Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses
Managing a small business can be challenging for entrepreneurs with limited resources. It can be draining having to schedule people, balance the books and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. To help with smoother operations, consider using Sage Intacct, a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software designed for businesses, offering features like financial reporting and accounts management, or Divvy AP Automation, an expense management tool primarily focused on streamlining accounts payable processes and tracking expenses. While both are valuable financial tools, they serve different purposes, with Sage Intacct providing broader accounting functionality and Divvy focusing on expense management.
Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses in the United States
Let’s look at the top online payroll software and best payroll services for small businesses in the United States, along with their pros and cons, features and pricing.
1. Gusto
Gusto is one of the best online payroll software around today. The platform offers a complete model that makes it easy for employers to handle payments and manage bookkeeping, health insurance, tax filings and other employee compensation in one place. Users also commend the simple interface that makes it easy to navigate the app.
Gusto offers a monthly starter pricing of $6 per employee and a $40 base fee for Gusto Simple. This payroll service offers another starter of $12 per employee and an $80 base fee for Gusto Plus.
A subscription plan includes unlimited pay runs, tax calculation and filing, multiple payment options and health insurance in 37 states. The good part is that first-time users can take advantage of the free 30-day trial.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Direct deposit.
- Unlimited payroll is available in 50 states.
- Health insurance is available in 37 states.
Cons:
- No full HR management feature.
- Premium subscription requires direct contact.
2. ADP
ADP is another payroll management service provider for small businesses with different plans to suit entrepreneurs’ needs. This payroll service offers many different benefits including tax filings, recruitment, onboarding and other built-in HR and team management tools.
ADP makes payment processing and HR management hassle-free for small business owners and managers.
ADP features relatively cheap pricing compared to other payroll management companies. Its latest payroll product has received good reviews from users who benefit from its different plans, including Essential Payroll, Enhanced Payroll, Complete Payroll & HR Plus and HR Pro Payroll & HR.
However, ADP isn’t upfront with its pricing, so users need to contact the sales team for pricing options.
Pros:
- Direct deposits.
- Mobile application is available.
- Simple UI.
- Good customer support team.
- Accurate payroll processing.
Cons:
- Not upfront about pricing.
- Additional fee for HR services.
3. OnPay
OnPay is another company that makes our best small business payroll software review. The OnPay software gives users access to different features, including state and federal tax filings, bookkeeping software, unlimited payroll runs and seamless integration with time-tracking software.
It also comes with built-in HR software with access to tools for onboarding, HR auditing, employee document storage and tracking paid time off (PTO). Its basic plan includes a monthly $40 base fee and $6 per person.
Users can also choose what works for them before subscribing. The feature that makes this the best payroll service for small businesses is the first month and setup are free for new users.
Pros:
- Direct deposit.
- 30-day trial period.
- Full customer support.
- Available in all 50 U.S. states.
Cons
- No mobile app.
4. SurePayroll
Small business owners looking for a straightforward payroll solution with affordable pricing will fancy SurePayroll. The reputable Paychex created the software, which features an easy-to-use interface with no hassles.
The platform is also cloud-based, so users get access to their data anytime and can be assured their private information remains secure.
The payroll software also includes automated payroll runs, tax filing and workers’ compensation and healthcare benefits add-ons. With a two-month free trial and a starting price of $29.99 per month and $4 per payee, SurePayroll is perfect for small business owners.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Automated tax filings.
- Automated payroll runs.
- Simple mobile app for easier access.
- Two-month free trial
Cons:
- Only direct deposit payment option.
- Additional charges for accounting and time-tracking software.
5. Patriot
Patriot is the final payroll software on our best payroll software for small business review. The software is another affordable option for businesses with low budgets and workforce.
Its Basic Payroll plan starts at just $17 per month and $4 per employee, while its Full-Service Payroll plan goes for $37 per month and $4 per employee. With these affordable plans, small businesses can take advantage of Patriot for their payroll management needs.
The best part is that Patriot will help you set up your account and give you access to unlimited payroll runs across different office locations, easy integration with QuickBooks accounting software for bookkeeping as well as an employee attendance tracker.
It also offers an HR service add-on for $6 per month and $2 per employee.
Pros:
- Affordable subscription.
- Free 30-day trial.
- Direct deposit.
- Unlimited payroll runs.
- HR add-on.
Cons:
- Not suitable for businesses with employees outside the United States.
Final Thoughts
Software that offers payroll services can allow small business owners to manage employee payments and tax withholdings while saving time and money!
In this review, we’ve highlighted some of the best payroll services for small businesses. Entrepreneurs in the United States looking to automate this side of their business or other HR-related tasks can take advantage of any of these payroll service companies.
With affordable subscription plans and essential features, small business owners can save time and cost and manage their payments more efficiently.