Gusto
Often considered when a small business wants payroll, onboarding, benefits, and HR tools in one environment.
Last reviewed: September 6, 2026. Verify current pricing, tax services, and state availability with each provider.
Map the payroll before comparing software
Count employees and contractors, list every state where people work, document pay schedules, benefits, garnishments, tips, time tracking, and accounting requirements. A low base price can become expensive when per-person fees and add-ons are included.
Common fits
QuickBooks Payroll
A natural comparison for businesses already using QuickBooks accounting. QuickBooks Workforce is the employee-facing experience, not the employer payroll product.
Homebase
Often evaluated by hourly teams that need scheduling, time clocks, communication, onboarding, and payroll together.
OnPay
A focused payroll-and-HR option worth comparing for integrations, support, and specialized payroll requirements.
Square Payroll
May fit businesses already using Square, especially those paying hourly staff or contractors.
Questions that prevent surprises
- Are federal, state, and local filings included?
- Who handles notices and corrections?
- What are the per-person, benefits, year-end, and off-cycle fees?
- Can the system support multiple states and worker types?
- Can you export complete payroll records if you leave?
Implementation matters
Run a parallel review before the first live payroll. Confirm year-to-date wages, tax IDs, bank debits, employee details, deductions, and filing authorizations. Preserve payroll reports and tax filings in company-controlled storage.