Best Online Payroll Service Of 2025 | Side by Side Reviews

When it comes to finding Payroll Services comparing quotes is the key to getting a top product for the lowest price.

We've gathered information on the top Online Payroll Solutions, user reviews, and buying tips, and made it easy to get the best price from companies in your area.

Are you thinking about purchasing online payroll services? If so, read on to learn about the best payroll online solutions.

A significant 40% of business leaders spend more than 80 hours per year on accounting-related tasks. The same percentage agrees that these are the least favorite parts of owning a small business.

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Top 10 Online Payroll Services

Managing payroll securely and efficiently is essential due to the sensitive nature of employee data. We've evaluated numerous providers to present unbiased reviews of the top payroll services. Here’s our list of reliable options you can confidently integrate into your business operations:

1. Intuit (QuickBooks Online)

A trusted name in accounting since 1993, QuickBooks Online is relied upon by over 3.6 million users. Its payroll solution integrates seamlessly with tools for tracking income, managing expenses, and creating customizable reports, making it a go-to for businesses of all sizes.

2. ADP

With over 60 years in the industry, ADP offers scalable solutions for businesses of any size. Features include 24/7 payroll support, mobile access, and flexible payment options. Recognized by FORTUNE as one of America’s Most Admired Companies®, ADP continues to set the standard for HR and payroll solutions.

3. Paychex

Paychex combines payroll, HR management, and compliance services into one platform. Known for its industry expertise since 1971, Paychex focuses on simplifying processes like time tracking, benefits management, and onboarding, helping businesses grow efficiently.

4. Payficiency

Designed for simplicity, Payficiency offers payroll services with a transparent pricing model ($35 base fee plus $5 per employee). Features include automated tax payments, employee self-service accounts, and live expert support, accessible via mobile or web.

5. Fuse Workforce Management

Previously known as ProPayroll, Fuse provides an all-in-one human capital management platform. It combines payroll, time tracking, and advanced analytics with real-time data access, making it a customer favorite for over 15 years.

6. IOIPay

In business since 1987, IOIPay delivers scalable and customizable payroll solutions. With a focus on paperless operations, it helps companies reduce costs and environmental impact while offering a wide range of add-on features.

7. Gusto

Gusto, formerly ZenPayroll, specializes in small business payroll. Its intuitive platform integrates HR, benefits, and payroll tasks seamlessly. With features like autopilot payroll and celebratory payday emails, Gusto supports over 200,000 businesses nationwide.

8. BenefitMall

With 35+ years of experience, BenefitMall provides easy-to-use payroll platforms backed by live expert support. From dedicated payroll specialists to online reporting tools, BenefitMall simplifies payroll management for businesses of all sizes.

9. SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a leading solution for small businesses, offering online payroll processing, mobile apps, and tax payment features. Trusted for its innovation and customer service, SurePayroll caters to businesses with 1-100 employees.

10. APS

APS delivers a comprehensive workforce management platform, combining payroll, ACA compliance, time tracking, and HR functions. The customizable, paperless solution includes automatic error-checking and detailed analytics for optimized workforce insights.

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These payroll services provide reliable, feature-rich solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

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Let's take a look at what most small business owners like about some of the leading payroll companies.

Payroll Company	Rating	Ease of Use	COMPARE	Key Points / Offers (Paraphrased)
ADP		Good		– Trusted by over 800,000 small and midsize businesses – Provides six months free with new sign-ups – Uses AI for enhanced payroll insights
BambooHR		Fair		– Manages payroll and HR needs – Includes an employee database and reporting features – Streamlines hiring and onboarding
Deel		Good		– Focused on international payroll solutions – Designated a G2 Market Leader 2025 (Mid-Market) – Over 200 in-house payroll and legal specialists
Gusto		Excellent		– Full-service online payroll – “Autopilot” feature handles payroll automatically – Adaptable for businesses of all sizes
Rippling		Superb		– Award Winning Payroll Software – Global Payroll Products – 100% Error Free Guarantee
Onpay		Superb		– Gives the first month free – Automates taxes with guaranteed accuracy – Named Forbes Advisor’s top payroll for 2024
Paychex		Good		– Exclusive deal: six months free – Ideal for smaller businesses – Increases efficiency with modern tools
Coastal		Excellent		– HR Options – Time and Attendance – Open Integration Architecture
Paychex		Excellent		– Limited-time six-month free payroll offer – Great pricing for small businesses – Serves over 740,000 clients
Heartland		Good		– 90 Day Rebate – Compliance Management – Back Level Security
iSolved		Good		– HCM Solutions – Easily Scales With You – 177,000 Employers Nationwide
Paycor		Very Good		– Provides expert support and service – Streamlines workflows within one platform – Well-suited for medium and larger enterprises
Paylocity		Very Good		– Workforce Management – Airbase Spend Management
Remote		Fair		– Recognized as a Top 50 HR Product in 2024 – Delivers global payroll and HR services – Ensures compliance and robust security
Sure Payroll		Very Good		– Grants up to six months free – Simple setup and quick operation – No-penalty guarantee for tax filing

Most Important Considerations When Choosing an Online Payroll Company

When you're ready to switch from manual payroll management to an online solutions provider, there are a few considerations to keep in mind as you start your research. By asking these questions of every company, you can better vet your options.

Is Implementation Streamlined?

You might be considering a mid-year conversion, wherein Q2 would be an ideal time to make the change. Or, you may be looking to transition onto an online platform at the end of the year.

Regardless of your anticipated timeline, you'll need a provider that offers a seamless and streamlined implementation process, backed by an expert support staff ready to answer any questions. This is critical to ensure against costly downtime and to maintain the integrity of your financial data.

Can Payroll Be Combined with HR and Time Tracking Functions?

While you could keep them separate, it only makes sense to integrate payroll, HR, and time tracking functions into one platform. This way, any adjustments you make to one element can be captured across all three.

A sophisticated payroll provider will enable this capability, which can also help to reduce errors, duplicate data entries, and overall labor costs.

Is Tax Compliance Management Included?

It's no secret that tax compliance regulations are constantly updated and changing. As such, staying abreast of the latest requirements can be difficult. That's where it helps to deploy a payroll solution that includes dedicated tax compliance management.

This team can update your tax tables annually to make sure you're accurately capturing all data and is available to help with year-end processing, as well.

Is Data Easily Converted?

Especially if you're migrating your payroll data from a manual system or another software solution, you'll need a provider that offers robust data conversion and migration capabilities.

Look for one that can take your year-end history and upload it into the new solution with ease. Also, ensure that all data is reconciled and validated to ensure accuracy.

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What Does an Online Payroll Service Do?

Put simply, an online payroll service is one that operates in the cloud. The companies that offer these services work one-on-one with business leaders. The customized solutions make the payroll process as easy as possible.

These services are ideal if your payroll requirements have outgrown your in-house capabilities. They also help when you decide that the time spent on accounting could be better allocated to core business matters.

Some of the tasks an online payroll service can help perform include:

• Performing payroll compliance checks
• Creating automatic, electronic payroll records
• Recording employee attendance and clocked-in time
• Managing direct deposit accounts
• Overseeing accurate payroll tax payments and deductions

These are only some of the myriad functions that users can achieve with an online payroll service provider. The degree to which these are accessed and utilized is usually customizable.

WHAT ARE 4 THE TYPES OF PAYROLL COMPANIES?

There are four main types of payroll companies, each catering to different business needs based on the level of service, compliance requirements, and HR functions they provide. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

1. Full-Service Payroll Providers

These companies handle all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring that businesses comply with tax regulations, labor laws, and payroll requirements. They typically offer:

• Payroll calculation and direct deposits
• Tax withholding and filing (federal, state, and local)
• Employee benefits integration (health insurance, 401(k), etc.)
• Year-end tax forms (W-2s and 1099s)
• Compliance with labor laws and wage regulations

These providers are best for small to mid-sized businesses that want a hands-off payroll experience with automated tax compliance and HR features. Examples include ADP, Paychex, and Gusto.

2. Payroll Software Solutions

Payroll software companies provide do-it-yourself (DIY) platforms where businesses can process payroll in-house. These are cloud-based or desktop solutions designed to streamline payroll calculations while offering essential features like:

• Automated payroll calculations
• Tax compliance and filing assistance
• Employee self-service portals
• Time tracking and attendance integration

While these solutions are more affordable than full-service payroll providers, they require some level of management from the business owner or HR team. Examples include QuickBooks Payroll, Wave Payroll, and OnPay.

3. Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)

PEOs provide outsourced HR solutions that go beyond payroll. They act as co-employers, taking on legal responsibilities for employees, including payroll administration, tax filings, benefits management, and compliance. PEOs typically offer:

• Payroll processing and tax compliance
• Employee benefits administration (healthcare, retirement plans, workers’ comp)
• HR support, including hiring, training, and employee relations
• Compliance with state and federal labor laws

PEOs are best suited for small to mid-sized businesses that want to offload HR and payroll responsibilities while gaining access to large-company benefits. Examples include TriNet, Insperity, and Justworks.

4. Employer of Record (EOR) Services

An Employer of Record (EOR) is similar to a PEO but takes full legal responsibility for employees on behalf of a company. This is useful for businesses expanding internationally or hiring remote workers in different states or countries without establishing local entities. EOR services include:

• Payroll processing and compliance with local labor laws
• Hiring and onboarding employees in different regions
• Tax and benefits administration across multiple jurisdictions
• Handling employment contracts, terminations, and HR compliance

EORs are ideal for businesses that need to hire employees in multiple locations without setting up foreign subsidiaries. Examples include Deel, Rippling, and Remote.

How to Evaluate Top Online Payroll Companies

When it comes to evaluating your options, you'll have plenty of online payroll companies to choose from. To narrow down the list, check to see if any trusted business leaders or colleagues you know have had success with them. Listen to their feedback and analyze their successes and pain points.

Place special precedence on solutions that come recommended by controllers. Also look for advice from CFOs, outside CPAs or a trusted attorney. These professionals have vast experience working within the financial and legal field. They can often steer you toward the soundest solutions.

From there, ask yourself a few questions concerning your payroll needs. Often, a larger-scale solution might be too broad and comprehensive for your needs. You could also end up paying for services you rarely utilize. A few inquiries to ask include:

• How much will my company expand next year?
• How many employees do I plan to have, including full-time, part-time, and contracted ones?
• Will I be dealing with taxes that vary across states?
• Does my company require a solution that bundles HR and payroll services?
• What is our payroll budget?
• How frequently do we issue paychecks, and are we offering 401(k) plans?

Understanding the answers to these questions can help you determine which of the top 10 options is most suited to your specific business requirements.

How Much Does an Online Payroll Service Cost?

The cost of an online payroll service depends on various factors, including the number of employees, payroll frequency, types of services provided, and whether additional HR features are included. Here’s a breakdown of how pricing is typically structured:

1. Base Fee: Most payroll providers charge a fixed monthly or per-payroll base fee, usually ranging from $20 to $150 per month. This covers access to the platform and core payroll processing.
2. Per-Employee Fee: A charge per employee per month, usually between $4 to $15 per employee.
3. Payroll Frequency: Some services charge per payroll run rather than a flat monthly rate. If you run payroll weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly, costs can increase.
4. Tax Filing and Compliance: Many services include tax filing, but some charge extra for year-end tax forms (W-2s and 1099s), typically around $5 to $15 per form.
5. Direct Deposit and Payment Processing: Basic direct deposit is usually included, but same-day or instant payroll processing may come with an extra fee.
6. HR and Benefits Integration: If you need time tracking, workers’ compensation, benefits administration, or HR support, expect additional charges from $10 to $50+ per month.
7. Additional Services: Features like multi-state payroll, international payroll, garnishment handling, and contractor payments may add to the cost.

Below is a table summarizing online payroll service costs based on key factors:

Factor	Typical Cost	Details
Base Monthly Fee	$20 – $150/month	Covers platform access and basic payroll processing
Per-Employee Fee	$4 – $15/employee/month	Charged per employee or contractor on payroll
Payroll Frequency	$0 – $10 per extra payroll run	Some providers charge for additional payroll runs beyond the set limit
Tax Filing & Compliance	Included – $15 per form	Covers federal, state, and local tax filing; W-2s/1099s may have extra costs
Direct Deposit Processing	Included – $10 per expedited payment	Instant or same-day deposits may incur fees
HR & Benefits Integration	$10 – $50+/month	Includes time tracking, workers’ comp, 401(k), and health benefits
Multi-State Payroll	$12 – $100/month per state	Additional fees for businesses paying employees in multiple states
International Payroll (EOR Services)	$300 – $650 per employee/month	Employer of Record (EOR) services for hiring overseas
Contractor Payments	$5 – $15 per contractor/month	Some services charge separately for 1099 workers
Garnishment Handling	$2 – $10 per garnishment	Deduction management for wage garnishments

Additional Considerations

• Small businesses with a few employees can expect to pay around $40 to $100 per month for basic payroll services.
• Mid-sized companies with 20-50 employees may spend $200 to $500+ per month.
• Large businesses or those requiring HR, benefits, or multi-state compliance will see costs rise to $1,000+ per month.
• International payroll through an Employer of Record (EOR) is significantly more expensive, typically costing $300 to $650 per employee per month.

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What Is the Cheapest Online Payroll for My Small Business?

Ultimately, deciding which online payroll solution is the cheapest for your small business begins with determining how much you're currently spending on this business asset. If you're used to paying an in-house accountant to work overtime to handle record-keeping and associated processing, even a higher-priced solution might end up being more cost-effective in the long run.

Of the top 10 we've reviewed, Payfiency offers the lowest price point, coming in at $35 per month plus $5 per person as a base cost. If you're self-employed with no other employees on your team, that means you'll pay only $40 each month.

This could mean significant savings if your team is small. Yet, a costlier all-inclusive option could work better for larger businesses, as the $5 per person rate could add up as employee numbers rise.

Take Your Payroll Online for the Service You Deserve

There are many great online payroll service providers out there, and there's bound to be one that's perfect for your business. Start saving time and money while reducing your tax time headaches, and find a payroll partner now!

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Related Articles:

ADP vs Paychex or intuit vs ADP

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