When you’re looking for payroll software, the biggest challenge can be figuring out how each provider is different. Most calculate wages, offer direct deposit, and pay taxes, but which one is really best for your business? We evaluated dozens of payroll software, picked the eight best options for small businesses, and gave the highest consideration to cost, ease of use, and functionality.
Payroll Provider | Best for |
|---|---|
(Best overall) Small businesses with less than 100 employees looking to establish an organized payroll and onboarding process | |
Businesses that need their payroll system to integrate with their QuickBooks accounting software | |
Small agricultural companies that need to file Form 943 | |
Businesses that need to upgrade from a manual HR system to an all-in-one software that supports a hiring increase | |
Mom-and-pop businesses that want a do-it-yourself payroll service | |
Small retailers and restaurants that are already using or interested in using Square POS | |
Rapidly scaling startups that need flexible payroll plans that may be adjusted quickly | |
Multi-state businesses that need to pay payroll taxes in different states and localities |
Best Payroll Software Compared
Providers | Starter Monthly Pricing | Calculates & Files Taxes | Unlimited Pay Runs | Standard Direct Deposit Time | Health Benefit Options | Files State New Hire Reports | Part of Larger Product Suite for Growing Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$39 + $6/employee | ✔ | ✔ | 2-day | 39 states | ✔ | ✕ | |
$45 + $4/employee | ✔ | ✔ | Next-day | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | |
$36 + $4/employee | ✔ | ✔ | Depends on risk assessment (2- or 4- day) | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | |
$99 | ✔ | ✕ | 2-day | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
$10 + $4/employee | ✔ | ✔ | 4-day | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | |
$29 + $5/employee | ✔ | ✔ | 4-day; Instantly with Square payments | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | |
$59 + $4/employee | ✔ | Only in (Basic) Essential Plan | 2-day | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
$39 + $5/employee | ✔ | Only in (Basic) Paychex Go Plan | 2-day | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Still not sure you’ve found the right fit? Check out our top payroll solution picks by industry and use-case.
How We Chose the Top Payroll Software
We checked and compared the best payroll software for small businesses across industries; most of them offer many of the same basic payroll tools with certain nuances in features, i.e., same-day vs two-day direct deposit or unlimited pay runs vs limited pay runs with additional costs for more. Generally, the top payroll software offer direct deposit, tax filing, and year-end tax report preparation. Some even provide benefits and HR support.
We were able to narrow our list of a dozen providers down to eight, and Gusto earned the top spot. It’s affordable, easy to use, and automates most payroll tasks. Also, the majority of user experience feedback was positive, particularly for its customer support. Click through the tabs below for a more detailed breakdown of our evaluation criteria.
25% of Overall Score
We gave priority to those that offer automatic payroll runs, direct deposit with an option to process paper checks, and access to tax payment and filing, including year-end forms filing like W-2s and 1099s. Most of our payroll software scored above a 4 out of 5 in this area (except Patriot). Gusto scored highest because it provides additional tools like on-demand pay and a paycard option.
25% of Overall Score
Payroll service and software should be easy to access, simple to set up, and have a user-friendly interface. A dedicated representative and tax set-up assistance are top criteria. Although it comes with a bigger learning curve, ADP won in this area because of its set-up help, guides, and single point of contact. QuickBooks Payroll followed closely behind.
25% of Overall Score
We looked at the monthly implementation costs, processing costs, set-up, and year-end fees. Preference was given to providers that provide the essentials, payroll taxes, and employee paychecks, at a reasonable cost. Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, and Patriot scored highest in this area; although Patriot appears to be the most affordable, Gusto and QuickBooks offer more basic features at an affordable price.
10% of Overall Score
Online onboarding, which means giving employees the option to fill out forms like W-4s electronically, is the top criterion; following closely behind is a self-service portal feature that employees can use to see payments made, edit information, and/or print forms. ADP, Paycor, and Paychex won in this area because they offer more comprehensive HR features for businesses as they grow.
10% of Overall Score
We considered user reviews, including those of our competitors based on a 5-star scale; any option with an average of 4+ stars is ideal. Also, any software with 1,000+ reviews on any third-party site is preferred. Gusto, ADP, Paycor, and Patriot earned a perfect score.
5% of Overall Score
Software with 60+ canned reports (preformatted reports) is considered robust, but also, those that are customizable and/or have functionality allowing users to build their reports. ADP, Paychex, and Paycor scored well here, because their software is designed to meet the reporting needs of businesses that start small and grow.
Gusto
PROS
- Affordably priced for small businesses
- Employee self-onboarding portal
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Responsive customer support
CONS
- No dedicated payroll specialist
- Time tracking is only included in premium plans
- Health insurance is limited to 39 states
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 4.13 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
Gusto ranked high among its competitors for its full-service payroll, benefits options, and HR support at an affordable price. It enables small businesses to operate with the structure and amenities that some larger companies offer. In addition to running payroll on autopilot plus offering direct deposit and pay card options, it sends out an onboarding email notice to each new hire, so they can complete the required paperwork before coming into the office. A range of benefits are available, and if you’re in one of the 39 states where it offers insurance, you can offer national health insurance plans to your employees.
To see a full breakdown of Gusto from an expert point of view, check out our Gusto review.
Gusto Pricing
- Core Plan: $39 per month plus $6 per employee
Under the most popular plan (Core), Gusto would cost $99 per month for 10 employees, which equates to $1,188 per year, falling in between the lowest and highest cost providers on our list.
If you need more than payroll and benefits management, like employee onboarding features or dedicated support, you may choose Gusto’s Complete or Concierge Plans that range from $39-$149 per month plus $12 per employee.
Gusto Features
- Employee benefits: Gusto provides employee benefits in all 50 states (health insurance is currently only in 39). Some small business payroll providers like Patriot Software are cheaper than Gusto but don’t give you the option to offer benefits like retirement plans, commuter plan discounts, etc.
- Free payroll setup and unlimited payroll run in all 50 states: Gusto helps you set up your payroll account step by step and make the switch if you’re using a different provider. It also allows you to process unlimited payroll runs every pay period at no extra cost (unlike ADP and Paychex). And you can set payroll to run on Autopilot.
- Automated tax payment and year-end report filing: Unlike some providers that only automate federal and state payroll taxes (i.e., QuickBooks Payroll), Gusto automatically withholds, pays, and files taxes on the federal, state, and local levels, including year-end tax reports (W-2s and 1099s), for free while keeping you tax compliant.
- Multiple pay schedules and pay systems: Gusto supports multiple pay schedules and employees are paid through direct deposit, manual check, or pay cards.
- Reliable mobile applications (iOS and Android): Employees can access their information (W-2s, PTO balances), including their pay stubs, using Gusto’s mobile application.
- Workers’ compensation and benefits management: Gusto facilitates your workers’ compensation enrollment with AP Intego in minutes. The premium is spread out over a year with no down payments and installment fees. It also offers affordable financial and health benefits like health insurance, health reimbursement, 401(k), Gusto Wallet, paycheck splitter, and commuter benefits.
- Efficient time tracking and workforce management tools: Aside from monitoring your employees’ and contractors’ time, Gusto also offers project tracking and workforce costing. In addition, you can even customize your paid-time-off policies while holidays and time-off requests sync automatically to your calendar.
- Robust integrations with third-party software providers: Gusto works flawlessly with QuickBooks, Aplos, FreshBooks, Homebase, 7Shifts, and more.
- Professional HR and tax experts on support: Gusto helps you avoid expensive compliance mistakes through its team of HR and tax experts that you can reach out to for help whenever you need them.
QuickBooks Payroll
PROS
- Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks accounting software
- User-friendly with an intuitive interface
- Offers same and next-day direct deposit
- Penalty-free guarantee
CONS
- Few integration options, except Intuit products
- Automated new hire reporting only available with the premium plan
- Inconsistent customer service
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.63 | OUT OF | 5 |
QuickBooks Payroll is the best option for most QuickBooks accounting users; it integrates seamlessly—you access it within the same system with the click of a button—and all information flows throughout (you don’t have to enter twice). Employers have complete control of their payroll as QuickBooks allows you to approve your employees’ work hours before a payroll run. It also automatically calculates, files, and pays your taxes, and manages your garnishments and deductions. You can create and download a variety of reports like payroll history, bank transactions, and contractor payments.
Similar to Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll also offers your team online access to their pay stubs, W-2s, PTO balances, and withholding allowances. They can get their salary through same-day or next-day deposit, and you can have them get early access to their pay. It is also accessible in all 50 states. For errors made while using the software, aside from helping you resolve it with the involved government agencies, QuickBooks will also reimburse and cover any penalty and interest cost, if you sign up for a premium plan (Elite).
To see a full breakdown of QuickBooks Payroll from an expert point of view, check out our QuickBooks Payroll review.
QuickBooks Payroll Pricing
- Core Plan: $45 monthly plus $4 monthly per employee
QuickBooks Payroll offers three plans: Core, Premium, and Elite. The Core plan covers all the payroll basics and charges $85 per month for 10 employees—$1,020 annually. If you want workers’ compensation administration or a personal HR adviser, you can choose Premium or Elite at $75 to $125 monthly plus $8 to $10 monthly per employee.
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- Flexible payroll and same-day direct deposit: You can approve and set payroll to run automatically with QuickBooks and pay your employees through same-day direct deposit at no extra cost by simply submitting payroll by 7 a.m. Pacific time on payday. Most providers on this list have a standard two-day direct deposit processing time.
- Tax penalty protection: QuickBooks will cover the penalty and interest for any payroll tax error for up to $25,000 a year—regardless of who made the error. (Note: you must purchase a premium plan to have your errors covered). Experts will also represent you before the IRS and concerned agencies and will help you resolve your issue. No other providers on our list have a plan that covers errors you make.
- Easy to set up: QuickBooks experts will help you set up or transfer any existing payroll information from your previous provider to its system.
- Customizable and downloadable payroll reports: You can customize, run, print, or export a payroll report. The reports include the following: multiple worksites; payroll deductions and contributions; payroll tax liability, payroll tax, and wage summary; time activities, vacation, and sick leave; and workers’ compensation.
- Multi-functional mobile application (iOS and Android): With QuickBooks Payroll app, you can create paychecks, pay taxes, file tax forms in all 50 states, receive automatic reminders like tax deadlines, view and edit employee details, and run reports. Employees can also view their pay stubs.
- Efficiently manage benefits: QuickBooks helps you protect your employees by providing pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation insurance with AP Intego. You can even automate workers’ comp premiums during payroll. You can also access affordable health and retirement plans.
OnPay
PROS
- Files Form 943
- Supports multiple pay rates and payroll schedules
- Multiple payment options like direct deposit, manual check, or debit card
CONS
- Glitches on payroll data upload
- Few third-party integrations
- Unresponsive customer support
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
OnPay differs from some providers like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll because it makes it easy for agricultural companies to pay employees and file taxes. It files Form 943 and processes payments and taxes for workers on H-2A visas. It also allows you to run payroll as often as you need and choose multiple pay rates and payroll schedules for different employees.
You can still file the basic payroll tax forms, Form 941, 1099, W-2s, etc., and withhold your employees’ state and federal unemployment insurance payments and other contributions, so the average small business beyond agricultural companies would also find it useful.
To see a full breakdown of OnPay from an expert point of view, check out our OnPay review.
OnPay Pricing
OnPay costs $36 per month plus $4 per employee or $76 per month for 10 employees; setup and your first month is free.
OnPay Features
- Unlimited payroll runs: Like Gusto, Square, and a couple of other small business providers on our list, OnPay allows you to run your payroll for both employees and contractors as many times as you need at no extra cost. You can also generate year-end W-2s and 1099s without paying a per employee rate (ADP charges extra).
- Multistate payroll: OnPay can handle taxes for employees in more than one state.
- Multiple employee payment options and schedules: You can set more than one pay schedule for your company, or use different pay rates for individual employees. Employees can get their wages through direct deposit, debit card, or check through OnPay. Employees can also see their pay stubs using OnPay’s online portal.
- Flexible recruitment tools and benefits management: It facilitates state new hire reporting and offers health benefits, 401(k), and workers’ compensation.
- Customizable and downloadable platforms: Get detailed payroll reports within OnPay and you will be able to filter by employee type, location, or department. Its report designer allows you to create and save custom reports that can be viewed online, downloaded, and even exported to your accounting system.
- Easy access: OnPay is a single sign-on platform that allows access by using your Google, Intuit, or Xero login.
- Lifetime self-service portal accounts: Employees or contractors can still access their OnPay portal and personal tax documents even if they resign from their current company.
Paycor
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- Payroll and HR features are integrated
- Plenty of training and help guides for users
- Payroll managers are available for support
CONS
- More costly than other providers for small businesses
- Customizable reporting tools are available only for premium plans
- Customer support delays
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 2.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
Paycor may not be the most affordable for small businesses but it offers a robust suite of software solutions to handle basic to the most complex payroll and HR tasks for less than what you’d pay for a premium plan from ADP or Paychex. Aside from managing your payroll payments and taxes, you can get help with recruitment, onboarding, leave and attendance management, employee management, and benefits administration without hiring a full-time HR manager.
To see a full breakdown of Paycor from an expert’s point of view, check out our Paycor review.
Paycor Pricing
Paycor has multiple plans depending on the company size. For small businesses (1-39 employees), it offers Basic, Essential, and Complete. Depending on how many employees you have and the features you need, you can request a quote to get customized pricing details for your company.
- Basic: Starts at $99 per month
- Essential: Starts at $149 per month
- Complete: Starts at $199 per month
Paycor Features
- Time and attendance: Paycor enables you to collect and monitor employee hours to decide on labor costs and time management through automated and accurate processes. Its system is much more robust than Gusto’s simple time tracking tool. Employees can clock in and out, and you can use it to schedule shifts.
- All-in-one HR platform: Paycor offers an all-in-one platform that combines its payroll software with onboarding, time tracking, scheduling, performance management, and recruiting tools. You won’t get these robust features with traditional small business software like Gusto, OnPay, or Patriot.
- Organized setup and implementation process: Paycor provides hands-on support for implementation by introducing you to your Paycor team, establishing timelines, sharing training resources, and developing your customized plan.
- Customizable payroll platform: Paycor allows you to choose the features that fit your unique needs, like pay-on-demand features, wage garnishment services, and 401(k) integrations, through your Paycor dashboard. It also has customizable pay stubs and pay grids.
- Accurate payroll tax filing: Paycor handles your quarterly tax payments and filing, including year-end reports. It also automatically pays and files your taxes at the federal and state levels on time.
- Precise recordkeeping: Paycor’s system accurately captures all payroll information that you can access from anywhere at any time.
- Customizable reports: When it comes to reports, Paycor has a big selection of canned reports and you can also create your own that you can easily download.
Patriot Software
PROS
- Affordable
- Offers online and mobile payroll processing
- Unlimited pay runs
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 | 1.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.63 | OUT OF | 5 |
Patriot Software offers a flexible option that others on our list don’t: a choice between full-service payroll and a more affordable DIY version that costs only $10 monthly plus $4 per employee, per month if you file your own taxes. Both plans come with 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. Using the full-service plan allows you to file and pay all federal, state, and local taxes, regardless of location, and offers a penalty-free guarantee.
Your employees can get access to a portal for their pay stubs, pay history, time off balances, and electronic W-2 information. Once you are signed up, you can also have a free setup and expert support via phone, email, or chat.
To see a full breakdown of Patriot from an expert point of view, check out our Patriot review.
Patriot Payroll Pricing
- Basic Plan: $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 Features
- Self-service plan: You can save the most money if you have a couple of employees and are willing to file payroll taxes on your own using Patriot’s self-service plan.
- 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 those in different assigned locations. You can also use its standard hours and money type or create your own, including your employee deductions and contributions, all for free.
- Multiple plan options: If you are on a budget and would prefer to let Patriot take care of your payroll, you can just opt for its Basic Payroll plan. If you need more features that will help your business deal with your taxes, you should sign up for Full Service Payroll.
- Direct deposit: You can pay both employees and contractors with direct deposit. Standard processing time is four days, however, longer than any others on our list. If you want the option to process it with as little as a one-day processing time, you can opt to pre-fund your account with Patriot each time payroll is processed—in preparation for the next pay run.
- Tax filing: Patriot is compliant in all 50 states. It will begin collecting, depositing, and filing your federal, state, and local payroll taxes based on the start date you select. With no additional fee, it will also submit your 940, 941, W-2, and W-3 data to the proper tax agencies each quarter or at year-end, even your 1099.
- 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 you can 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 will be resolved and paid for by Patriot for any mistakes committed.
- Responsive customer service: Patriot 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.
Square Payroll
PROS
- Integrates with Square POS
- Easy to use and navigate
- Flat pricing and pay-as-you-go software
- Affordable contractor only plan
CONS
- Limited reporting features and there are bugs in the system
- Limited outside integrations
- Inconsistent customer support
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 1.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
Square Payroll is the best choice for retailers and restaurants already using Square’s free POS system. It enables owners to pay both employees and contractors and imports timecards from the Square POS and other third-party partners. It also has tip reporting features that allow you to record tip amounts, deduct taxes, and report them on your tax forms. You can run payroll as often as you need to at no extra cost, unlike some plans under the big-name providers like ADP or Paychex, and file quarterly and annual taxes plus sign up for pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation insurance.
To see a full breakdown of Square Payroll from an expert point of view, check out our Square Payroll review.
Square Payroll Pricing
The base price for Square Payroll is $35 per month, plus $5 per month, per employee or contractor. If you only need to pay contractors, the base fee is waived, and the charge is $5 per contractor per month. Square also offers a no-commitment cancel anytime policy.
Square Payroll Features
- Seamless payroll tools integration: Aside from unlimited pay runs for both employees and contractors, Square Payroll also seamlessly integrates with Square POS, Square Team Management, QuickBooks Online, and other third-party timecard partners.
- Import tips and commissions: You can automatically track and import tips and commissions from the Square POS.
- 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-only plan and is a great feature 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.
- Multiple employee payment options: Aside from direct deposit, employees and contractors can be paid using manual checks or via Cash App.
- 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 are paid an hourly, salary, or custom amount.
- 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.
- No long-term commitments: Square Payroll offers a no-commitment cancel anytime policy so you can use it as long as you need it without worrying about annual commitments. You can even freeze your bill anytime, especially if you are not using a particular service.
ADP Run
PROS
- Multiple plans to choose from
- Self-service application employee access
- Automatic quarterly and annual tax filings
- Advanced HR support available
CONS
- Each service is handled by a different department
- Premium plans have a set-up fee
- More expensive and not all pricing is transparent
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 1.00 | 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 | 4.88 | OUT OF | 5 |
ADP Run has numerous plan options to cater to different sized businesses. It has an entry-level plan that’s comparable to the other software on our list. It comes with unlimited payroll runs and no set-up fee, although the base fee is more expensive. Its other plan options target both businesses with 50 employees or fewer and those with more than 50 up to 1,000+. These come with extra support and handholding you don’t get with your typical small business payroll software like Gusto or Square Payroll, and ADP makes it easy to transition from one plan to the next if your company scales over time.
The other differentiating factor with ADP Run is the availability of advanced HR features. It comes with onboarding support but also helps with hiring, i.e., background checks, training tools, and talent acquisition, plus performance management, compensation management, etc. Many of these are more suitable for businesses once they’ve scaled past the startup stage, but it’s nice to know that once you’ve signed up with ADP, they will be available; with other providers on our list, i.e., Gusto, Patriot, you’d have to leave completely to transition to a new solution.
To see a full breakdown of ADP Run from an expert’s point of view, check out our ADP Run review.
ADP Run Pricing
ADP Run has three premium plans: Enhanced, Complete, and HR Pro. You have to request a quote to get pricing details for your business. If you sign up for the Essential Plan, you’ll pay $59 monthly plus $4 per employee, per month.
ADP Run Features
- Certified payroll: If your business performs any work under a federal contract, you’ll need to submit certified payroll reports; ADP is the only provider on our list that can handle this for you.
- Flexible recruitment and HR tools: ADP facilitates state new hire reporting and assists new hires during onboarding with such services as background checks, training tools, and talent acquisition, plus performance management, compensation management, etc. You won’t get this level of HR support with any other providers on our list except Paychex and Paycor—and even then, it may not be enough if your business has thousands of employees.
- Flexible plan options: ADP has plans for small businesses to large enterprises. In addition, it has a PEO option, ADP TotalSource, for companies that need to completely outsource their HR administration.
- Certified, experienced payroll professionals available 24/7: With ADP Run, you can get in touch with payroll and HR experts whenever you need them. Paychex is the only other provider on our list that offers 24/7 support. With one of ADP’s premium plans, you can also get legal assistance on employment matters from Upnetic Legal Services.
- Fast and accurate payroll and tax filing: With ADP Run you can run payroll, calculate, file, and pay federal, state, and local taxes automatically including retirement contributions whether you are in your office or on the move.
- Multiple employee payment options: With ADP Run you can pay your employees using direct deposit to employees’ accounts or through Wisely Direct Debit Card and ADP checks.
- Self-service portal and mobile application: With MyADP self-service portal, managers can run payroll and approve time-off requests. Employees will also be able to file PTO requests and view their information and pay stubs all in one platform.
- Benefits management: ADP Run also lets you have access to garnishment payment services and State Unemployment Insurance (SUI).
- Seamless integration: With ADP Run, you are assured that it will flawlessly integrate with add-on services, including time and attendance, HR, and other popular software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, Infor, Workday, FinancialForce, and ZipRecruiter.
Paychex Flex
PROS
- Flexible plans
- Payroll and HR features are integrated
- Dedicated support rep
- 24/7 support
CONS
- More features than some small businesses need and more costly
- Premium plans have a set-up fee
- Standard reporting tools are limited in lower-tier plans
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 2.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| HR Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
Paychex Flex isn’t the cheapest payroll solution on our list but may be more valuable if your business has employees in multiple states and you are continuing to grow. Similar to ADP, it has numerous plans that are flexible and cater to companies of different sizes. You can process payroll in all 50 states and provide insurance—Gusto currently only offers it in 39 states. In addition, if you’re just starting out, Paychex has a Paychex Solo product that’s more suitable for a one-person business.
To see a full breakdown of Paychex Flex from an expert’s point of view, check out our Paychex review.
Paychex Flex Pricing
Paychex has two premium plans: Select and Enterprise (for very large businesses). You have to request a quote to get pricing details for your company. If you sign up for the entry-level, online Paychex Go plan, similar to ADP’s Essential plan, you’ll pay $59 monthly plus $4 per employee, per month.
Paychex Flex Features
- Smooth transition: When switching from another provider, Paychex starts working with you to collect the necessary paperwork and balance your year-to-date payroll data. Its team will help you implement and run your first payroll within 48 hours of signing up.
- Flexible plan options: Paychex offers a Paychex Solo plan for the self-employed entrepreneur who needs help setting up their business as an employer, plus running payroll and selecting a retirement plan. Other plans target small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and businesses with more than 50. And if you ever go through a growth period in which you need an HR expert but aren’t ready to hire, Paychex has a professional employer organization (PEO).
- Simple and easy-to-use payroll user interface and mobile app: Paychex Flex allows you to choose from three different pay entry options. You can also add a grid view for quick data entry, and add payroll how you want, whether on your desktop or mobile device.
- Extensive payroll services: Aside from running payroll, Paychex Flex also has direct deposit, pay cards, paper checks with check signing and insertion, and pay-on-demand.
- Accurate payroll data: Paychex safeguards your payroll information with its notifications that alert you when there are potential issues.
- Employee access: Using its self-service portal and mobile app, your employees are given controlled access to their payroll information online, including check stubs from direct deposit and W-2s; they can also talk to their administrators through the Flex chat feature.
- Employees’ compensation and benefits management: Paychex handles workers’ compensation, benefits, and, unlike Gusto, insurance in all 50 states. It also has garnishment payment services and retirement plans.
- Experienced customer service: During implementation, Paychex will assign you a representative to help you set up. You’ll get access to 24/7 US-based support with experienced professionals, live chat features, and in-app help options. Articles and how-to guides are also available.
For more payroll solutions, check out our buyer’s guides on the best payroll services. Learn more about how to choose a payroll service for your business.
Bottom Line
Small businesses need reliable payroll software to save time and money. Most providers calculate wages, offer direct deposit, and pay taxes; however, you should consider your business needs and budget limitations.
We found that Gusto offers all of the features that most small businesses need at a very competitive price. Users find it very easy to use and navigate, and the software is widely used in different industries. Sign up for a free trial today.
