15 best payroll software solutions for small business
Bharath
Managed IT Support
December 11th, 2023
Introduction
Payroll Software in SMB
As a small or medium-sized business (SMB), managing payroll can be a time-consuming and error-prone task. However, with the right payroll software solution, you can streamline your HR and payroll processes, saving time and reducing the risk of mistakes. In this article, we will explore the top 15 payroll software solutions for Small Business highlighting their key features, pricing, pros, and cons. Whether you are looking for scalability, customization, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, or compliance features, there is a payroll software solution on this list that can meet your needs.
The role of payroll software in SMB efficiency
Payroll Software Solutions for SMBs
Implementing payroll software can significantly impact the efficiency of your HR and finance operations. By automating payroll processes, you can reduce the time spent on manual calculations and data entry. Payroll software also plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with tax regulations and labor laws, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues. With accurate and timely payroll processing, you can enhance employee satisfaction and maintain a positive work environment.
Key selection criteria for payroll software
Before diving into the top payroll software solutions, let’s discuss some key criteria to consider when selecting the right software for your SMB.
1. Scalability and customization
As your business grows, you need a payroll software solution that can scale with your needs. Look for software that can handle an increasing number of employees and adapt to your changing payroll requirements. Additionally, customizable features allow you to tailor the software to your specific business needs, ensuring a seamless integration with your existing HR and accounting systems.
2. Cost-effectiveness
Affordability is a crucial factor for SMBs. Consider the pricing structure of each software solution, including any additional fees for features or support. Some software providers offer tiered pricing plans based on the number of employees or the level of functionality you require. Compare the costs and benefits to find the best fit for your budget.
3. User friendliness and support
A user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation are essential for the smooth adoption and efficient use of payroll software. Look for solutions that offer comprehensive onboarding and training materials to help you and your team get up to speed quickly. Additionally, take into account the level of customer service that the software provider offers because you might require assistance with troubleshooting or resolving any issues that arise.
4. Integration capabilities
Your payroll software should integrate seamlessly with your existing HR, accounting, and time-tracking systems. Integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors and saving time. Before making a decision, ensure that the software can integrate with your preferred systems or offers integrations with commonly used software in your industry.
5. Compliance features
Compliance with tax regulations and labor laws is crucial for any business. Payroll software should have built-in features to handle tax calculations, deductions, and reporting accurately. Look for solutions that stay up-to-date with the latest legal requirements and provide automated updates to ensure compliance.
Now that we have discussed the key selection criteria, let’s dive into the top 15 payroll software solutions for SMBs. We will explore their features, pricing, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. QuickBooks Payroll
Introduction
QuickBooks Payroll is a popular choice among SMBs due to its seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software. It offers comprehensive payroll features, including automated calculations, tax filing, and direct deposit capabilities.
Key features
Automated payroll calculations and tax deductions
Tax filing and compliance assistance
Direct deposit and electronic pay stubs
Integration with QuickBooks accounting software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Pricing
QuickBooks Payroll offers three pricing plans:
Basic: Starting at $45 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Enhanced: Starting at $75 per month, plus $8 per employee per month
Full-Service: Starting at $125 per month, plus $10 per employee per month
Pros
Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software
user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process
Automated tax calculations and compliance features
Direct deposit and electronic pay stubs for employees
Cons
Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Get a free quote
Ready to simplify your payroll process with QuickBooks Payroll? Click below to get a personalized quote and see how it can streamline your payroll tasks.
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll software solution that offers a range of HR and benefits features in addition to payroll processing. It is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
Key features
Automated payroll calculations and tax filings
Employee self-service portal with access to pay stubs and tax documents
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
HR features, including onboarding, employee benefits, and time-off tracking
Compliance assistance and year-end tax form generation
Pricing
Gusto offers three pricing plans:
Core: Starting at $39 per month, plus $6 per employee per month
Complete: Starting at $39 per month, plus $12 per employee per month
Concierge: Starting at $149 per month, plus $12 per employee per month
Pros
user-friendly interface and easy setup process
Comprehensive HR features in addition to payroll processing
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Excellent customer support and resources
Cons
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Some advanced features are only available on higher-priced plans.
Get a free quote
Discover how Gusto can transform your payroll and HR processes. Get your free quote today and start enjoying a more efficient payroll system!
ADP Workforce Now is a robust payroll and HR software solution designed for mid-sized businesses. It offers a wide range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and talent management.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Talent management features, including performance reviews and goal tracking
Compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Pricing for the ADP workforce Now, it is not publicly available. Contact ADP for a custom quote based on your business requirements.
Pros
Robust payroll and HR features on a single platform
A scalable solution suitable for mid-sized businesses
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Integration options with other ADP products and third-party software
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Steeper learning curve compared to some other software solutions
Get a free quote
Interested in a robust payroll solution for your mid-sized business? Contact ADP now for a custom quote tailored to your unique needs.
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR and payroll software solution designed for SMBs. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and time-off tracking.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Time-off tracking and absence management
Compliance assistance and reporting tools
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Pricing
Zenefits offers three pricing plans:
Essentials: Starting at $8 per employee per month
Growth: Starting at $14 per employee per month
Zen: Custom pricing based on business requirements
Pros
all-in-one HR and payroll solution
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Cons
Custom pricing is required for the Zen plan.
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Get a free quote
Zenefits offers an all-in-one HR and payroll solution. Click below for a free quote and see how Zenefits can make HR and payroll a breeze.
BambooHR is an HR software solution that includes payroll processing as one of its features. It focuses on providing a user-friendly interface and tools for employee management.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Employee data management, including onboarding and offboarding
Time-off tracking and absence management
Customizable reporting and analytics
Integration options with popular accounting software
Pricing
BambooHR offers custom pricing based on the number of employees and business requirements. Contact BambooHR for a personalized quote.
Pros
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive employee management features
Customizable reporting and analytics
Integration options with popular accounting software
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Limited payroll-specific features compared to dedicated payroll software
Get a free quote
BambooHR combines user-friendly HR tools with efficient payroll processing. Contact BambooHR for a personalized quote and elevate your HR experience.
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive payroll and HR software solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and time and attendance tracking.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
HR features, including onboarding and employee self-service
Compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Pricing for Paychex Flex is not publicly available. Contact Paychex for a custom quote based on your business requirements.
Pros
Comprehensive payroll and HR features on a single platform
A scalable solution suitable for businesses of all sizes
Integration options with popular accounting software
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Some users report a steep learning curve.
Get a free quote
Looking for a comprehensive payroll solution? Get in touch with Paychex Flex for a custom quote and explore their extensive HR features.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that includes payroll as one of its features. It offers a range of accounting and bookkeeping tools in addition to payroll processing.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Time and attendance tracking
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Customizable reporting and analytics
Pricing
Xero offers three pricing plans, with payroll included:
Early: Starting at $11 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Growing: Starting at $32 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Established: Starting at $62 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Pros
Seamless integration with Xero accounting software
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Integration options with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Cons
Limited payroll-specific features compared to dedicated payroll software
Some users report occasional system glitches.
Get a free quote
Xero seamlessly integrates payroll with accounting. Click below for a free quote and discover the convenience of Xero for your payroll needs.
Wave Payroll is a free payroll software solution aimed at small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. It offers basic payroll features, including automated calculations and tax filings.
Key features
Basic payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Integration with Wave’s accounting software and invoicing tools
Mobile app for on-the-go payroll management
Pricing
Wave Payroll is free to use, with certain limitations. Additional features, such as direct deposit and time-tracking integration, are available for a fee.
Pros
Free payroll software for small businesses
user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process
Integration with Wave’s accounting software and invoicing tools
Mobile app for easy on-the-go payroll management
Cons
limited features compared to paid payroll software
Additional fees for certain advanced features
Get a free quote
Wave Payroll offers a free, basic payroll solution for small businesses. Visit below for more information and to explore their advanced features.
Patriot Software offers a comprehensive payroll software solution for small businesses. It focuses on affordability and ease of use, making it an attractive option for SMBs.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Customizable reporting and analytics
Pricing
Patriot Software offers two pricing plans:
Basic Payroll: Starting at $10 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Full-Service Payroll: Starting at $30 per month, plus $4 per employee per month
Pros
Affordable payroll software for small businesses
user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process
Integration options with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Customizable reporting and analytics
Cons
Some users report occasional system glitches.
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Get a free quote
Patriot Software provides an affordable payroll solution for small businesses. Get a free quote today and streamline your payroll process.
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll software solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, tax filings, and time-off tracking.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Time-off tracking and absence management
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
SurePayroll offers custom pricing based on the number of employees and business requirements. Contact SurePayroll for a personalized quote.
Pros
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Integration options with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Some users report occasional system glitches.
Get a free quote
SurePayroll tailors its services to small businesses. Contact them for a personalized quote and experience hassle-free payroll management.
OnPay is a payroll software solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
HR features, including onboarding and employee self-service
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
OnPay offers custom pricing based on the number of employees and business requirements. Contact OnPay for a personalized quote.
Pros
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive payroll and HR features
Integration options with popular accounting software
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Some users report occasional system glitches.
Get a free quote
OnPay delivers comprehensive payroll and HR features. Get in touch for a custom quote and see how OnPay can meet your business needs.
Square Payroll is a payroll software solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, tax filings, and time and attendance tracking.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Integration with Square’s point-of-sale and payment processing tools
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Square Payroll offers two pricing plans:
Core Payroll: Starting at $29 per month, plus $5 per employee per month
Premium Payroll: Starting at $49 per month, plus $5 per employee per month
Pros
Integration with Square’s point-of-sale and payment processing tools
user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Cons
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Additional fees for certain advanced features
Get a free quote
Integrate your payroll with Square’s tools. Click below for a free quote from Square Payroll and simplify your payroll process.
Wagepoint is a payroll software solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, tax filings, and time and attendance tracking.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Wagepoint offers two pricing plans:
Essentials: $20 base fee per month, plus $2.50 per employee per month
Complete: $35 base fee per month, plus $4.50 per employee per month
Pros
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Integration options with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Employee self-service portal for accessing pay stubs and tax documents
Cons
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Additional fees for certain advanced features
Get a free quote
Wagepoint is designed for small business payroll needs. Visit below for a free quote and explore their user-friendly payroll solutions.
Paylocity is a comprehensive payroll and HR software solution designed for mid-sized businesses. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and talent management.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Talent management features, including performance reviews and goal tracking
Compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Pricing for Paylocity is not publicly available. Contact Paylocity for a custom quote based on your business requirements.
Pros
Comprehensive payroll and HR features on a single platform
A scalable solution suitable for mid-sized businesses
Integration options with popular accounting software
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Steeper learning curve compared to some other software solutions
Get a free quote
Paylocity offers a scalable payroll solution for mid-sized businesses. Contact them for a custom quote and enhance your payroll system.
Rippling is an all-in-one HR and payroll software solution designed for SMBs. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee management.
Key features
Payroll processing with automated calculations and tax filings
Benefits administration and open enrollment management
Employee data management, including onboarding and offboarding
Time and attendance tracking with customizable rules and policies
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Pricing
Rippling offers custom pricing based on the number of employees and business requirements. Contact Rippling for a personalized quote.
Pros
all-in-one HR and payroll solution
user-friendly interface and intuitive design
Comprehensive compliance assistance and reporting tools
Integration options with popular accounting and time-tracking software
Cons
Pricing information is not readily available.
Limited customization options for payroll and reporting
Get a free quote
Rippling provides an all-in-one HR and payroll solution. Get a personalized quote by contacting Rippling and streamline your HR processes.
Selecting the right payroll software for your SMB can significantly improve HR and payroll efficiency while ensuring compliance with tax regulations and labor laws. The top 15 payroll software solutions discussed in this article offer a range of features and pricing options to meet the needs of SMBs. Whether you prioritize scalability, customization, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, or compliance features, there is a payroll software solution on this list that can streamline your HR and payroll processes. Take the time to explore these solutions, request free quotes, and make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. By investing in the right payroll software, you can save time, reduce errors, and focus on growing your business.
Bharath
I’m Bharath, a Microsoft 365 and Azure engineer, helping small businesses make the most of Microsoft tools. As a Microsoft certified engineer, I have experience migrating organizations to Microsoft solutions and offer guidance on cloud-based solutions to optimize business operations.
