that does not list its full pricing. Its salespeople will make a package based on features, and you can negotiate the price. In addition to paying employees and contractors, it can handle tax administration, onboarding, and workers’ compensation. It’s a popular and well-regarded choice, especially for businesses expecting to grow beyond 100 employees.
Paychex earned 3.70 out of 5 in our evaluation for its payroll features that are accessible anytime, anywhere, comparable with Gusto. Employees can even do their new hire onboarding and get controlled access to their payroll information online, including check stubs, tax documents, and more. Users also vouched that it’s very easy to use and its 24/7 support was responsive. The only downside in using this software is that it does not publish its pricing, and getting experts to look into your concern will cost you extra.
If you want to learn whether or not its payroll functionalities can handle your business needs, read our Paychex Flex review.
Paychex Pricing
- Paychex Go: At $39 plus $5 per employee monthly, this option has features such as online payroll management, payroll tax administration, time and attendance, standard analytics, and new hire reporting.
- Paychex Flex Select: This is custom-priced and includes all of the features of the Paychex Go plan but adds a free mobile app, a full-service team of dedicated payroll specialists, and several HR features like additional employee pay options.
- Paychex Flex Enterprise: This plan includes all Paychex Flex Select features plus customizable reporting and analytics, State Unemployment Insurance services, garnishment payment services, onboarding, employee screening, and HR administration. Employers need to reach out to Paychex’s sales team for a quote.
Paychex Standout Features
- User-friendly payroll features: Its easy-to-use online tools are designed to simplify the way you pay employees and contractors. You can even set your payroll to run automatically. In addition, it provides automatic W-2s and 1099s and handles payroll tax calculations, payments, and filings (for federal, state, and most local taxes) for you.
- Flexible system: Paychex offers options that allow you to review, edit, and submit payroll from desktop computers and mobile devices (for iOS and Android). You can start running payroll on your smartphones/tablets and resume it on your computer—or vice versa. Furthermore, compared with the other providers listed here, Paychex has the only system that can grow with your business, providing you with efficient pay processing tools regardless of whether you have 10 employees or more than 500. You just need to reach out to a Paychex to recommend a solution that may better fit the changing needs of your business.
- Multiple pay options: Similar with Gusto, you can pay employees through pay cards, direct deposits, and paper checks. However, Paychex is the only one to offer check signing, check printing, and stuffing services among all the Gusto alternatives on this list. If your staff requests early access to earned wages before a payroll date, you can use its pay-on-demand feature to help employees with their financial needs.
- Robust reporting: Compared with Square Payroll, SurePayroll, and Patriot’s limited reporting tools, Paychex offers customizable reports and over 60 report templates that you can use freely for payroll and analyzing HR data.
- Full range of HR and payroll features: In addition to payroll, it has a suite of HR solutions and services for new hire onboarding, time and attendance, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, garnishment payment services, business insurance options, and hiring services.
- Dedicated support: Paychex has a team of compliance experts, HR professionals, and payroll specialists who can provide knowledgeable advice on labor regulations and HR-related issues for a fee. But you can get the phone and 24/7 chat support for free compared with QuickBooks which will cost you extra.
For a broader range of payroll options, check out our buyer’s guides on the best payroll services and best payroll software.
Bottom Line
Gusto is an excellent payroll service, but there are several other great options that you can explore depending on your needs. Like Gusto, its competitors automatically run payroll and offer paycheck and direct deposit services, onboarding and employee self-service, tax and benefits calculations, and even HR support. They are all competitively priced as well.
Overall, we found QuickBooks Payroll to be the best Gusto competitor for payroll services, with excellent features for small businesses like fast direct deposit turnaround and quality payroll tax support. Sign up to get started.
