Top 10 Payroll Service Providers Reviewed
By Lucy Chen | Published: Undated Analysis | Category: Payroll Services
About Payroll Services
Payroll services automate employee compensation processing, including wage calculation, tax withholding, tax filing, and direct deposit or check issuance. These services help businesses ensure accuracy and compliance with labor and tax laws.
How We Evaluated
Providers were evaluated based on core payroll features, pricing transparency, ease of use, customer support quality, integration options, and scalability for growing businesses. Scores reflect a composite assessment of these factors based on publicly available information and industry reputation.
Rating Criteria
- → Core Payroll Features
- → Pricing & Value
- → Ease of Use
- → Customer Support
- → Integrations
- → Scalability
The Best Payroll Services
Justworks
Visit Website →A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that simplifies payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance for small to medium-sized businesses.
Target Audience
Small Businesses, Mid-size Businesses, Companies seeking PEO services
Service Offerings
PEO Services (Payroll, Benefits, HR, Compliance)
Bundles payroll processing, tax filing, access to large-group benefits, HR support, and compliance assistance under a co-employment model.
- Automated payroll and tax filings
- Access to competitive health insurance rates
- Workers' compensation management
- HR consulting and tools
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Transparent per-employee, per-month pricing tiered by company size (Basic vs. Plus plans). Clearly listed on website.
Pros
- + Access to large-group benefits rates
- + Simplified compliance through PEO model
- + Transparent pricing
- + Excellent customer support
- + User-friendly platform
Cons
- - PEO model might not suit all businesses
- - Fewer direct software integrations than some non-PEO platforms
- - Pricing based on total employees, can be higher than basic payroll for larger SMBs
Verdict
"A top choice for SMBs wanting simplified HR and compliance, plus access to better benefits through a PEO model."
Paycor
Visit Website →An HCM platform offering payroll, HR, and workforce management solutions, primarily targeting mid-market businesses.
Target Audience
Mid-size Businesses, Businesses needing integrated HCM
Service Offerings
Payroll & Tax Compliance
Automated payroll processing, tax filing services, reporting, and analytics.
- Real-time calculations
- Wage garnishment management
- General ledger integration
Human Capital Management (HCM)
Includes talent acquisition, onboarding, HR administration, timekeeping, benefits admin, and learning management.
- Performance management tools
- Employee engagement surveys
- Compliance dashboards
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Custom Quote
Offers bundled solutions (Basic, Essential, Complete, HCM) with pricing based on company size and chosen features. Requires contacting sales.
Pros
- + Comprehensive HCM suite
- + Strong reporting and analytics capabilities
- + Good features for talent management
- + Scalable for growing mid-sized companies
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent
- - User interface can be complex for some users
- - Customer support reviews are mixed
- - May be overkill for simple payroll needs
Verdict
"Suitable for mid-sized businesses looking for a unified HCM platform with robust payroll and advanced HR features."
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Patriot Software
Visit Website →Affordable and easy-to-use payroll software aimed at small businesses, offering basic and full-service payroll options.
Target Audience
Very Small Businesses, Startups, Budget-conscious businesses
Service Offerings
Payroll Software
Offers Basic Payroll (DIY tax filing) and Full Service Payroll (handles tax filing).
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Direct deposit or printable checks
- Contractor payments
Add-on Modules
Optional time and attendance tracking and HR software modules available.
- Basic employee data management (HR module)
- Online time tracking (Time module)
- Integration with Patriot Accounting
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Low base monthly fee plus a small per-employee charge. Very transparent pricing tiers (Basic vs. Full Service).
Pros
- + Highly affordable pricing
- + Simple and easy-to-use interface
- + Good customer support reviews
- + Transparent pricing structure
Cons
- - Limited features compared to larger platforms
- - Fewer integrations
- - HR and Time modules are basic and cost extra
- - Less scalable for rapidly growing companies
Verdict
"Best for very small businesses needing reliable, no-frills payroll at a highly competitive price point."
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OnPay
Visit Website →Full-service payroll provider known for straightforward pricing, strong customer service, and features suitable for small businesses, including niche industries.
Target Audience
Small Businesses, Niche industries (e.g., Agriculture, Nonprofits)
Service Offerings
Payroll & Tax Services
Handles all federal, state, and local tax filings and payments, unlimited payroll runs, multi-state payroll.
- W-2 and 1099 processing
- Multiple pay rates and schedules
- Garnishment payment services
Basic HR & Benefits Integration
Includes HR tools like offer letters, onboarding checklists, PTO tracking, plus integrations for benefits.
- Employee self-service
- HR resource library
- Integrated workers' comp and health benefits
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Simple, transparent pricing: a base monthly fee plus a per-employee charge. No hidden fees.
Pros
- + Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- + Highly rated customer support
- + Handles payroll for niche industries well
- + Good set of basic HR tools included
Cons
- - Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
- - HR features are not as advanced as dedicated HCM suites
- - Interface can feel slightly dated compared to Gusto/Rippling
Verdict
"A great value proposition for small businesses prioritizing straightforward pricing, excellent support, and reliable payroll."
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Square Payroll
Visit Website →Payroll service integrated with the Square ecosystem, ideal for businesses using Square POS, especially those with hourly workers.
Target Audience
Retailers, Restaurants, Small Businesses using Square, Businesses with hourly workers
Service Offerings
Payroll Processing
Easy payroll runs, automated tax filings, direct deposit, support for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
- Integration with Square POS and timecards
- Pay employees and contractors
- Mobile app for employers and employees
Basic HR & Benefits
Offers integrated time tracking, tip importing, and access to benefits partners.
- Workers' compensation integration
- Health insurance and retirement plan access
- Simple onboarding
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Transparent pricing with a monthly base fee plus a per-person paid fee. Contractor-only plan available with no base fee.
Pros
- + Seamless integration with Square POS
- + Simple, transparent pricing
- + Easy to use, especially for hourly/tipped employees
- + Good mobile functionality
Cons
- - Limited HR features compared to dedicated platforms
- - Integrations outside the Square ecosystem are limited
- - Less suitable for complex payroll needs or larger companies
Verdict
"Excellent choice for small businesses already invested in the Square ecosystem, particularly retail and food service."
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Rippling
Visit Website →A modern, unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and Finance, known for its strong automation and integration capabilities.
Target Audience
Tech Companies, Startups, Mid-size Businesses
Service Offerings
Global Payroll
Automated payroll processing for US and international employees, tax compliance, direct deposit.
- Unified system for domestic and global payroll
- Automated tax registration
- Real-time payroll reporting
Unified Workforce Platform
Integrates HR (onboarding, benefits, time tracking), IT (app provisioning, device management), and Finance.
- Workflow automations
- Extensive third-party app integration
- Employee lifecycle management
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Starts with a base platform fee plus per-employee, per-month charges for modules like Payroll. Requires quote for exact pricing.
Pros
- + Exceptional integration and automation capabilities
- + Unified platform for HR, IT, and Finance
- + Modern, intuitive user interface
- + Strong global payroll features
Cons
- - Can become expensive as modules are added
- - Pricing requires a custom quote
- - Newer player compared to ADP/Paychex
Verdict
"Best for tech-savvy companies seeking a highly integrated and automated platform to manage payroll alongside HR and IT."
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Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
Visit Website →Payroll solution integrated directly into the QuickBooks accounting ecosystem, best suited for existing QuickBooks users.
Target Audience
Small Businesses, Self-employed, QuickBooks Users
Service Offerings
Integrated Payroll
Full-service payroll processing, automated tax calculations and filings, direct deposit.
- Seamless sync with QuickBooks Online/Desktop
- Multiple plan tiers
- Same-day direct deposit available
Time Tracking & HR Support
Offers time tracking integration (QuickBooks Time) and HR support resources in higher tiers.
- Workers' comp administration
- Basic HR advisory services
- Employee portal
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Tiered pricing (Core, Premium, Elite) with a base monthly fee plus per-employee cost. Often offers introductory discounts.
Pros
- + Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
- + Familiar interface for QuickBooks users
- + Competitive pricing, especially with bundles
- + Full-service tax filing
Cons
- - Best value proposition relies heavily on using QuickBooks
- - Customer support can be inconsistent
- - HR features less robust than dedicated HCM platforms
Verdict
"The go-to choice for small businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting due to its tight integration."
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Gusto
Visit Website →A modern, user-friendly payroll and HR platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses.
Target Audience
Startups, Small Businesses, Mid-size Businesses
Service Offerings
Full-Service Payroll
Automated payroll runs, tax filings (federal, state, local), direct deposit, W-2/1099 processing.
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Employee self-service portals
- Contractor payments
HR Tools & Benefits
Includes employee onboarding, time tracking, benefits administration (health, retirement), and basic HR support.
- Offer letter templates
- PTO management
- Compliance assistance
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Subscription
Offers tiered plans (Simple, Plus, Premium) with a base monthly fee plus a per-employee charge. Pricing is transparent on their website.
Pros
- + Excellent user interface and ease of use
- + Transparent pricing plans
- + Good integration with accounting software
- + Strong focus on employee experience
Cons
- - Limited customization compared to ADP/Paychex
- - Support primarily online/phone, lacks dedicated reps of higher tiers
- - May not suit highly complex enterprise needs
Verdict
"Ideal for startups and SMBs prioritizing ease of use, transparent pricing, and integrated basic HR features."
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Paychex Flex
Visit Website →A leading provider of payroll, HR, and benefits solutions, particularly strong in the small to mid-sized business segment.
Target Audience
Small Businesses, Mid-size Businesses
Service Offerings
Payroll & Tax Services
Automated payroll processing, tax administration (federal, state, local), direct deposit, and reporting.
- Multiple pay rates and schedules
- Online and mobile access
- Dedicated payroll specialist option
HR Services
Offers HR administration, employee benefits, time tracking, hiring, and PEO services.
- Onboarding tools
- Performance management
- Compliance resources
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Custom Quote
Pricing varies based on package, number of employees, and selected add-ons. Requires consultation.
Pros
- + Strong customer support reputation
- + Scalable solutions for growing businesses
- + Wide range of integrated HR services
- + User-friendly platform
Cons
- - Pricing lacks transparency
- - Can be costly compared to simpler solutions
- - Some reports of nickel-and-diming for extra services
Verdict
"A solid choice for SMBs seeking comprehensive payroll and HR support with dedicated service options."
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View Top Ranked Provider
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ADP Workforce Now
Visit Website →A comprehensive human capital management (HCM) solution with robust payroll capabilities, suitable for mid-sized to large businesses.
Target Audience
Mid-size Businesses, Large Enterprises
Service Offerings
Payroll Processing
Automated payroll calculations, tax filing, direct deposit, check printing, wage garnishment services.
- Multi-state payroll
- Federal, state, local tax compliance
- Year-end W-2/1099 processing
HR Suite
Includes HR administration, talent acquisition, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking.
- Employee self-service portal
- Compliance tools
- Reporting and analytics
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Custom Quote
Pricing is tailored based on company size, specific modules selected, and service level. Requires contacting sales.
Pros
- + Highly scalable platform
- + Comprehensive HCM features beyond payroll
- + Strong compliance support
- + Extensive integration options
Cons
- - Can be more expensive than competitors
- - Pricing is not transparent
- - May be overly complex for very small businesses
Verdict
"Best for mid-sized to large companies needing a scalable, all-in-one HCM solution with robust payroll at its core."
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Final Recommendation
Choosing a payroll service depends heavily on business size, complexity, budget, and desired HR/integration features. Established providers like ADP and Paychex offer comprehensive, scalable solutions for larger businesses, while Gusto and Rippling provide modern platforms ideal for tech-savvy SMBs. QuickBooks Payroll is best for its namesake users, Square excels for retail, and OnPay and Patriot offer excellent value for smaller operations. Justworks provides compelling benefits access via its PEO model.
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