Best in-house payroll processing software

Finding the right payroll processing software can make a big difference for your business. With so many options available, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. This article highlights the best in-house payroll processing software, making it easier for you to manage employee payments and taxes efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• ADP RUN is great for beginners and starts at $79 per month plus $4 per employee.
• Gusto offers a budget-friendly payroll service, making it ideal for small businesses.
• Patriot Software Payroll is perfect for users of QuickBooks, providing seamless integration.
• Intuit QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses that have hourly workers.
• OnPay is known for its user-friendly interface and support for various industries.

1. ADP RUN

ADP RUN is a popular choice for small businesses looking for reliable payroll processing. This software has been praised for its error-free payroll and reporting. It offers a variety of features that make payroll management easier and more efficient.

Key Features

• Payroll AutoPilot: This feature allows you to automate payroll runs, so you can pay employees via check, direct deposit, or pay card. You can set up recurring payroll runs or off-cycle runs as needed. Plus, ADP provides 24/7 support to help you with any payroll issues.
• Automated Tax Payments and Filings: ADP RUN takes care of tax calculations and payments for you. It automatically generates and sends W-2 and 1099 forms to your employees and contractors. This means you can stay compliant with tax laws across all 50 states without worrying about errors.

Pricing

ADP RUN offers several plans for small businesses with up to 49 employees. Here’s a quick look at the pricing:

Plan Name	Monthly Cost	Features Included
Essentials Payroll	$79 + $4/employee	Basic payroll tools, tax calculations, W-2/1099 forms
Enhanced Payroll	Custom Pricing	Job costing, check signing security
Complete Payroll and HR Plus	Custom Pricing	Comprehensive HR features, employee handbook wizard
HR Pro Payroll and HR	Custom Pricing	Advanced HR support, applicant tracking system

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy employee payroll management
• Automatic tax filing and reports
• Customizable reporting options

Cons:

• Requires an additional product for time tracking
• Pricing can be unclear

ADP RUN is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and automation features, making it a favorite among payroll software users. However, some customers have reported challenges with customer service response times.

In summary, ADP RUN is a solid choice for small businesses that want a reliable payroll solution with strong tax compliance support. Its features are designed to save you time and reduce errors, making payroll processing a breeze.

2. Gusto

Gusto is a popular choice for small businesses and those new to payroll management. Its user-friendly design makes payroll processing simple and efficient. With Gusto, you can easily manage payroll without needing prior experience.

Key Features

• Automated Payroll: Gusto automates payroll for both employees and contractors, ensuring timely payments.
• Tax Filing Support: It handles tax calculations and filings, making compliance easier.
• Gusto Wallet App: Employees can access their pay through the app, allowing them to manage their finances better.

Pricing Plans

Gusto offers several pricing options to fit different business needs:

Plan	Monthly Fee	Per Employee Fee
Simple	$40	$6
Plus	$80	$12
Premium	Customized pricing	Varies
Contractor Only	$6 per contractor	N/A

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Flexible employee records
• Clean payroll processing
• Excellent mobile access

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Mobile view can be challenging

Gusto is designed for dynamic startups and small businesses, providing essential payroll solutions that were previously hard to find. Its features cater to modern needs, making it a great choice for growing companies.

3. Patriot Software Payroll

Patriot Software Payroll is a great choice for small businesses looking for an easy-to-use payroll solution. Its user-friendly interface and full-service payroll features make it simple to implement and manage payroll efficiently. Here are some key points about this software:

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple and clear user experience
• Flexible setup process
• Good mobile access
• Excellent employee portals

Cons:

• Extra fees for Time & Attendance and HR features
• Limited flexibility for pay runs
• Does not act as a benefits broker

Pricing

Plan Type	Monthly Fee	Per Employee Fee
Basic	$17	$4
Time & Attendance Add-on	Extra Fee	Extra Fee

Who It’s For

Patriot Software is best for smaller businesses, especially those with fewer than 10 employees. It can handle more than 100 employees, but its features are tailored for smaller operations. The software also integrates well with its accounting application, making it a comprehensive choice for managing finances.

Patriot Software Payroll stands out for its exceptional setup wizard and guidance for new users, making it a top pick for those new to payroll management.

4. Intuit QuickBooks Payroll

Intuit QuickBooks Payroll is a solid choice for businesses already using QuickBooks Online. It offers deep integration with the accounting software, making it easier to manage finances in one place. However, it is more expensive than many other payroll services, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Who It’s For

QuickBooks Payroll is best suited for small businesses that already use QuickBooks for their accounting needs. If you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one solution, this might be the right fit. However, if you don’t use QuickBooks, you might find better options that are less costly.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Cons:

Key Features

Feature	Description
Mobile Admin Access	Yes
Tax Submissions	Federal, State, Local
W-2s and 1099s	Yes
Time Tracking	Yes
HR Add-Ons	Available
Free Trial	Yes

QuickBooks Payroll is a great option for those who want a smooth payroll experience integrated with their accounting software. However, it may not be the best choice for businesses looking for standalone payroll services.

Conclusion

In summary, Intuit QuickBooks Payroll is a strong contender for businesses already using QuickBooks. While it may be pricier, the integration and features can make it worth the investment for many payroll managers.

5. Workful

Workful is a payroll processing software that stands out for its affordability and user-friendly design. It is particularly beneficial for small businesses, especially those with hourly workers. Here’s a closer look at what Workful offers:

Key Features

• Affordable Pricing: For just $45 per month plus $7 for each employee, you can access a range of features.
• Unlimited Payroll Runs: You can run payroll as often as needed without extra charges.
• Built-in Time Tracking: This feature helps manage employee hours efficiently.
• Mobile Access: Workful has a mobile-friendly design, making it easy to manage payroll on the go.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonably priced	Limited HR tools
Clean, intuitive user experience	Payroll runs lack flexibility
Good employee portals	Minimal third-party integrations
Excellent mobile access	Unimpressive employee-side apps

Who It’s For

Workful is ideal for small businesses, especially those with hourly workers. It’s a great choice for novice payroll managers due to its simplicity. However, it may not be the best fit for larger organizations with many employees.

Workful is a great option for small businesses looking for a straightforward payroll solution without breaking the bank.

In summary, Workful is a solid choice for small businesses that need a simple and cost-effective payroll solution. Its features cater well to those who primarily manage hourly workers, making payroll processing easier and more efficient.

6. Square Payroll

Square Payroll is a straightforward and affordable payroll platform that caters primarily to small businesses, especially those using Square’s Point of Sale (POS) system. It is designed to help manage payroll for hourly workers effectively, making it a good choice for businesses that need a simple solution.

Who It’s For

Square Payroll is best suited for small businesses that already use Square POS. It works well for those who want to integrate their payroll with their sales system. However, it may not be the best option for larger companies or those with many employees.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Cons:

Specs & Configurations

Feature	Details
Mobile Admin Access	Yes
Submits Payroll Taxes	Yes
W-2s and 1099s	Yes
Time Tracking	Yes
HR Add-Ons	Available
Free Trial	Yes

Square Payroll is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a simple payroll solution, but it may lack the advanced features needed for larger organizations.

7. OnPay

OnPay is a user-friendly payroll solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features that make payroll processing simple and efficient. Here are some key highlights:

Key Features

• Unlimited payroll runs: You can run payroll as many times as you need each month.
• Flexible pay schedules: OnPay supports various pay rates for full-time, part-time, and contract workers.
• Multiple payment methods: Choose to pay employees via direct deposit, paper checks, or prepaid debit cards.
• Automated tax filing: OnPay takes care of tax deductions and files your taxes automatically, ensuring accuracy.
• Onboarding tools: Send documents and allow employees to complete onboarding tasks through the app.
• Paid time off management: Create custom PTO policies and manage requests easily.

Pricing

OnPay has a straightforward pricing model:

Plan Type	Base Rate	Cost per Employee
Monthly Fee	$40	$6

For example, a company with 100 employees would pay $640 per month. This pricing adjusts as your employee count changes.

Reputation

OnPay has received positive feedback, averaging 4.8 stars on G2 and 4.9 stars on Capterra. Users appreciate its ease of use and customer service.

OnPay is a great choice for small businesses looking for a simple and effective payroll solution. Its features and pricing make it a strong contender in the market.

In summary, OnPay stands out for its affordability and ease of use, making it a solid option for small businesses looking to streamline their payroll processes.

8. Justworks

Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that helps businesses manage their HR and payroll tasks. This service is especially useful for small companies that may not have their own HR departments. Here’s a closer look at what Justworks offers:

Key Features

• Co-employment relationship: Justworks acts as a co-employer, which means they take on some of the legal responsibilities of being an employer. This can help reduce liability for your business.
• Payroll management: They handle various payroll tasks, including:
  • Off-cycle payments
  • Vendor and contractor payments
  • Employer payroll tax filings
  • W-2 and 1099 filings
  • Payroll reporting
  • Worker time tracking

Pricing

Justworks has two main plans:

Plan	Price per Employee	Features
Basic	$59	Full payroll management for 27 states, HR consulting, 24/7 support, and more.
Plus	$99	Everything in Basic, plus medical insurance, HSA/FSA accounts, and COBRA administration.

They also offer add-ons:

• Time Tracking: $8 per employee per month.
• International Contractor Payments: $39 per contractor per month.

Reputation

Justworks has a strong reputation, earning 4.6 out of 5 stars on platforms like G2 and Capterra. Users appreciate the ease of use and the support they receive, although some wish for more integrations with other software.

Who Should Use It?

Justworks is ideal for small businesses that hire remote teams or have complex HR needs. It’s especially beneficial for those without in-house payroll or HR departments.

Justworks is a great option for small businesses looking to simplify their HR and payroll processes while offering benefits to employees.

In summary, Justworks provides a comprehensive solution for businesses wanting to outsource their HR and payroll tasks, making it easier to focus on growth and operations.

9. SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a popular choice for small businesses looking for an easy-to-use payroll service. Starting at just $29.99 per month, it offers a range of features that make payroll processing simple and efficient.

Key Features

• Affordable Pricing: Base price of $29.99 per month plus $5 for each employee.
• Benefits Administration: Yes, it includes benefits management.
• Contractor Payments: Yes, you can pay contractors easily.

Pricing Table

Feature	Cost
Base Monthly Price	$29.99
Cost per Employee	$5
Benefits Administration	Yes
Contractor Payments	Yes

SurePayroll is designed to help small businesses manage payroll without the hassle. It’s a great option for those who want a straightforward solution.

In summary, SurePayroll stands out for its affordable pricing and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for small businesses looking to streamline their payroll processes. It’s part of the best payroll services for small business of 2024, ensuring you have reliable support for your payroll needs.

10. Rippling

Rippling is a powerful tool that helps businesses manage their HR and payroll efficiently. Founded in 2016, it has quickly become a popular choice for many companies. With over 500 integrations, Rippling allows businesses to connect various tools easily.

Key Features

• Automated payroll across 50 states and internationally.
• Direct deposit or check options for employees.
• Time tracking that syncs with payroll.
• Quick payroll runs in just 90 seconds.
• Supports W-2, W-4, and 1099 filing.

Pricing

Rippling’s pricing starts at $8 per employee per month. However, to access payroll features, you need to subscribe to two modules:

Module	Cost per Employee	Description
Unity Core	$8	Unified workforce directory and workflow automations.
HR Cloud	$8	Employee onboarding, global payroll, and benefits management.

User Experience

Rippling has received high ratings on platforms like G2 and Capterra, with users praising its user-friendly interface. However, some users mention that the software can be overwhelming due to its many features.

Rippling is a great choice for startups where one person often handles multiple roles. Its simplicity in managing overlapping tasks is a huge plus.

In summary, Rippling is a solid option for businesses looking for a comprehensive payroll solution, but be prepared for the monthly subscription of $35 per month for employees, regardless of the features you choose.

11. Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex is a payroll software designed for small businesses that want a straightforward way to manage payroll. It’s known for its intuitive user interface and excellent customer service. This platform is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on G2 and 4.1 on Capterra, with users appreciating its ease of use and responsive support team.

Key Features

• Automated Tax Calculations: Paychex Flex handles tax calculations, payments, and filings automatically, ensuring compliance with tax laws.
• Self-Service Mobile App: Employees can access their payroll information and update personal data through a user-friendly app.
• Customizable Payroll Reporting: Users can create tailored reports to meet their specific needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy employee payroll	Extra fees for tax filing
24/7 customer support	Limited HR features in basic plan
Customizable plans	Pricing can be unclear

Pricing

Paychex Flex starts at $39 per month plus $5 per employee. It offers three plans: Essentials, Select, and Pro, with the latter two requiring a custom quote for pricing details.

Who Should Use It?

Paychex Flex is ideal for small businesses that need a simple payroll system without the complexity of additional HR features. It allows for easy payroll management while offering the flexibility to add services as the business grows.

Paychex Flex is a great choice for small startups looking to expand over time. Its customizable features make it a robust option for payroll management.

12. TriNet

TriNet is a popular choice for businesses looking for comprehensive HR solutions. It offers a wide range of services, including payroll processing, which is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Here’s a closer look at what TriNet provides:

Features

• Automated Tax and Filing: TriNet manages all payroll tax tasks, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. They handle everything from calculating taxes to filing W-2 forms for employees.
• Unlimited Payroll Runs: With TriNet, you can run payroll as often as needed without extra charges. This includes direct deposits and support for various pay schedules.
• Mobile App: The TriNet app allows both employers and employees to access important information, such as paychecks and benefits, right from their phones.
• Time and Attendance Tracking: This feature helps businesses monitor employee hours, reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Pricing

TriNet offers three main plans:

Plan Name	Monthly Cost (per employee)	Payroll Features
Essentials	$10	Add-on required
Growth	$20	Add-on required
Zen	$33	Included

Add-Ons

TriNet also provides several add-ons to customize your plan:

• Payroll processing: $6 per employee per month
• Benefits administration: $5 per employee per month
• Recruiting software: Starting at $35 per month

TriNet is known for its intuitive platform that simplifies HR tasks, making it easier for small businesses to manage payroll and benefits efficiently.

Reputation

TriNet has received positive feedback, with ratings of 3.8 on Capterra and 4.0 on G2. Users appreciate its ease of use and responsive customer support, although some have noted issues with reporting glitches.

In summary, TriNet is a solid option for businesses that want a comprehensive HR and payroll solution, especially if they value a user-friendly interface and strong support.

13. Wave Payroll

Wave Payroll is a user-friendly option for small businesses looking to manage payroll without breaking the bank. It’s especially great for seasonal businesses that only need payroll services part of the year. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Features

• Employee and Contractor Payroll: You can pay both employees and independent contractors easily. After payroll, you can view a report of all expenses by employee. Plus, it generates W-2 and 1099 forms automatically.
• Tax Services: Wave Payroll handles tax payments and filings in 14 states, including California and Texas. If you’re in a state without these services, it tells you what forms to file and how much to pay.
• Self-Service Portal: Employees can access their pay stubs and W-2 forms without needing HR help. They can also update their contact and banking info.
• Invoicing: Sending invoices is simple with the “pay now” button. Clients can pay via credit card or Apple Pay, and funds arrive in your account in just two business days.

Pricing

Feature	Details
Base Monthly Price	$20 plus $6 per active employee
Automated Payroll	No
Tax Services	Yes, in 14 states

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• One platform for payroll, accounting, and invoicing.
• Clean user interface for both employers and employees.
• Easy payroll for employees and contractors.
• Option to pause your subscription during off-seasons.

Cons:

• No benefits administration.
• Limited customer support.
• Almost no customization options.

Wave Payroll is a solid choice for small businesses that want a simple and affordable payroll solution. However, it may not have all the features larger companies need.

Overall, if you’re running a business and want low costs and an easy way to manage your finances, I highly recommend Wave. It’s a straightforward tool that can help you keep track of payroll without the hassle.

14. Paycor

Paycor is a payroll software that can be a bit tricky to evaluate, especially when it comes to pricing details. They don’t share public pricing on their website, but they do provide information on what each plan includes. Currently, they offer a 50% discount for the first six months, which is a great way to test the software.

Features

Paycor has several features that make it appealing:

• Automated payroll processing: You can pay employees via direct deposit, check, or card payments. It also considers wage garnishments and time-off requests.
• Tax compliance services: Paycor handles W-2 and 1099 processing and provides alerts for tax compliance issues.
• Mobile wallet and self-serve app: Employees can access their wages early and manage their finances through the app.
• Expense tracking: Ideal for remote workers, this feature allows employees to enter expenses for manager approval.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Robust mobile app with a wallet and debit card
• Time and attendance tracking
• Automated tax filings

Cons:

• High cost compared to competitors
• No pricing transparency
• Glitchy sign-in process

User Experience

Users generally find Paycor easy to use, but some have reported issues with the software being glitchy. It can log you out unexpectedly, which can be frustrating. Despite this, many appreciate the customer support once they get through, although it can be hit or miss.

Reputation

Paycor has a 4.4-star rating on Capterra, but some users have mentioned that their integrations and features were very lackluster. The customer support experience can also be challenging, as you might speak to a different person each time you call.

Paycor is best suited for medium to large businesses with more complex HR needs. It offers a solid set of features but may not be the best choice for smaller companies due to its pricing and support issues.

15. Deel

Deel is a powerful payroll processing software that helps businesses manage payments for remote teams across the globe. It is designed to simplify hiring and payroll in over 150 countries. With its user-friendly interface, Deel makes it easy for companies to hire both contractors and full-time employees while ensuring compliance with local laws.

Key Features

• Exceptional Customer Support: Deel offers 24/7 in-app assistance, ensuring users get help whenever they need it.
• Fast Onboarding: Most users can complete the onboarding process in just 2-3 days.
• Local Payroll Experts: Dedicated experts are available in various jurisdictions to provide tailored support.
• Seamless Integrations: Deel integrates with popular tools like QuickBooks and Bamboo, making it easy to sync workflows.
• Self-Service Options: Users can quickly set up their accounts, often completing identity verification in under 24 hours.

Pricing Structure

Type of Service	Cost
Contractors	$49 per contractor per month
Full-time Employees	Starting at $500 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast and efficient onboarding process.
• Comprehensive support for contractors.
• Easy integration with other software.

Cons:

• Additional fees for advanced features.
• Limited flexibility in contract modifications.

Deel is a great choice for businesses looking to manage global payroll efficiently. Its focus on customer service and ease of use makes it stand out in the crowded payroll software market.

16. PapayaGlobal

PapayaGlobal is a powerful payroll processing software that stands out for its ability to manage global payroll efficiently. It is especially useful for companies hiring international contractors and ensuring compliance with local labor laws. The platform uses AI to check invoices for accuracy, offers a 72-hour payment guarantee, and provides local tax filing help.

Key Features

• Global Equity Management: Helps companies offer equity to employees worldwide.
• 24/7 Support: Available for all users, ensuring help is always at hand.
• Cross-Border Payments: Handles payments in multiple currencies, making it ideal for global teams.

Pricing Overview

Service Type	Starting Price
Full-Service Payroll	$20 per employee per month
Payroll Platform License	$20 per employee per location
Data and Insights Platform License	$150 per employee per month
Payments-as-a-Service	$3 per employee per month
Global EOR Plan	$770 – $1000 per employee per month
Contractor Management & IC Compliance	$25 per employee per pay cycle
Payroll Intelligence Suite	$250 annually or $320 quarterly

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Transparent pricing structure with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
• Local customer support with dedicated account managers.
• Automated payments in over 100 currencies.

Cons:

• Lacks local entities in some countries, relying on third-party partners.
• Additional fees for setup, onboarding, and tax filing may apply.

Papaya Global has received outstanding reviews for streamlining payroll processes and ensuring compliance across various regions. It is a solid choice for businesses looking to expand globally.

17. Justworks Payroll

Justworks Payroll is a professional employer organization (PEO) that helps businesses manage their HR and payroll tasks. This service is especially useful for small businesses that may not have the resources to handle these responsibilities on their own.

Key Features

• Co-employment relationship: Justworks takes on some employer responsibilities, allowing you to focus on your business.
• Payroll management: They handle various payroll tasks, including:
  • Off-cycle payments
  • Vendor and contractor payments
  • Employer payroll tax filings
  • W-2 and 1099 filings
  • Payroll reporting
  • Worker time tracking

Pricing

Justworks offers two main plans:

Plan	Price per Employee	Features
Basic	$59/month	Full payroll management for 27 states, HR consulting, 24/7 support, and more.
Plus	$99/month	Everything in Basic, plus medical insurance and COBRA administration.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Hand over 100% of your HR duties.
• Smooth employee self-service interface.
• Reduces employer liability.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to software-only solutions.
• Limited tax support in only 27 states.

Justworks is a great option for small businesses looking to simplify their HR and payroll processes. It allows you to focus on growth while experts handle the details.

Who Should Use It?

Justworks is ideal for small businesses with complex hiring needs or those without in-house HR departments. It’s especially beneficial if you hire international employees or have high turnover rates.

18. SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a user-friendly payroll service that is great for small businesses. It offers a simple pricing plan that starts at $29.99 per month plus $5 per employee. This makes it a cost-effective choice for many companies.

Key Features

• Benefits Administration: Yes
• Contractor Payments: Yes
• Base Price: $29.99/month + $5 per employee

Pricing & Plans

Plan Type	Monthly Fee	Cost Per Employee
Basic Plan	$29.99	$5

Why Choose SurePayroll?

• Easy to Use: The platform is designed for simplicity, making it easy for anyone to manage payroll.
• Tax Calculations: SurePayroll automatically calculates federal, state, and local payroll taxes, so you don’t have to worry about it.
• Unlimited Payroll Runs: You can run payroll as often as you need without extra charges.

SurePayroll is a solid choice for small businesses looking for an affordable and efficient payroll solution. It simplifies the payroll process, allowing you to focus on your business instead of paperwork.

19. OnPay Payroll

OnPay Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution designed for small businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs each month, making it flexible for various business needs.

Key Features

• Unlimited Payroll Runs: You can run payroll as many times as you need each month.
• Flexible Pay Schedules: OnPay supports different pay schedules for full-time, part-time, and contract workers.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Choose how to pay your employees—via direct deposit, paper checks, or prepaid debit cards.
• Automated Tax Filing: OnPay automatically handles tax deductions and files your taxes at the end of the year, ensuring accuracy.
• Onboarding Tools: Send onboarding documents and allow employees to complete tasks like e-signing directly in the app.
• Paid Time Off Management: Create custom policies for PTO and manage requests easily within the software.
• After-Hire Support: OnPay helps report new hires to the state and offers guidance on employee benefits.

Pricing

OnPay has a simple pricing structure:

Plan Type	Monthly Base Rate	Cost per Employee
OnPay Payroll	$40	$6

For example, if you have 100 employees, your total monthly cost would be $640.

Reputation

OnPay has received high ratings from users, averaging 4.8 out of 5 on G2 and 4.9 on Capterra. Users appreciate its ease of use and responsive customer service.

OnPay is a straightforward choice for small businesses looking for an all-in-one payroll solution. Its competitive pricing and features make it a great option.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to navigate interface.
• Excellent customer support.
• Comprehensive payroll features.

Cons:

• No free trial available.
• Some users report challenges with payroll syncing.

Overall, OnPay Payroll is a solid choice for small businesses seeking a reliable and efficient payroll processing solution.

20. Gusto Payroll

Gusto Payroll is a great choice for small businesses and those new to payroll management. It offers a user-friendly experience that simplifies the payroll process. Gusto has four different subscription plans, making it easy to find one that fits your needs as your business grows.

Key Features

• Automated Payroll: Gusto handles payroll automatically, ensuring employees and contractors are paid on time.
• Tax Filing Support: It calculates and files taxes for you, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.
• Gusto Wallet App: This app allows employees to manage their pay and access funds quickly.
• Time Tracking: Employees can clock in and out using their mobile devices, making it easy to track hours worked.

Pricing Plans

Gusto offers three main plans:

Plan Name	Monthly Cost	Per Employee Cost	Features Included
Simple	$40	$6	Basic payroll services, employee portal
Plus	$80	$12	Multistate payroll, PTO management
Premium	Custom Pricing	Custom Pricing	Full support, compliance alerts
Contractor Only	$6 per contractor	N/A	Unlimited contractor payments

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use interface
• Excellent customer support
• Comprehensive mobile access

Cons:

• Can be expensive as you add more employees
• Some features may be hard to view on mobile

Gusto is designed for startups and small businesses, making payroll less overwhelming and more efficient. It’s a solid choice for those looking to grow their business without the hassle of complicated payroll processes.

Gusto is best for small businesses and novice payroll managers, providing a clear and straightforward way to manage payroll and HR tasks. With its flexible plans and user-friendly design, it’s a top contender in the payroll software market.

21. ADP Payroll

ADP Payroll is a well-known name in the payroll industry, offering a variety of features that make it a solid choice for businesses. Its standout feature is tax compliance support, which helps ensure that your payroll is accurate and timely.

Key Features

• Payroll AutoPilot: This feature allows you to automate payroll processing, making it easy to pay employees via check, direct deposit, or pay card. You can even set up recurring payroll runs for a hands-off approach.
• Automated Tax Payments and Filings: ADP Payroll takes care of tax calculations and payments for you. It also generates and sends W-2 and 1099 forms automatically, keeping you compliant with tax laws across all states.

Pricing

While most ADP payroll products require a custom quote to learn pricing details, its Roll by ADP payroll processing software is $39 per month, plus $5 per employee.

Plan Type	Monthly Cost	Employee Cost
Roll by ADP	$39	$5
ADP RUN	$79+	$4

Who Should Use It?

ADP Payroll is ideal for businesses with fewer than 50 employees but can scale as your company grows. It’s a good fit if you expect to expand beyond that size.

ADP is a trusted payroll solution that also offers many HR tools if you need them. Their expertise is a good fit for small to medium-sized businesses as well as larger enterprises.

In summary, ADP Payroll provides a comprehensive solution for payroll processing, making it easier for businesses to manage their payroll needs efficiently.

22. QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll is a solid choice for businesses already using QuickBooks Online. It offers a smooth integration that can make payroll management easier. However, it is more expensive than many other options available.

Who It’s For

QuickBooks Payroll is best suited for small businesses that have hourly workers. If you are already using QuickBooks for your accounting, this software can be a great addition. But if you don’t use QuickBooks, you might find cheaper payroll services that work just as well.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use interface
• Deep integration with QuickBooks Online
• Customizable payroll reports

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to competitors
• Limited mobile app features for employees
• Some post-payroll processes could be better

Specs & Configurations

Feature	Details
Mobile Admin Access	Yes
Submits Taxes	Federal, State, Local
W-2s and 1099s	Yes
Time Tracking	Yes
HR Add-Ons	Available
Free Trial	Yes

QuickBooks Payroll is a great tool for those who want a comprehensive payroll solution that integrates well with their accounting software.

In summary, if you are a QuickBooks Online user, this payroll software can be a valuable asset. However, if you are looking for a standalone service, you might want to explore other options that are more budget-friendly.

23. Workful Payroll

Workful Payroll is a great choice for small businesses, especially those with hourly workers. It offers a clean and easy-to-use interface that makes payroll management simple. Here are some key features:

• Affordable pricing: Workful is one of the least expensive payroll services available.
• Mobile access: You can manage payroll from your phone, making it convenient for busy owners.
• Time tracking: Built-in time clock supports geolocation, which is useful for tracking hours worked.
• Employee portals: Good access for employees to view their information.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonably priced	Limited HR tools
Intuitive user experience	Payroll runs lack flexibility
Good mobile access	Only one third-party integration

Workful is designed for small businesses and is particularly effective for those with simple payroll needs. It may not be the best fit for larger organizations due to its limited features.

In summary, Workful Payroll is a solid option for small businesses looking for an easy and affordable way to manage payroll. Its focus on hourly workers and mobile access makes it a practical choice for many.

24. Patriot Payroll

Patriot Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution that stands out for its affordability and straightforward setup. It’s designed especially for small businesses, making it a great choice for those who don’t need extensive HR features.

Key Features

• Simple User Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, which is perfect for new users.
• Affordable Pricing: Starting at just $17 per month plus $4 per employee, it’s one of the most cost-effective options available.
• Mobile Access: Users can manage payroll on the go, thanks to its responsive design.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use for beginners	Extra fees for Time & Attendance
Affordable for small businesses	Limited flexibility for pay runs
Good integration with accounting tools	Doesn’t provide benefits brokerage

Who It’s For

Patriot Payroll is ideal for small businesses, especially those with fewer than 10 employees. It’s particularly beneficial for companies that already use Patriot Software Accounting, as it integrates seamlessly.

Patriot Payroll is a great choice for small businesses looking for a simple and effective payroll solution without breaking the bank.

In summary, if you’re a small business owner seeking a straightforward payroll system, Patriot Payroll could be the right fit for you. Its combination of affordability and ease of use makes it a strong contender in the payroll software market.

For more details, check out the [Patriot Software review 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/patriot-software-review-2024/).

25. Square Payroll and more

Square Payroll is a solid choice for small businesses, especially those already using Square’s Point of Sale (POS) system. It offers good payroll processing for hourly workers and integrates well with other Square tools. However, it may not be the best standalone option for businesses with many employees.

Key Features of Square Payroll

• Integration with Square POS: Works seamlessly with Square’s POS system.
• Contractor-only option: Allows businesses to pay contractors easily.
• Mobile Admin Access: Manage payroll on the go.
• Time Tracking: Keep track of hours worked by employees.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Competent payroll processing for Square users	Expensive for what you get
Good integration with Square’s POS app	Few earnings types
New third-party HR add-on options	Uninspired user experience
	Minimal report options

Pricing

Square Payroll starts at $35 per month plus $6 per employee. While it is a good option for small businesses, it may not offer as many features as some competitors.

Square Payroll is best suited for small businesses that already use Square POS. It’s not recommended for larger companies or those with many employees.

In summary, Square Payroll is a great tool for small businesses looking for a straightforward payroll solution, especially if they are already using Square’s other services. However, for those with more complex payroll needs, exploring other options might be beneficial.

Final Thoughts on Payroll Software

Choosing the right payroll software is important for any business. It can save you time and help you avoid mistakes. Whether you are a small business or a larger company, there are many options available. Services like ADP RUN and Gusto are great for beginners and those on a budget. If you use QuickBooks, Intuit QuickBooks Payroll might be the best fit. For businesses with hourly workers, Workful and Square Payroll offer solid choices. Remember to think about what features you need, like easy tax filing and mobile access. With the right software, managing payroll can be much easier!

Frequently Asked Questions