Software comparison
Best Payroll Software for Small Business
If you already use QuickBooks or Xero for accounting, check their built-in payroll add-on before shopping standalone tools - avoiding double-entry between two systems is worth more than a marginally better feature list elsewhere.
Independent research · Verify current pricing with each provider
Pricing reality
Almost every tool here uses a base monthly fee plus a per-employee add-on, and both numbers change periodically. Confirm both parts of the price, not just the headline base fee, directly with the vendor.
At a glance
Which one fits?
Best for: Small businesses with mixed salaried/hourly staff who also want benefits admin
Free: No free tier.
Best for: Businesses already using QuickBooks Online for accounting
Free: No free tier.
Best for: Multi-state employers who don't want per-state add-on fees
Free: No free tier.
Best for: Very budget-conscious small businesses with simple payroll needs
Free: No free tier, but the lowest starting price in this category.
Detailed review
What to know before you choose.
Gusto
Best for Small businesses with mixed salaried/hourly staff who also want benefits admin
Free plan and limits
No free tier.
The Trade-off
A broad feature set combines payroll with benefits and optional time-tracking workflows. That breadth can reduce tool switching, although the base fee plus per-person cost can add up as headcount grows. Pricing has risen over the years and the base fee plus per-person cost adds up faster than budget-tier competitors as headcount grows.
QuickBooks Payroll
Best for Businesses already using QuickBooks Online for accounting
Free plan and limits
No free tier.
The Trade-off
The integration with QuickBooks accounting is the entire point - payroll data flows straight into your books with no manual sync. Outside the QuickBooks ecosystem, it's a fairly unremarkable payroll tool on its own merits.
OnPay
Best for Multi-state employers who don't want per-state add-on fees
Free plan and limits
No free tier.
The Trade-off
A pricing structure that can include multi-state filing may be attractive when employees work across states. Compare the current included states, filing scope and total per-employee cost before deciding. Fewer bundled HR extras than Gusto if you want payroll and HR fully combined.
Patriot Software
Best for Very budget-conscious small businesses with simple payroll needs
Free plan and limits
No free tier, but the lowest starting price in this category.
The Trade-off
A lower starting price can suit straightforward payroll needs. The trade-off is a narrower feature set than broader payroll-and-HR platforms, so check whether benefits, HR and time-tracking needs are covered. Fine for straightforward payroll, limiting if you want integrated benefits administration or HR tools.
StackPick verdict
The bottom line.
Already on QuickBooks for accounting? Use its payroll add-on before anything else - the integration alone is worth it. Want the most complete, modern experience and can afford it? Gusto. Multi-state team? OnPay's flat multi-state pricing likely saves money. Tight budget, simple needs? Patriot Software.
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