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5 Best Cheap Payroll Services
By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025
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Gusto
Labeled as “Best for Paying Contractors,” Gusto payroll service starts at $49 per month plus $6 per employee. It includes integrations with other business tools and provides access to an HR library, making it a practical choice for managing both payroll and HR needs efficiently.
Expert Take
Gusto offers flexible payroll options with a contractor-only plan at $6 per person. With this, you can run unlimited contractor payments, generate 1099-NECs at year-end, and take advantage of features like four-day direct deposit and new hire reporting. International contractor support is also available as an add-on.
Beyond payments, Gusto helps streamline onboarding by letting employees enter their own personal and tax information, reducing errors and saving time. It also makes switching from another payroll provider easier by ensuring data transfers are smooth and records stay intact.
Employees get access to a self-service portal for pay stubs, tax forms, and benefits information, which cuts down on administrative tasks for employers. For small businesses, Gusto balances affordability with strong features that simplify payroll and boost efficiency.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Gusto is praised for its user-friendly design, with 83% of users rating it highly for simplicity and easy setup. Small business owners appreciate its straightforward payroll process and seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks. Many users say its streamlined interface saves time compared to more complicated payroll platforms.
Integration capabilities stand out, with 71% of users praising how Gusto connects with other software. Cost and pricing receive generally favorable reviews as well, though 27% cite concerns about rising expenses as businesses add advanced features. For many, the trade-off is worthwhile given the automation and time savings provided.
The biggest drawback comes from customer support, where 77% of users report frustration with long wait times, unresponsiveness, or inconsistent knowledge among staff. Some also mention issues with tax filings and payment processing delays.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs with no extra fees
- Next-day direct deposit available on select plans
- Employee self-onboarding reduces admin work
- Employee portal gives staff access to pay and tax documents
- Simple interface with easy setup
Cons
- Advanced HR tools increase monthly cost
- Limited phone support on lower-tier plans
- Occasional delays in tax issue resolution
- Not ideal for very large businesses with complex needs
Specs
Feature Details Unlimited Payroll Runs Yes, you can run payroll as often as needed without added fees Next-Day Direct Deposit Available through Plus and Premium only; speeds up employee payments Employee Portal Yes, staff is given access to pay stubs, W-2s, and benefits information anytime Employee Self-Onboarding Yes, new hires can enter personal and tax info directly into the system Payroll Data Transfer Available through Premium plan only; import past payroll records when switching from another provider -
Remote
Labeled as “Best for International Employers,” Remote payroll service starts at $29 per employee. It offers seamless integrations and includes access to an HR library, making it especially useful for businesses managing payroll and compliance across multiple countries.
Expert Take
Remote is designed to simplify payroll and compliance for global teams. For $29 per employee or contractor per month, you can manage payments across multiple countries, while the platform handles local tax rules and regulations automatically. This saves time and helps reduce errors or penalties that often come with cross-border payroll.
For companies needing more comprehensive support, Remote offers Employer of Record (EOR) services at $599 per employee per month with an annual contract, or $699 month-to-month. These services cover full legal employment, including contracts, benefits, and compliance management. Remote also offers a 15% discount on EOR services for businesses that hire at least one qualified refugee.
While it may be more than local-only businesses need, Remote shines for organizations with international staff or contractors. By combining payroll, HR, and compliance under one system, it provides an all-in-one solution for managing distributed teams effectively.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Remote earns praise for making global payroll easier by automating compliance and tax processes across multiple countries. Users find the platform intuitive, with 96% rating it highly for ease of use, which helps reduce the complexity of managing international teams.
Customer support is another standout, with 95% of users reporting positive experiences. Many describe the service team as responsive and helpful, though some have noted occasional slow response times or communication issues depending on the situation.
The biggest drawback is cost, with only 41% of users satisfied with pricing compared to domestic-only payroll options. Still, many businesses view the higher price as worthwhile for the peace of mind that comes with compliance coverage and the ability to manage all global payroll and HR tasks in one platform.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Handles payroll in multiple countries
- Automates tax and compliance rules
- Supports both employees and contractors
- Offers next-day direct deposit in some regions
- Provides employee self-service tools
Cons
- More expensive than domestic-only services
- Setup can take longer in certain countries
- May include features you don’t need if you only hire locally
Specs
Feature Details Unlimited Payroll Runs Not offered Next-Day Direct Deposit Not offered Employee Portal Yes, workers can view pay stubs, tax forms, and personal details online Employee Self-Onboarding Yes, new hires can enter their own details, cutting down on admin work Payroll Data Transfer Yes, but manual only; supports secure migration of payroll data from other systems -
QuickBooks Payroll
Labeled as “Best for QuickBooks Users,” QuickBooks payroll service starts at $50 per month plus $6 per employee. It includes integrations and an HR library, making it especially convenient for businesses already using QuickBooks to manage both payroll and accounting in one system.
Expert Take
QuickBooks Payroll offers unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost, making it ideal for businesses with varying pay schedules. Its automation features handle federal and state tax filings, generate 1099s, and provide detailed payroll reports, helping reduce manual errors and streamline compliance.
Most plans include next-day direct deposit, which gives businesses more flexibility in managing cash flow. The biggest advantage is its seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, allowing you to manage payroll and finances together in one platform.
While the base plan starts at $50 per month plus $6 per employee, it can be pricier than some alternatives, particularly for smaller teams with basic needs. Even so, its strong automation, integration, and reliability make it a popular choice for small to mid-sized businesses.
Consumer Sentiment Index
QuickBooks Payroll users value its seamless integration with the company’s accounting software, allowing easy management of finances and payroll in one place. The system is easy to set up and includes features like auto payroll and a mobile app for managing payroll on the go.
However, reviews often mention frustrations with high costs and unreliable tax filing. Customer support is a weak point, with 78% of feedback being negative, many users mentioning unresponsive or unhelpful representatives.
Despite these drawbacks, some businesses value the convenience of having payroll tied directly to QuickBooks’ broader ecosystem. For companies using Intuit tools, the integration can outweigh its shortcomings. However, many still look for alternative payroll providers for better pricing and reliability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs included in all plans
- Next-day direct deposit on most tiers
- Automatic tax filing and year-end forms
- Direct integration with QuickBooks accounting
- Employee self-onboarding tools save time
Cons
- Higher cost than some budget payroll providers
- Customer support quality varies
- Limited international payroll options
- Best suited for businesses already using QuickBooks
Specs
Feature Details Unlimited Payroll Runs Yes, can run payroll as often as needed each month without extra fees Next-Day Direct Deposit Yes, available on most plans; same-day deposit on higher tiers Employee Portal Yes, employees can view pay stubs, tax forms, and update personal details Employee Self-Onboarding Yes, workers can enter tax and banking info directly into the system Payroll Data Transfer Available through Payroll Elite only; syncs automatically with QuickBooks accounting; manual export is also possible -
Square Payroll
Labeled as “Best for Multistate Payroll,” Square Payroll starts at $35 per month plus $6 per employee. It includes integrations and access to an HR library, making it a strong option for businesses that need to manage payroll across multiple states while keeping processes simple and affordable.
Expert Take
Square Payroll is priced at $35 per month plus $6 per employee and includes multistate payroll, time cards, an employee app, and unlimited pay runs. It also supports W-2 and 1099-NEC filings, making it a practical option for small businesses that want built-in compliance features.
For contractors, the service costs just $6 per month per person, with no base fee required. Payments can be made by check, direct deposit, or Cash App, offering flexibility for different types of workers.
This platform is especially useful for businesses already using Square POS, since payroll integrates seamlessly with sales data. It’s also well-suited for companies with employees in multiple states, though international businesses will need to look elsewhere.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Square Payroll is praised for being affordable and easy to use, with 72% of users noting its straightforward setup and simple navigation. Many small business owners and contractors appreciate how quickly they can process payroll without needing deep accounting experience. Its contractor plan is especially appealing for startups that only need to handle contractor payments.
Customer support is a major issue, with 76% of users experiencing poor service, including long wait times and limited solutions. Some also point out issues with compliance tools, particularly around tax filings and account deactivations.
Despite these drawbacks, Square Payroll still earns positive marks for cost (56% satisfaction) and integrations (62%), making it a solid option for small businesses and independent contractors who value simplicity and low upfront costs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple pricing structure
- Automatic federal and state tax filing
- Easy integration with Square POS
- Contractor-only plan available
- User-friendly dashboard
Cons
- Limited to U.S. businesses
- No advanced HR features
- Per-person costs can add up with larger teams
- Customer support response times vary
Specs
Feature Details Unlimited Payroll Runs Yes, can run payroll as often as needed without extra fees Next-Day Direct Deposit Yes, pay employees quickly with next-day deposit options Employee Portal Yes, staff can view pay stubs, tax forms, and personal details online Employee Self-Onboarding Not offered Payroll Data Transfer Yes but manual only; syncs hours and sales data from Square POS -
Justworks
Labeled as “Best for HR Benefits,” Justworks starts at $50 per month plus $6 per employee. It includes integrations and an HR library, making it a good fit for businesses that want payroll combined with access to robust HR tools and employee benefits management.
Expert Take
Justworks is an all-in-one HR platform that includes payroll, compliance support, and HR tools, with multistate payroll at no extra cost. Plans start at $50 per month plus $8 per employee, with optional time tracking. The PEO Plus plan adds benefits like medical, dental, and mental health coverage for $109 per employee monthly.
The platform is designed for small to mid-sized businesses that want payroll and HR bundled into one system. The PEO Basic plan, at $59 per employee, provides HR consulting, compliance tools, and 24/7 support, making it easier to manage a workforce without multiple vendors.
If you’re looking for a solution that combines payroll with HR services, Justworks is a strong option. It’s especially useful for businesses with diverse workforces or those that want to offer employee benefits while reducing administrative overhead.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Justworks earns positive feedback for being easy to use, with 81% of users praising its simple setup and clear payroll tools. Small business owners appreciate the platform for its transparent pricing, reliable payroll processing, and compliance features that help them adhere to labor laws and HR requirements.
At the same time, cost remains a concern, with 74% satisfied but others noting it can be pricier than stand-alone payroll platforms. Customer support shows mixed results—56% of users report positive experiences, but 41% cite issues, particularly with health insurance options.
Overall, Justworks works best for companies that want payroll bundled with HR tools and compliance support.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines payroll, HR, and compliance in one system
- Supports both employees and contractors
- Offers employee self-onboarding and portal access
- Provides compliance guidance and HR training
- Next-day direct deposit available
Cons
- Costs more than many payroll-only platforms
- Limited customization compared to some competitors
- May feel complex if you only need basic payroll
- PEO model may not fit every small business
Specs
Feature Details Unlimited Payroll Runs Not offered Next-Day Direct Deposit Not offered Employee Portal Yes, staff can access pay stubs, tax forms, and personal info online Employee Self-Onboarding Not offered Payroll Data Transfer Yes, but manual only; secure transfer of payroll records for reporting and compliance needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure a low-cost payroll service still meets all my business needs?
When choosing payroll software, start by listing must-have features like direct deposit, tax filing, and employee self-service, then compare providers against your needs rather than just cost. Ensure the service provides compliance support for federal, state, and local taxes to prevent penalties that could exceed any savings.
What features should I look for in a budget-friendly payroll solution?
Choose payroll software that includes essentials like automated runs, tax calculations, and year-end forms, along with employee access to pay stubs and benefits. If you also pay contractors, ensure it supports both W-2 and 1099 workers to avoid juggling multiple tools.
Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of with inexpensive payroll services?
Be sure to review the full pricing breakdown, as some providers charge extra for year-end forms, direct deposit, or additional employees. Also check for setup or cancellation fees, which can make the true cost higher than the advertised monthly rate.
How does the quality of service compare between cheap and premium payroll providers?
Low-cost options often include fewer advanced HR tools, but they can still handle payroll and taxes accurately. Premium services may offer broader support, such as benefits management and dedicated account reps. The main difference often lies in customer support response times and the number of features included, rather than payroll accuracy.
Can I find a reliable payroll service that integrates with my existing accounting software?
Many affordable payroll services integrate with accounting platforms like QuickBooks or Xero, reducing manual entry and errors. Always check which systems a provider supports, as direct integration can save time and improve accuracy.