10 Best Payroll Services For Small Business

Expert Take

Remote makes it possible for businesses to hire and pay staff worldwide without needing to set up local branches. You can handle payroll taxes, direct deposit, and tax filings in different countries using their full-service payroll software.

Remote offers automated payroll, time tracking integration, and helps you stay compliant with local laws. You can also offer employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans in many locations.

Their platform includes employee self-service tools, letting your team access pay stubs, tax forms, and benefits information anytime. HR management features cover onboarding, payroll reports, and contractor payments. Remote’s customer support is responsive, especially for issues in international payroll and compliance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Supports global payroll and tax compliance in over 50 countries
• Automated payroll for employees and contractors
• Handles benefits administration, including health insurance and 401(k) plans
• Offers employee self-service and quick onboarding
• Covers payroll tax calculations and filings automatically
• Provides clear payroll reports and pay stubs

Cons:

• More expensive than some domestic-only payroll services
• Some features may not be available in every country
• Responses from customer support can take time due to different time zones
• Setup for country-specific tax rules can be complex

Specs

Expert Take

Gusto provides an easy-to-use interface and covers payroll needs for both regular employees (W-2) and contractors. You get features such as automatic tax filings, wage garnishments, new hire reporting, and free direct deposit.

Gusto’s cloud-based platform lets you access payroll from anywhere and integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. HR tools, benefits management, and compliance support are built in, making it a full-service option for small businesses.

Customer support is available by chat, phone, and email. Pricing is transparent, which gives you an idea of monthly costs upfront. Gusto continuously updates its tools based on feedback and changing laws.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple setup and user-friendly dashboard
• Unlimited payroll runs each month
• Built-in benefits administration and HR support
• Automated tax filing and year-end forms
• Integrates with popular accounting platforms
• Supports both employees and contractors

Cons

• Not the cheapest option, especially for very small teams
• Health benefits are limited to certain states
• Some HR features only available on higher plans
• No in-house international payroll for employees

Specs

Expert Take

Justworks is popular among small businesses that want to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance with less hassle. You can outsource payroll and much of your HR to Justworks, which helps reduce mistakes and save time. The service is especially good for companies planning to grow, as it lets you add employees and services without a lot of extra work.

The platform handles payroll tax filings, offers a range of employee benefits, and supports both hourly and salaried workers. Its cloud-based design means you and your team can access it from anywhere. Experts appreciate the clear pricing, modern interface, and responsive support team.

Justworks is rated as a strong choice for startups and businesses that want to streamline HR without building out a full in-house HR department. You get a balance between automation and live help, which can be hard to find with larger payroll services.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• All-in-one platform covers payroll, compliance, and benefits.
• Cloud software works well for remote or distributed teams.
• Transparent, flat-rate pricing makes budgeting easier.
• 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and chat.
• Supports integration with accounting and time-tracking tools.
• Automated tax filings and year-end report preparation.

Cons:

• Health insurance options may not be available in every state.
• Minimum employee number may be required to use the service.
• Limited customization compared to some other payroll providers.
• Some advanced HR functions may require higher-priced plans.
• No free trial; pricing is not the cheapest on the market.

Specs

You can manage payroll, track PTO, administer benefits, and handle compliance tasks all in one place. The service works for both U.S.-based and remote teams, making it a flexible option if your workforce is growing or changing.

Expert Take

QuickBooks Payroll is a popular choice for its intuitive interface and robust payroll and tax features. It allows users to manage direct deposits, automated tax filings, and year-end forms with ease. Its seamless integration with QuickBooks Online is especially helpful for small businesses, connecting payroll and accounting to save time and reduce errors.

Industry experts often rank QuickBooks Payroll among the best options for small to midsize businesses. It supports unlimited payroll runs per month, ideal for companies with flexible pay schedules, and includes automatic tax calculations to help prevent penalties. While the platform earns high marks overall, some users note that customer support response times could be improved.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simple, clear dashboard
• Strong QuickBooks integration
• Automated tax calculations and filings
• Unlimited payroll runs
• Easy new-hire reporting
• Mobile app available

Cons:

• Starter price is higher than basic plans of some rivals
• Customer support may not respond quickly at busy times
• Direct deposit can take up to two days on some plans
• Benefit options may cost extra

Most users find setup straightforward and payroll accuracy high. Larger teams or ones with complex pay structures may want to check if the features fit their needs.

Specs

QuickBooks Payroll gives you core payroll tools plus extras like time tracking and health benefits for an added fee. Plans fit small businesses that want easy payroll and tax management.

Expert Take

ADP RUN is a top pick for small businesses, particularly those planning to grow. Its user-friendly platform simplifies payroll, allowing even first-time users to process payments in just minutes. The system also handles tax withholding and remittance automatically, saving time and reducing errors.

Beyond payroll, ADP RUN offers valuable HR tools to support hiring, onboarding, and compliance as your team expands. It allows payments via direct deposit, check, or prepaid cards, and supports multi-state payroll for businesses with a dispersed workforce.

ADP is well-regarded for its strong security and compliance features, making it a reliable choice for scaling businesses. As your needs grow, the platform can easily expand with you—though you’ll need to contact ADP directly for customized pricing information.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing and payments
• User-friendly interface; quick to learn
• HR tools for hiring, onboarding, and benefits
• Multi-state payroll and compliance support
• Accessible customer help and resources
• Flexible employee pay options

Cons:

• No transparent pricing online; you must request a quote
• Extra fees for some add-ons (like time tracking)
• High cost compared to some small-business competitors
• May offer more features than a very small business needs

If you value a broad set of features and strong customer support, the advantages may outweigh concerns about cost and transparency.

Specs

You get a wide range of payroll, tax, and HR solutions in one platform, making ADP RUN a practical pick if you need flexibility and reliability.

Expert Take

Square Payroll is a great option for those new to payroll, thanks to its simple setup and user-friendly interface. It integrates seamlessly with Square’s point-of-sale system, making it especially convenient for businesses already using Square for payments. This integration streamlines payroll by automatically syncing sales and employee hours.

The platform automates payroll runs and takes care of both federal and state tax filings. It supports direct deposit for employees and allows payments to contractors as well. Square Payroll is often recommended for restaurants and retail shops due to its quick timecard import features, though businesses needing more advanced HR tools might prefer a more robust platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Flat-rate pricing: Simple, clear monthly pricing ($35/month plus $5 per person).
• Seamless Square Integration: Works well with Square POS and Team Management tools.
• Automated tax filing at federal and state level included.
• Contractor-only plan: Pay only $5/contractor/month with no base fee.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced HR features like benefits management and compliance alerts.
• Limited customizations for complex payroll needs.
• Only available in the United States.
• Phone support hours are not 24/7.

Specs

Expert Take

Wave Payroll stands out for its simple setup and easy navigation. You can handle payroll and taxes with minimal training, making it a good choice if you don’t have a dedicated HR team. All calculations are updated to match current laws, so you won’t have to worry about compliance.

Wave’s integration with its free accounting platform allows you to keep payroll and bookkeeping in one place. This helps reduce errors and saves time during tax season. Customer support is available via email and live chat, which is helpful if you run into questions.

If your business operates in supported states, Wave can file state and federal taxes for you. In other areas, you’ll need to handle some filings yourself. While you won’t find advanced HR tools, the essentials for paying employees, tracking time, and preparing year-end forms are included.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Straightforward, user-friendly interface
• Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
• Seamless integration with Wave Accounting
• Supports direct deposit and printable checks
• Automated tax calculations and year-end form prep

Cons

• Automatic tax filing only in select states
• Fewer HR features compared to full-service providers
• Limited phone support
• Not ideal if you need advanced reporting or benefits administration

Specs

Expert Take

Rippling is known for its fast and reliable payroll services. You can run payroll in about 90 seconds, making it one of the quickest solutions available. It automatically calculates and files federal, state, and local taxes, which lowers your risk of costly errors.

Rippling provides automation for onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance tasks. This platform connects HR, IT, and finance tools, creating a unified workflow. You can manage employee changes in a few clicks.

Support is accessible and available by chat or email. Pricing is customized, so you’ll need a quote based on your team’s size and needs. Many small businesses like Rippling because it’s easy to use and scales as your company grows.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast payroll runs (as quick as 90 seconds)
• Tax calculation and filing built-in
• Integration with HR, benefits, and IT tools
• Supports employees and contractors
• Simple, user-friendly interface
• Mobile app available
• Scalable for growing teams

Cons:

• Transparent pricing is not listed publicly
• Some features may cost extra
• Requires a minimum number of users for some plans
• Phone support is limited, with most help provided online
• Can be complex for very small teams with simple needs

Specs

Rippling supports flexible payroll schedules and automates most administrative tasks. You can add features as your business grows, including global payroll and device management. The platform is built for both small and midsize companies.

Expert Take

TriNet stands out for combining payroll, HR, and risk management features. You can handle payroll tasks, access benefits, and stay up to date with compliance rules in one platform. Many businesses find the interface modern and intuitive.

You can expect automated payroll tax filing and year-end tax document delivery. Direct deposit and self-service portals simplify your routine. TriNet offers support for employees in multiple states, which is helpful if you have a growing or remote workforce.

You will notice that TriNet focuses on compliance and risk management, which helps reduce errors or legal penalties. It also provides reporting tools to track costs, time off, and other HR information.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-in-one HR and payroll solution
• Automated tax filings and compliance help
• Access to employee self-service portal
• Multistate payroll support
• Dedicated customer support

Cons

• Pricing is not public and may be high for very small teams
• Some features may not be needed if you only want payroll
• Add-ons for extra HR features may increase cost
• Integration with niche software can be limited

If you need both HR and payroll, TriNet brings strong value. If you only want payroll, you may pay for features you do not use.

Specs

TriNet usually customizes pricing based on your company’s size and needs. You need to contact them for an exact quote. All features are delivered through a single online dashboard, making it easy to manage from anywhere.

Expert Take

Paycor is recognized for combining payroll with full HR support in one platform. You get built-in tools for onboarding, time tracking, and benefits administration.

Setting up payroll and adding new employees is simple. Their software guides you, and there’s live support if you need help. Paycor offers mobile access so you and your team can view pay stubs or manage time off anytime.

Many small businesses find Paycor helpful for automating payroll tax filing and compliance reporting. The modern interface is less cluttered than some older payroll systems. If you want a mix of payroll, HR, and reporting in one place, Paycor is a reliable choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• All-in-one payroll and HR solution
• Modern, user-friendly interface
• Good automation features for tax and compliance
• Employee self-service portal
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Scalable with your business

Cons:

• Pricing is not fully transparent on their website
• Some features may cost extra, like advanced analytics
• More HR features than some payroll-only providers, which can be overwhelming if you only want payroll
• Customization may require extra setup

If you need a straightforward payroll tool, the extra HR tools may be more than you need. But if your business is growing and needs both payroll and HR, Paycor’s broad feature set is an advantage.

Specs

You can choose plans based on your needs. Paycor connects with many popular business apps, making it fit easily into your existing workflow.