The Best Payroll Services

On February 25, 2026  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.
  • Mobile access for payroll management and employee self-service.

  • Paychex

  • Flexible payroll services starting at $60/month + $4/employee.
  • Provides HR services, benefits administration, and tax compliance.
  • Scalable options for small to large businesses.

  • Intuit QuickBooks Payroll

  • Integrates with QuickBooks accounting software.
  • Options for self-service or full-service payroll.
  • Includes tax filing, W-2 preparation, and direct deposit.

  • OnPay

  • Affordable pricing: $39.95/month for the first 10 employees, $1 per additional employee.
  • Handles payroll, tax filings, PTO tracking, and employee payments.
  • Offers integration with HR and accounting software.

  • SurePayroll

  • Focused on small businesses and household employers.
  • Includes time clock integration, labor law compliance tools, and mobile payroll apps.
  • Custom pricing based on employees and payroll frequency.

  • Patriot Software

  • Two plans: Basic (DIY) and Full-Service (managed payroll).
  • Additional features for HR management and time tracking.
  • Pricing starts at $10/month for Basic, $30/month for Full-Service.

  • Heartland Payroll

  • Offers Payroll+HR to simplify compliance and employee management.
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) solutions and timekeeping integration.
  • Provides general ledger export tools for accounting software.

  • Finance Pal

  • Combines payroll, bookkeeping, and tax preparation.
  • Offers custom payroll schedules and detailed payroll reporting.
  • Pricing starts at $99/month.

  • Paycor

  • Cloud-based payroll for businesses with up to 1,000 employees.
  • Features include general ledger integration, tax compliance, and employee self-service tools.
  • Customized pricing based on business needs.

  • 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.
  • Mobile apps for easy access to pay stubs and benefits information.

  • Tax Compliance

  • Automatic tax calculations, filings, and year-end W-2/1099 preparation.
  • Access to tax advisors or compliance guarantees for accuracy.

  • Software Integration

  • Integration with accounting (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero), HR, and time-tracking software.
  • Minimizes manual data entry and reduces errors.

  • Scalability

  • Ability to grow with your business, supporting more employees and global payroll if needed.

  • 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.
  • Affordable and integrates with existing business tools.

  • 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.


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