Payroll software automates your business’s payroll process by calculating employees’ deductions and wages and making sure they get paid, typically via direct deposit. The best payroll software for small businesses takes care of payroll dependably and with minimal fuss. For most companies, that means offering automated features, tax filing and payment options, direct deposit options, live support and employee online access to past pay stubs. NerdWallet’s top payroll software picks stand out by offering those features and more.
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Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses
Product | Promotion | Learn more | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gusto Payroll Learn more on Gusto Payroll's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall payroll software | $40/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $80, custom pricing. Fee per employee varies by tier. | 6 months free for contractor-only businesses. | Learn more on Gusto Payroll's secure website |
QuickBooks Payroll Learn more on QuickBooks Payroll's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Accounting and payroll software | $45/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $80, $125. Fee per employee varies by tier. | One month free trial or 50% off for three months; terms apply. | Learn more on QuickBooks Payroll's secure website |
OnPay Payroll Learn more on OnPay Payroll's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Restaurant payroll software | $40/month Plus $6 per employee. | One month free Terms apply | Learn more on OnPay Payroll's secure website |
RUN Powered by ADP Learn more on RUN Powered by ADP's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Easy payroll software | $79/month Plus $4 per employee. Custom pricing also available. | Three months free Terms apply | Learn more on RUN Powered by ADP's secure website |
Roll by ADP Learn more on Roll by ADP's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile payroll app | $39/month Plus $5 per employee. | Three months free Terms apply | Learn more on Roll by ADP's secure website |
Patriot Payroll Learn more on Patriot Payroll's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Cheap payroll software | $17/month Plus $4 per employee. Additional pricing tiers (per month): $37. | One month free Terms apply | Learn more on Patriot Payroll's secure website |
Payroll4Free | Best for Free payroll software | $0 For 1-10 employees. Additional pricing tiers (per month): $10, $35. | N/A |
Our pick for
Overall payroll software
Gusto Payroll
Learn more
on Gusto Payroll's secure website
Starting at
$40/month
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $80, custom pricing. Fee per employee varies by tier.
Promotion
6 months free
for contractor-only businesses.
Gusto includes a suite of HR features, like administration of health insurance and other benefits, in all its plans.
Pros
- Benefits administration (health benefits are available in 38 states and Washington, D.C.; 401(k) plans are available in all 50 states).
- Time-tracking features at higher-price tiers (limited at Simple level).
- Certified HR experts available (at the Premium level).
- Free account setup.
- Next-day direct deposit (at Plus and Premium levels).
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a mobile app specifically for payroll processing.
- Limited hours for live support.
Our pick for
Accounting and payroll software
QuickBooks Payroll
Learn more
on QuickBooks Payroll's secure website
Starting at
$45/month
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $80, $125. Fee per employee varies by tier.
Promotion
One month free trial
or 50% off for three months; terms apply.
QuickBooks Payroll is a logical choice for the many small-business owners who use QuickBooks Online for their accounting needs.
Pros
- Benefits administration at all levels.
- Time-tracking features and HR support available (Premium and up).
- Next-day direct deposit at Core level (same-day at Premium).
- The option to choose a 30-day free trial or 50% off base price for first three months; terms apply.
- Easy integration with QuickBooks Online. (Integrated accounting and payroll plans start at $75 per month.)
Cons
- Limited integration with non-QuickBooks products.
- Additional fees if you have employees in more than one state (Core and Premium).
Our pick for
Restaurant payroll software
OnPay Payroll
Learn more
on OnPay Payroll's secure website
Starting at
$40/month
Plus $6 per employee.
Promotion
One month free
Terms apply
OnPay offers a wide range of payroll features plus benefits administration and HR tools for one base rate.
Pros
- Benefits administration included.
- Integrates with third-party software for time tracking.
- HR tools included.
- One-month free trial; terms apply.
- Straightforward pricing.
- Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero.
- Calculates hourly and overtime wages as well as cash and controlled tips.
Cons
- Can’t run payroll automatically.
- Limited customer support hours.
Our pick for
Easy payroll software
RUN Powered by ADP
Learn more
on RUN Powered by ADP's secure website
Starting at
$79/month
Plus $4 per employee. Custom pricing also available.
Promotion
Three months free
Terms apply
ADP offers a strong list of payroll features, and if your business scales up, it has products for every stage of your growth.
Pros
- First three months free; terms apply.
- Ability to scale up for growing businesses.
- Live payroll support is available 24/7.
- Benefits administration available as add-on.
- Time-tracking features available as add-on.
Cons
- Opaque pricing.
- Limited HR support at base level.
Our pick for
Mobile payroll app
Roll by ADP
Learn more
on Roll by ADP's secure website
Starting at
$39/month
Plus $5 per employee.
Promotion
Three months free
Terms apply
All functions can be performed on a mobile device, using a natural-language, chat-style interface — including adding a new employee, setting up and running payroll and awarding bonuses.
Pros
- 24/7 support via chat.
- Next-day direct deposit with options for same-day for a fee.
- Three-month free trial; terms apply.
- Chat-style interface streamlines setup.
- Employees have access to the app.
- App available for iOS and Android.
Cons
- Lack of HR and time-tracking features.
- Payroll reports are limited.
Our pick for
Cheap payroll software
Patriot Payroll
Learn more
on Patriot Payroll's secure website
Starting at
$17/month
Plus $4 per employee. Additional pricing tiers (per month): $37.
Promotion
One month free
Terms apply
Patriot Payroll offers an affordable selection of payroll features, with add-ons that can cover HR and time and attendance reporting.
Pros
- Transparent pricing.
- One-month free trial; terms apply.
- Scales from one to 500 employees.
- Time tracking and HR support available as add-ons.
- Abundant payroll reports.
Cons
- Benefits administration limited to 401(k) plans.
- Extra fee for 1099 e-filing (at Basic level).
Our pick for
Free payroll software
Payroll4Free
Starting at
$0
For 1-10 employees. Additional pricing tiers (per month): $10, $35.
For small businesses with 10 or fewer employees to pay, Payroll4Free’s payroll software offers a full lineup of basic payroll functionality for free.
Pros
- Option to pay employees by direct deposit or paper check.
- Includes time tracking.
- Employees have access to paystubs, W-2, accrued time off and more.
- Integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting software.
Cons
- Limited to 10 employees on payroll to use software for free.
- Software is compatible with Windows only.
- Payroll tax filing and direct deposit services come with a fee.
Our picks for best online payroll software
Gusto Payroll
Best overall payroll software
- Contractor: $35 per month plus $6 per person per month.
- Simple: $40 per month plus $6 per person per month.
- Plus: $80 per month plus $12 per person per month.
- Premium: Custom pricing.
Highlights:
- Unlimited payroll runs for users in all states.
- Time-saving automation and integrations.
- Ability to upgrade, downgrade or cancel plans at any time.
Why we like it: Gusto offers full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs, tax filings and payments, and automated payroll options. HR features such as health insurance administration, employee self-onboarding and state new hire reporting are included at all pricing tiers. Employees also get access to a mobile app called Gusto Wallet to help them track their finances, and they can opt to be paid through a debit card. For businesses that want a human touch, the Premium level offers dedicated HR support. Gusto integrates with many third-party software products, including popular accounting apps like QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks and Xero. Read our full review of Gusto.
QuickBooks Payroll
Best accounting and payroll software
- Core: $45 per month plus $6 per employee per month.
- Premium: $80 per month plus $8 per employee per month.
- Elite: $125 per month plus $10 per employee per month.
Highlights:
- Payroll data automatically syncs with QuickBooks Online.
- Next-day or same-day direct deposit options, depending on plan.
- Elite plan includes tax penalty protection.
Why we like it: For the many small-business owners who use QuickBooks Online for accounting needs, turning to QuickBooks Payroll is a logical choice for the fast, convenient integration. The Core plan offers a full suite of payroll features, including unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filing, robust payroll reports and next-day direct deposit. Higher tiers add features such as same-day direct deposit, HR Support Center and mobile time tracking. At $125 a month plus $10 per employee, the Elite plan includes a personal HR advisor, expert setup help and a tax-penalty-free guarantee. Through the QuickBooks Workforce portal, employees can access their pay stubs and personal information. Read our QuickBooks Payroll review.
OnPay Payroll
Best restaurant payroll software
- $40 per month plus $6 per employee per month.
Highlights:
- Simple pricing with first month at no cost.
- Employee self-service for onboarding and personal account management.
- Special payroll services for industries with unique needs.
Why we like it: OnPay keeps it simple, offering a wide range of features encompassing payroll, HR and benefits for one base rate — and the first month is free. While designed for smaller businesses, it can run larger payrolls and boasts support for specialized industries such as restaurants, farms, nonprofits and churches. OnPay provides self-onboarding tools and additional self-service features that let employees access pay stubs, update personal information, request time off and download tax forms. It integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero. Read our complete OnPay review.
RUN Powered by ADP
Best easy payroll software
- Essential: $79 per month plus $4 per employee per month.
- Enhanced: Quote only.
- Complete: Quote only.
- HR Pro: Quote only.
Highlights:
- Quality payroll features offered at all plan levels.
- Health insurance, retirement services and other add-ons.
- Scalability with multiple ADP payroll packages.
Why we like it: ADP RUN offers a strong list of payroll features and solid customer support optimized for businesses with one to 49 employees. And if you’re planning to scale your business, ADP has products for every stage of growth up to 1,000 employees or more. With RUN, an employee portal is available to view pay history and tax forms, or employees can download the Mobile Solutions app to track time, access retirement accounts and review benefits. ADP integrates with a wide variety of apps, including popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero. Note that you have to talk to a sales rep to get a quote, and many features come with an extra price tag. Read our review of ADP RUN.
Roll by ADP
Best mobile payroll app
- $39 per month plus $5 per employee per month.
Highlights:
- Chat-based payroll app with AI-driven technology.
- Unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states.
- Free trial period of three months.
Why we like it: Introduced in 2021, Roll takes full advantage of newer mobile-first technologies while retaining the useful features and reliability of ADP. Roll functions on a mobile device, using a natural-language, chat-style interface to run payroll, add new employees, award bonuses — even set up your company's payroll for the first time. No desktop work is required, though a desktop interface is available. Employee self-service options let employees manage their own profiles and information. Roll integrates with QuickBooks Online, and you can choose to have your payroll registers emailed to you and your bookkeeper. Read our review of Roll by ADP.
Patriot Payroll
Best cheap payroll software
- Basic: $17 per month plus $4 per person per month.
- Full service: $37 per month plus $4 per person per month.
Highlights:
- Free trial period of 30 days.
- Add-ons for HR and time and attendance tracking.
- Tax filing accuracy guaranteed with Full Service plan.
Why we like it: Patriot Payroll offers an affordable suite of well-regarded products covering accounting and payroll, with add-ons that can cover HR and time and attendance reporting. For price-conscious companies looking for a single, integrated package, it's worth a look. Be aware that the Basic level doesn't include tax filing and depositing. These features are included at the Full Service level, which bumps the monthly base fee to $37 — but keeps the per-employee fee low at $4 per month. Patriot guarantees to file your tax obligations on time and accurately, or it will pay the penalties and interest. Accounting software integrations include Patriot Accounting as well as QuickBooks Online. Read our full Patriot Payroll review.
Payroll4Free
Best free payroll software
- $0 per month for 1 to 10 employees.
- $10 per month for 11 to 25 employees.
- $35 per month for more than 25 employees.
Highlights:
- Free basic payroll services for 10 or fewer employees.
- Tax filing and direct deposit services available for an additional fee.
- Employee portal and time tracking features included.
Why we like it: For very small businesses, the features that Payroll4Free offers at no charge can serve basic payroll needs. The payroll software calculates taxes, allows the option to pay employees by check or direct deposit, gives employees access to pay stubs and W-2s and generates multiple payroll reports, among other features. Payroll4Free does offer paid services, as well, for businesses that would prefer to have payroll taxes filed on their behalf and for those preferring to transfer direct deposit funds through Payroll4Free’s bank. Read our review of Payroll4Free.
» MORE: Best free payroll software
What is payroll software?
Payroll software helps streamline and automate how your business pays its employees and contractors. It typically keeps track of each person’s hours and wages, automates their payroll deductions and makes it easy to pay them via direct deposit. That means reliably accurate and timely paychecks. You can use payroll software to run reports on tax payments, payroll history and paid time off, too. Many products also calculate and file payroll taxes for you, so you don’t miss due dates or risk a miscalculation. Payroll tax rules can be confusing, so this is a big plus.
Most payroll software is cloud-based as opposed to being confined to a single computer. You’ll start by creating an account online, then entering information about your company, like its address, employees, bank account and payroll schedule. Most small businesses will want to set up integrations with their accounting software as well.
» MORE: What is payroll processing?
How to choose payroll software
First, consider payroll software that’s built for your size business. Payroll software companies often advertise themselves as solutions for businesses with a particular number of employees (e.g., one to 49). From there, find out which products integrate with your accounting software. If the systems don’t sync with each other, you may have to manually enter wage-related expense details into your accounting software.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider the following components:
- Payroll features. Some common features include automated payroll, a portal that lets employees view their pay stubs and automatic tax calculation, filing and payment. Be sure to find out whether this applies to federal, state and/or local payroll taxes — the more, the better. And don’t forget to look into direct deposit turnaround time, so you can let your employees know when to expect their paychecks.
- Cost. Sales reps should be transparent about pricing, and that goes for monthly subscription costs, extra per-employee fees and any potential filing costs. Factor all of these into your expenses to gauge whether they fit within your budget. There are also free payroll software options, though they’re usually less automated than paid ones.
- HR add-ons. Depending on how many employees you have, you may want to look into plans with HR features, like performance review guidance, employee onboarding tools and the ability to offer benefits.
- Time tracking. Some products come with their own in-house time-tracking modules that employees can use to track their hours. Others may integrate with third-party time trackers. Consider any additional fees here, as well.
- Reporting. In addition to helping you pay employees, payroll software should provide insights into how much your business is spending on payroll and taxes. You may be able to filter reports by date and/or employee.
- Customer support. How difficult is it to connect with a representative if there’s a problem? Some small-business owners prefer phone support while others like the convenience of chat support. Pay attention to the hours and days both are available.
Last updated on April 4, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet’s ratings of payroll software providers rewards companies whose products and services are priced well and work in a variety of payroll scenarios, among other criteria. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including overall cost, core features, employee access, HR features, integrations, reporting and customer service. Learn more about how we rate payroll software services.
These ratings are a guide, but cost, features and contract requirements can vary widely from business to business and provider to provider. We encourage you to shop around and compare several providers.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
