The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best depends on your payroll situation. Gusto is the strongest all-around choice for most small employers; QuickBooks Workforce Payroll is the natural fit for QuickBooks users; OnPay is especially compelling for multi-state payroll; Patriot has the lowest listed entry price; RUN Powered by ADP suits growing companies that want deeper support; and SurePayroll keeps straightforward or household payroll simple.
The prices below are U.S. starting prices seen August 16–18, 2026. Your bill can change with employee count, contractors, payroll frequency, states, local taxes, add-ons, and temporary promotions.
Quick recommendations
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Overall payroll plus HR | Gusto |
| Businesses already using QuickBooks | QuickBooks Workforce Payroll |
| Transparent multi-state payroll | OnPay |
| Lowest listed starting price | Patriot Payroll |
| Growth, support, and compliance infrastructure | RUN Powered by ADP |
| Simple or household payroll | SurePayroll |
These are conditional recommendations, not independent performance scores. The products were compared on tax filing, total cost, multi-state capability, accounting integrations, employee self-service, HR and benefits, support, and scalability using publicly documented information. No provider removes the employer’s responsibility for accurate records, registrations, funding, approvals, and responding to tax notices.
What payroll software should handle
A complete payroll system can calculate gross-to-net wages, withhold federal and state taxes, make tax deposits, submit quarterly returns, issue W-2 and 1099-NEC forms, and pay workers by direct deposit or check. Depending on the plan, it may also provide:
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- Unlimited number of companies and employees
- NACHA files for Direct Deposit
- Optional integratd E-File for Federal W2's and 1099-NEC's
- Create checks for Employees or 1099-NEC contractors.
- Generate and populate tax forms such as W-2, W-3, 1099-NEC, 940, 941 and 941-B. Optional federal E-File and some supported State E-File
- Employee onboarding, pay stubs, tax-form access, and direct-deposit changes
- PTO, deductions, garnishments, multiple pay rates, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls
- Contractor payments and 1099 filing
- Time clocks or integrations with time-tracking systems
- Benefits, workers’ compensation, and retirement-plan connections
- General-ledger synchronization, payroll reports, and audit records
Distinguish payroll calculation from full-service payroll. Full service means the provider also files and pays covered taxes. A self-service plan can be suitable for an experienced employer with one jurisdiction, but a first-time employer or multi-state company will usually benefit from full service. The IRS remains the authority on employment-tax obligations: IRS employment taxes.
Comparison of the six services
| Product | Starting price seen | Tax filing | Payroll runs | Multi-state | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto Simple | $49/month + $6/person | Included on listed plan | Unlimited monthly runs | Higher plan required | Advanced support and multi-state features cost more |
| QuickBooks Workforce Payroll | Promotional bundle shown at $44/month + $6.50/employee; regular pricing also displayed | Full-service options listed | Plan-dependent | Verify current package | Weak value without QuickBooks accounting |
| OnPay | $49/month + $6/worker in comparison coverage | Listed as included | Unlimited | Core strength | Confirm current pricing, local taxes, and time-tracking needs |
| Patriot Basic / Full Service | $17 + $4/worker; $37 + $5/worker | Full Service includes federal, state, and local filing; Basic does not | Unlimited | Verify jurisdiction details | Basic is not equivalent to full-service competitors |
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote required | Available | Plan-dependent | Available; confirm scope | Opaque pricing and potentially higher total cost |
| SurePayroll | From $29/month + $7/worker | Tax-filing option | Unlimited | +$9.99/month listed | Year-end forms and some services cost extra |
Pricing sources: Gusto, QuickBooks, comparison coverage for OnPay and Patriot, and SurePayroll. Verify checkout pricing before subscribing.
1. Gusto: best overall for payroll plus HR
Gusto is the best default for many first-time employers, startups, and professional-service firms that want payroll, employee self-service, benefits, and HR in one approachable system. Its listed Simple plan covers single-state payroll, unlimited monthly payroll runs, tax filings and payments, and basic PTO. Plus adds multi-state payroll, time tracking, and broader payroll features. See Gusto’s current pricing.
Price and strengths
Starting prices seen August 16–18, 2026 were $49 per month plus $6 per person for Simple, $80 plus $12 per person for Plus, and $180 plus $22 per person for Premium. Gusto also supports onboarding, benefits administration, contractor payments, and employee access to pay information.
Rank #2
- You can now print to blank check stock. Customization of the check layout is "not" possible at this time. Check the Help file for additional details.
- Electronic form filing for W-2, 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC is available through a third party service (there is a nominal fee for this service).
- Tax forms for 2022
- Includes tax tables for 2023
- Support for new 1099-NEC form
Limitations
- The least expensive tier is positioned for one state.
- Multi-state payroll and advanced HR require a higher plan.
- Premium support and dedicated service are not universal.
- It may cost more than necessary for a tiny team needing only basic checks.
Verdict: Choose Gusto when usability and integrated HR matter more than the absolute lowest monthly bill.
2. QuickBooks Workforce Payroll: best for QuickBooks users
For a business already using QuickBooks Online, Workforce Payroll can connect payroll expenses, employee records, contractor payments, and bookkeeping in one ecosystem. The current page lists full-service payroll, auto payroll, 1099 e-filing, employee portals, selected next-day direct deposit, and benefits and workers’ compensation integrations: QuickBooks payroll pricing.
Price and strengths
On August 18, 2026, the page displayed a promotional Payroll plus Simple Start bundle at $44 per month plus $6.50 per employee and also showed regular pricing. Promotions are temporary; compare the recurring price of both QuickBooks accounting and payroll.
Limitations
- It is usually poor value if you do not otherwise need QuickBooks accounting.
- Product names and packaging are changing, so older Core, Premium, and Elite labels may not match the current offer.
- Promotional bundles can make the first months look cheaper than the ongoing cost.
Verdict: Pick it when accounting integration is the priority, not simply because it is a familiar brand.
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- Manage your payments and deposit transactions
- Check balances and generate reports to monitor your business finances
- Email and fax reports to your accountant
- Create and track quotes, invoices and more
- Connect to the app with secure web access
3. OnPay: best for transparent multi-state payroll
OnPay uses a principal payroll plan and is positioned around multi-state payroll, unlimited runs, tax filing, contractor payments, benefits administration, and onboarding tools. Comparison coverage lists $49 per month plus $6 per worker; confirm the current amount directly at OnPay because that official pricing page was not available for verification here.
Best fit and trade-offs
It suits professional practices, niche industries, and employers who want multi-state capability without choosing among many tiers. The documented trade-offs are fewer built-in time-tracking features and a less developed employee mobile-app experience than some rivals. Ask how local-tax filings, registrations, amended returns, and extra states are billed.
Verdict: A strong multi-state shortlist choice after confirming every locality where employees work.
4. Patriot Payroll: best budget option
Patriot advertises one of the lowest starting prices: Basic Payroll at $17 per month plus $4 per worker, or Full Service at $37 plus $5 per worker. Full Service adds federal, state, and local tax filing and deposits. Both offerings are described as supporting unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, multiple pay rates, employee and contractor portals, and benefits and retirement integrations. Details are in Patriot’s comparison.
Rank #4
- ezPaycheck is the easy-to-use DIY payroll software trusted by thousands of small businesses since 2005.
- Calculate federal and state payroll taxes, deductions, print paychecks, print tax forms, free support. Supports salary, hourly-rate, commission, tips and customized wages (such as pay-by-piece, pay-by-stop and pay-by-mileage)
- Flexible tax options for W2/1099 employees, churches & non-profits employees who have special tax needs
- Print employee paychecks and vendor checks on blank stock and pre-printed blank check.
- Note: 1) This is the order of ezPaycheck 2026. You need to purchase the new license key to use ezPaycheck 2027 version in Year 2027. 2) We will ship a USB disk with the installation and license information. If you prefer to receive a copy by email, please contact us from halfpricesoft site support page with your Amazon order ID.
The crucial plan difference
Basic is self-service for tax filing. Its low price should not be compared directly with a competitor whose advertised base plan includes filing and payment. Full Service is the more meaningful comparison for an inexperienced employer or a business with local-tax obligations.
Verdict: Patriot is the budget pick when you understand the compliance work or select Full Service for provider-managed filing.
5. RUN Powered by ADP: best for growth and infrastructure
RUN combines payroll, tax filing, direct deposit, employee portals, mobile access, reporting, compliance support, and optional benefits and HR services on ADP’s broader platform. Product details are available at ADP RUN.
Why growing businesses consider it
Phone and compliance support, reporting depth, and an add-on ecosystem can matter as headcount, deductions, entities, or HR requirements increase. ADP does not publish a dependable standard price; request a quote and ask for setup, pay-frequency, state, and add-on charges.
Best Value
- TRUSTED ACCOUNTING: For 44 years, Sage has supported small business with accounting software to help their business thrive. Grow your business with Sage 50 Premium Enhanced: powerful, reliable, and cloud-connected. One year support with subscription.
- CLOUD CONNECTED: Sage 50 Premium Enhanced Accounting gives you powerful, cloud-connected desktop software with all the features you need. Pick your business model and start with the right chart of accounts—set up is easy!
- PROCESS PAYROLL: Simplify your payroll processes for 1-10 of your employees with updated tax calculation for efiling, employee witholdings and automated W2s.
- NEW FEATURES: AR Automation allows you to share invoices, send payment reminders, and automatically collect payments. Our Customer Account Portal gives you 24/7 access to a secure portal to view, manage, and pay invoices.
- PREMIUM: With Sage 50 Premium Enhanced, you get advanced budgeting tools, the security of audit trails, and enhanced job costing by phase and cost type.
Limitations
Quote-based pricing makes comparisons harder and can produce a higher total cost. The platform may be more elaborate than necessary for a two-person employer.
Verdict: Choose RUN when support and infrastructure justify a quote; avoid it if transparent online pricing is essential.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. SurePayroll: best for simple or household payroll
SurePayroll offers unlimited runs, federal and state tax calculation and filing options, direct deposit, automatic payroll, multiple pay rates, new-hire reporting, online pay stubs, mobile apps, and human onboarding support. Its pricing page lists a starting price of $29 per month plus $7 per worker: SurePayroll pricing.
Extra charges to model
The listed calculator adds $9.99 per month for multi-state payroll. Year-end W-2 and 1099 forms are billed separately at a $50 base fee plus $5 per form. Confirm whether you need the small-business product or the separate household-employer offering.
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Verdict: SurePayroll fits very small or household employers who want a straightforward workflow and human onboarding, not an extensive HR suite.
How to choose by situation
- Lowest acceptable entry price: Compare Patriot Basic with full-service alternatives; include the value of your own filing time and risk.
- One employee or S-corporation owner: Confirm that the plan supports W-2 owner payroll. Contractor-only service is not a substitute for S-corporation payroll; Gusto separates these offerings on its pricing page.
- Existing QuickBooks customer: Start with Workforce Payroll, then compare the combined accounting-plus-payroll cost.
- Remote employees in several states: Compare OnPay, Gusto Plus, ADP, and full-service plans, specifically for registrations and local taxes.
- Hourly staff and frequent corrections: Check whether unlimited runs, time tracking, and off-cycle payroll are included rather than assumed.
- Benefits and HR needs: Gusto, QuickBooks, and ADP offer broader integrated options; partner services may cost extra.
- Household employer: Consider SurePayroll’s household offering and its year-end-form pricing.
Questions to ask before subscribing
- Which federal, state, local, quarterly, annual, amended, and year-end filings are included?
- Does the provider register a new state, handle local taxes, and respond to tax notices?
- Are W-2s and 1099s included, and what are the base and per-form charges?
- What does the tax-penalty guarantee cover, and what exclusions apply?
- How much lead time is required for direct deposit, and are same-day or next-day options extra?
- Are off-cycle, bonus, correction, and paper-check payrolls free?
- What are setup, migration, cancellation, multi-state, benefits, and workers’ compensation fees?
- Can the service support multiple entities and export complete records if you leave?
Switching payroll providers safely
- Export year-to-date payroll reports and prior-quarter filings.
- Verify legal names, addresses, Social Security numbers, tax forms, deductions, and bank details.
- Gather unemployment and withholding account numbers and state registrations.
- Decide which provider will file the current quarter and document that decision.
- Reconcile opening balances and run a test payroll before the first live payday.
- Keep the old account available until all year-end forms, corrections, and notices are resolved.
Bottom line
Choose Gusto for the easiest all-in-one payroll and HR experience; QuickBooks Workforce Payroll when accounting integration is central; OnPay for transparent multi-state simplicity; Patriot for the lowest listed starting price; RUN Powered by ADP for growth and support infrastructure; and SurePayroll for uncomplicated small-business or household payroll. Recheck plan names, fees, state coverage, and tax-filing terms at checkout before committing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
