1. OnPay
OnPay stands out as a user-friendly payroll solution tailored to small businesses and startups. It offers convenient payment options such as direct deposit and paper checks. One of its key advantages is the unlimited payroll runs, ideal for businesses with frequent pay cycles or contractor payments.
With OnPay, you can easily add employees, manage statuses, run payroll, and handle paid time off (PTO). The platform incorporates a comprehensive payroll tax and benefit deduction system, along with payroll tax preparation. OnPay also takes responsibility for any fines resulting from filing or payment errors.
The all-inclusive package, priced at $40 per month plus $6 per employee per month, includes HR tools. Notably, freelancers are considered employees, so you’ll be charged for any 1099 payments you make.
In 2021, OnPay introduced enhanced reporting capabilities, enabling users to create custom expense reports. This reporting tool allows up to 50 data points, column reordering, and multiple views for different stakeholders, enabling effective financial tracking and informed decision-making.
2. ADP Payroll
ADP’s Run provides a scalable payroll platform that meets the needs of businesses across industries, especially those with complex requirements.
ADP caters to small, midsize, and large businesses, offering different plans for companies with fewer than 50 employees. Pricing is customized and not publicly disclosed. The platform includes additional features like an employee self-service portal, direct deposit payments, and onboarding tools. Advanced plans encompass HR support, background checks, employee training, and job posting on ZipRecruiter.
ADP simplifies payroll processing through various channels: desktop computers, mobile devices, or phone. The system automatically calculates paychecks based on wages and time off, saving time and reducing errors.
3. Paychex Payroll
Paychex is an excellent payroll service suitable for businesses of all sizes, providing weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly payroll schedules.
Paychex accommodates various types of workers, including full-time and part-time employees, 1099 contractors, and freelancers. Payment options include direct deposit, paper checks, or prepaid debit cards.
Payroll management can be handled through the computer software or the Paychex mobile app, available for iOS and Android. Running payroll is simple: enter the required information and submit it for processing. Employees can use the self-service feature to log in and access pay stubs and tax documents.
Paychex offers three packages starting at $39 per month. The basic plan covers payroll processing and tax preparation, while advanced plans include garnishment payments and onboarding services.
4. Gusto Payroll Software
Gusto enables easy management of payroll and tax responsibilities for both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Its cloud-based software features direct deposit, new-hire reporting, and detailed payroll reports.
With higher-priced plans, you gain access to a range of HR tools and features. Certified HR experts provide personal guidance to ensure compliance.
Gusto offers four service tiers, starting with the Simple plan at $40 per month plus $6 per employee per month. The software scales with your business, allowing you to add additional features as needed.
Gusto handles tax registration for employees in all 50 states and facilitates contractor payments in over 80 countries. These capabilities support businesses with remote employees or contractor-based operations.
Running payroll on Gusto is straightforward and requires minimal training. Simply log in, click the “Run Payroll” tab, provide the necessary information, and click “Submit Payroll” to ensure timely payments to employees or contractors.
5. Paycor
Paycor offers user-friendly online payroll software that includes a comprehensive employee self-service portal. This portal allows employees to review compensation data, update personal or financial information, request paid time off, access pay stubs, and review benefits.
Paycor provides four plans, each with a flat monthly base rate and a per-employee fee. Here’s an overview of the packages:
Basic: Priced at $99 per month plus $5 per employee per month, the Basic plan covers payroll processing, payroll tax filing, PDF reports, access to the Paycor mobile app, and employee self-service for wage garnishment and child support information.
- Essential: The Essential plan, priced at $149 per month plus $7 per employee per month, expands on the Basic plan by including PTO requests and manager approvals, new-hire onboarding and tax filing, and compliance checklists and templates.
- Core: Priced at $199 per month plus $8 per employee per month, the Core plan encompasses everything offered in the first two plans, along with HR and career management services.
- Complete: The Complete plan, priced at $199 per month plus $14 per employee per month, adds advanced analytics and data benchmarking, integrations with 401(k) providers, and dedicated account manager support.
6. Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll delivers scalable payroll services that seamlessly integrate with the QuickBooks accounting software. Each package includes unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax forms, a workforce portal, payroll reports, and free next- or same-day direct deposit.
QuickBooks Payroll covers payroll in all 50 states for employees at varying pay grades, including garnishments and tax withholding. Accessible via desktop or the iOS and Android mobile app.
Depending on the plan, businesses can also utilize QuickBooks Payroll for health benefits administration and HR support. The “Tax Penalty Protection” feature, which reimburses up to $25,000 for fines or interest due to inaccurate tax filings, is exclusive to the Elite package.
