The Best Payroll Services
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Business Services Buyers Guide
Top Payroll Service Providers
- ADP
- Tailored payroll solutions for small, midsize, and large businesses.
- Includes HR support, direct deposit, and tax compliance tools.
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Mobile access for payroll management and employee self-service.
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Paychex
- Flexible payroll services starting at $60/month + $4/employee.
- Provides HR services, benefits administration, and tax compliance.
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Scalable options for small to large businesses.
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Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
- Integrates with QuickBooks accounting software.
- Options for self-service or full-service payroll.
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Includes tax filing, W-2 preparation, and direct deposit.
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OnPay
- Affordable pricing: $39.95/month for the first 10 employees, $1 per additional employee.
- Handles payroll, tax filings, PTO tracking, and employee payments.
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Offers integration with HR and accounting software.
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SurePayroll
- Focused on small businesses and household employers.
- Includes time clock integration, labor law compliance tools, and mobile payroll apps.
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Custom pricing based on employees and payroll frequency.
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Patriot Software
- Two plans: Basic (DIY) and Full-Service (managed payroll).
- Additional features for HR management and time tracking.
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Pricing starts at $10/month for Basic, $30/month for Full-Service.
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Heartland Payroll
- Offers Payroll+HR to simplify compliance and employee management.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) solutions and timekeeping integration.
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Provides general ledger export tools for accounting software.
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Finance Pal
- Combines payroll, bookkeeping, and tax preparation.
- Offers custom payroll schedules and detailed payroll reporting.
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Pricing starts at $99/month.
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Paycor
- Cloud-based payroll for businesses with up to 1,000 employees.
- Features include general ledger integration, tax compliance, and employee self-service tools.
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Customized pricing based on business needs.
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Sam's Club Payroll
- Online payroll, direct deposit, tax filing, and HR tools.
- Includes employee notifications and an Employee HUB for easy access to payroll data.
- Pricing starts at $34/month for Essential Plan; varies with employee count.
Key Payroll Features to Look For
- Employee Payment Options
- Direct deposit, printed checks, or paycards for flexibility.
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Mobile apps for easy access to pay stubs and benefits information.
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Tax Compliance
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and year-end W-2/1099 preparation.
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Access to tax advisors or compliance guarantees for accuracy.
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Software Integration
- Integration with accounting (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero), HR, and time-tracking software.
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Minimizes manual data entry and reduces errors.
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Scalability
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Ability to grow with your business, supporting more employees and global payroll if needed.
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Mobile Access
- Apps for managing payroll, viewing reports, and sending reminders.
- Employee tools for requesting PTO and viewing tax forms.
Types of Payroll Services
- Self-Service Software
- Suitable for small businesses that prefer hands-on payroll management.
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Affordable and integrates with existing business tools.
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Full-Service Providers
- Outsourced payroll tasks including tax filing, employee payments, and compliance.
- Best for businesses wanting to save time and reduce errors.
Cost Overview
- Self-Service Payroll: Starts around $10-$40/month + per-employee fees.
- Full-Service Payroll: Ranges from $60 to $250/month, depending on services and employee count.
- Custom Packages: Tailored for specific needs like HR, time tracking, and benefits administration.
Best Payroll Picks by Business Size
- Small Businesses: OnPay or Patriot Software for affordability and ease of use.
- Growing Businesses: Paycor or Paychex for scalable and customizable solutions.
- Enterprises: ADP for multinational payroll and integrated HR tools.
Tip: Choose a provider that fits your current needs but can adapt as your business grows.
