--- title: "Best Small Business Payroll Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Small Business Payroll Software for your organization. Compare top Small Business Payroll Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Small Business Payroll Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Small Business Payroll Software of 2026 Updated November 4, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 71 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 71 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Rippling](/hr/rippling-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 4,886 - Starting price: CA$8.00/month - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rippling is the AI workforce management platform that connects HR, IT, and Finance — giving Rippling AI everything it needs to help run your company. Because employee data, [Read more](/hr/rippling-profile/) ##### What users love - Simple and intuitive user experience - Unified payroll and HR management - Intuitive and clear navigation ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent support response - Cumbersome time off management - Overly complex security measures #### Features ##### Best rated features - Availability Management: 5/5 - Job Board: 5/5 - Reimbursement Management: 5/5 - Evaluation Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/rippling-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: CA$8.00/month - Custom Quote available ##### Pro - Price: CA$8.00/month - Custom Quote available [See full pricing details](/hr/rippling-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Paychex](/hr/paychex-flex-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 1,820 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Paychex is a human capital management solution that helps small, midsize, and large businesses across a broad range of industries manage payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance. The [Read more](/hr/paychex-flex-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized payroll management tools - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Easy access to pay details ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow support response - Onboarding and profile management issues - Frequent tax filing errors #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integration: 5/5 - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Assessment Management: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/paychex-flex-profile/#key-features) --- ### [RUN Powered by ADP](/hr/adp-run-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 1,587 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview RUN Powered by ADP is a smart, simple payroll and HR solution designed to help small businesses pay people confidently and stay focused on growth. More than 900,000 small [Read more](/hr/adp-run-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined payroll and compliance - Responsive and knowledgeable assistance - Intuitive and user-friendly interface ##### To take in mind - Expensive with add-on fees - Limited and rigid reporting tools - Long waits and sales calls #### Features ##### Best rated features - Benchmarking: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 - Leave Tracking: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Onboarding: 4/5 - Offboarding: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/adp-run-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Paylocity](/hr/web-pay-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 1,982 - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Paylocity is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform serving small to large businesses across industries including retail, healthcare, restaurants, manufacturing, [Read more](/hr/web-pay-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized payroll and HR tools - Intuitive navigation for all users - Customizable and modern interface ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent support experience - Limited and complex reporting options - Cumbersome workflows and setup #### Features ##### Best rated features - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Corporate Card: 5/5 - Customizable Fields: 5/5 - Benchmarking: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/web-pay-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Paycor](/hr/paycor-perform-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 3,081 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Paycor is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform that serves small, midsize, and large businesses across healthcare, manufacturing, retail, restaurants, professional [Read more](/hr/paycor-perform-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive experience - Streamlined payroll management tools - Accessible employee self-service features ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent support experience - Clunky and unintuitive navigation - Cumbersome and limited reporting tools #### Features ##### Best rated features - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Tax Calculation: 5/5 - Performance Review Management: 5/5 - Shift Swapping: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/paycor-perform-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Essential - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Core - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/hr/paycor-perform-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [TriNet HR Plus](/hr/zenefits-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 823 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TriNet's HR Plus is outsourced HR services plus HR technology to help your business thrive. Our all-in-one HR platform helps you manage workforce data, time tracking, attendance, [Read more](/hr/zenefits-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly interface and navigation - Centralized employee data management - Automated and paperless onboarding ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow customer service - Payroll integration and reliability issues - Rising costs and unclear fees #### Features ##### Best rated features - HSA/FSA Administration: 5/5 - FMLA Administration: 5/5 - Job Description Management: 5/5 - Goal Setting/Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Leave Tracking: 2.5/5 [See all features](/hr/zenefits-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Employment Hero](/hr/employment-hero-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 239 - Starting price: $10.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Employment Hero is a cloud-based human resource management (HRM) system for small and medium businesses on the up. The solution helps manage the entire employee lifecycle, with [Read more](/hr/employment-hero-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Certification & Licensing: 5/5 - Social Recognition: 5/5 - Sick Leave Tracking: 5/5 - Manager-to-Employee Recognition: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Real-Time Notifications: 1/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 1/5 [See all features](/hr/employment-hero-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### HR Essentials - Price: $10.00/month ##### HR Engage - Price: $14.00/month ##### HR Elite - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/hr/employment-hero-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Patriot Software](/product/3746-Patriot-Software/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 3,969 - Starting price: $17.00/month - Best for: For Small Businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Patriot Software is a cloud-based payroll solution that supports multiple pay rates, enabling businesses to cater to various compensation structures within their organization. [Read more](/product/3746-Patriot-Software/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable assistance - Streamlined payroll for small businesses - User-friendly and intuitive design ##### To take in mind - Limited flexibility in employee handling - Basic and confusing reporting options - Slow and restrictive direct deposit process #### Features ##### Best rated features - QuickBooks Integration: 5/5 - For Mobile: 5/5 - Auto Update: 5/5 - Dashboard: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Attendance Management: 2/5 - Timesheet Management: 3.9/5 [See all features](/product/3746-Patriot-Software/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic Payroll - Price: $17.00/month - Powerful online payroll software with everything you need to run payroll. The base price is $17 a ##### Full Service Payroll - Price: $37.00/month - Patriot's full service payroll handles federal, state and local payroll taxes on your behalf. The [See full pricing details](/product/3746-Patriot-Software/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Viventium Software](/hr/viventium-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 102 - Starting price: $1.00 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Designed for home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities, Viventium Software is a cloud-based solution that helps organizations streamline payroll and human resource (HR) [Read more](/hr/viventium-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Onboarding: 5/5 - Employee Self Service: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - Leave Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Wage Garnishment: 1/5 - API: 2/5 - Multi-State: 2/5 - Benefits Management: 3.8/5 [See all features](/hr/viventium-profile/#key-features) --- ### [OnPay](/hr/onpay-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 471 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OnPay is a cloud-based payroll solution that helps small businesses automate tax filing and payment workflows. Key features include employee self-onboarding, new hire reporting, [Read more](/hr/onpay-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Time Tracking: 5/5 - Workflow Automation: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/onpay-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $49.00/month - The base fee starts at $49 + $6 per employee per month [See full pricing details](/hr/onpay-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [7shifts](/hr/7shifts-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 1,212 - Starting price: $39.99/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview 7shifts believes that employees are the driving force behind the success of restaurants and they are committed to elevating the standards of what restaurant teams can accomplish [Read more](/hr/7shifts-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible scheduling and payroll tools - User-friendly and intuitive design - Efficient employee organization features ##### To take in mind - Recurring charges and costly add-ons - Cluttered and clunky interface issues - Navigation and access limitations #### Features ##### Best rated features - Time Clock: 5/5 - Labor Forecasting: 5/5 - Variable Workforce: 5/5 - Availability Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/7shifts-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Comp - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Get started with basic scheduling, one-way announcements and availability and time off requests. ##### Essentials - Price: $39.99/month - Unlock advanced scheduling and team communication tools. ##### Pro - Price: $69.99/month - Combine advanced scheduling, time clocking, and compliance in one platform, including: track [See full pricing details](/hr/7shifts-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Square Payroll](/hr/square-payroll-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 622 - Starting price: $6.00/month - Best for: Direct Deposit - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Square Payroll is a full-service payroll solution that helps small businesses pay employees through online payroll management and handle payroll tax. It can be integrated with a [Read more](/hr/square-payroll-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined payroll processing features - Intuitive and user-friendly design - Transparent and affordable pricing ##### To take in mind - Limited and slow customer assistance #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Self Service: 5/5 - Reminders: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Online Benefits Enrollment: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3/5 - Vacation/Leave Tracking: 3.8/5 - Wage Garnishment: 3.8/5 [See all features](/hr/square-payroll-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Pay Employees and Contractors - Price: $35.00/month - The model is offered at $35 as a monthly subscription fee and $6 monthly fee per person. ##### Pay Contractors Only - Price: $6.00/month - This plan is offered at $6 monthly fee per person paid with unlimited pay runs per month [See full pricing details](/hr/square-payroll-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [PeopleBookHR](/hr/peoplebook-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 84 - Starting price: $4.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PeopleBookHR is a cloud-based human resources (HR) management solution. Primary features include employee information management (EIM), asset management, payroll, performance [Read more](/hr/peoplebook-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Time Off Management: 5/5 - Training Management: 5/5 - Employee Profiles: 5/5 - Payroll Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Learning & Development: 3/5 - Performance Management: 4/5 - Compensation Management: 4/5 - 360 Degree Feedback: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/peoplebook-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $4.00/month [See full pricing details](/hr/peoplebook-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Dayforce Powerpay](/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 266 - Best for: Payroll Management - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Dayforce Powerpay is an easy-to-use payroll and HR software solution for Canadian small businesses. Using Powerpay, you can help reduce risk by cutting through compliance [Read more](/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Time Off Requests: 5/5 - HR Management: 5/5 - Performance Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Overtime Calculation: 3/5 - Employee Portal: 4/5 - Payroll Outsourcing: 4/5 - Check Printing: 4/5 [See all features](/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [APS Payroll](/hr/aps-online-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 600 - Starting price: $6.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview At APS, our mission is simple: to make payroll and HR easier. Our comprehensive, user-friendly SaaS platform is designed to streamline human capital management for organizations, [Read more](/hr/aps-online-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Portal: 5/5 - Approval Process Control: 5/5 - Reminders: 5/5 - Employee Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Calendar Management: 4/5 - Candidate Profiles: 4/5 - Candidate Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/aps-online-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ActivityHD](/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 54 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ActivityHD is a fully integrated accounting system designed to provide flexibility and improve decision making. Businesses can use ActivityHD to manage complex processes within [Read more](/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounts Receivable: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 - Financial Reporting: 5/5 - Expense Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/#key-features) --- ### [SnapHRM](/hr/snaphrm-profile/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 21 - Starting price: $9.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SnapHRM is a human resource (HR) software solution. It can be deployed either through the cloud or on-premise. SnapHRM has both an employee dashboard and a manager dashboard. [Read more](/hr/snaphrm-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Database: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/snaphrm-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $9.00/month [See full pricing details](/hr/snaphrm-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [PeopleQlik](/hr/peopleqlik-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 10 - Starting price: A$5,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PeopleQlik is a cloud-based human resources solution that allows businesses of all sizes to streamline core HR administration, talent development, workforce management, performance [Read more](/hr/peopleqlik-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Benefits Management: 5/5 - 360 Degree Feedback: 5/5 - Applicant Tracking: 5/5 - Time Off Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/peopleqlik-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Justworks](/hr/justworks-peo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 741 - Starting price: $8.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Justworks makes it easier to start, run, and grow a business. With Justworks, entrepreneurs and their teams get access to big-company benefits, automated payroll, compliance [Read more](/hr/justworks-peo-profile/) ##### What users love - Intuitive and accessible platform design - Responsive and helpful support team - Streamlined employee administration tools ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent time tracking experience - Mobile app connectivity and usability issues - Limited break and check-in features #### Features ##### Best rated features - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Online Benefits Enrollment: 5/5 - Employee Portal: 5/5 - Wage Garnishment: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sick Leave Tracking: 2/5 - Employee Benefits Administration: 3/5 [See all features](/hr/justworks-peo-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Homebase](/hr/homebase-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 1,158 - Starting price: $30.00/month - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Homebase is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify the management of hourly work for businesses of all sizes. Through its deployment, Homebase addresses critical operational [Read more](/hr/homebase-profile/) ##### What users love - Unified scheduling and payroll tools - Intuitive and accessible interface - Streamlined employee oversight features ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent time clock functionality - Slow and limited support experience - Limitations in pay management #### Features ##### Best rated features - Offline Time Tracking: 5/5 - Careers Page: 5/5 - Activity/News Feed: 5/5 - Interview Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 1/5 - Drag & Drop: 3/5 [See all features](/hr/homebase-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Get started with Homebase and set up a new team. ##### Essentials - Price: $30.00/month - Simplify the process of tracking & managing shifts. Add Payroll to your plan any time. Save 20% with ##### Plus - Price: $70.00/month - Boost your team's productivity and improve communication. Add Payroll to your plan any time. Save [See full pricing details](/hr/homebase-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Entire OnHire](/hr/entirehr-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Take Control of Your Staffing Chaos with Entire OnHire. The All-in-One Powerhouse for Australian Agencies Tired of juggling endless spreadsheets, chasing down candidates, and [Read more](/hr/entirehr-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Talent Acquisition: 5/5 - Schedule Distribution: 5/5 - Employee Management: 5/5 - Employee Profiles: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Candidate Tracking: 3/5 [See all features](/hr/entirehr-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Payroll Mate](/hr/payroll-mate-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 131 - Starting price: $219.00/year - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Payroll Mate is an on-premise payroll management solution designed for small businesses, accounting firms, agricultural employers, non-profits, local governments, schools, [Read more](/hr/payroll-mate-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Vacation/Leave Tracking: 4.7/5 - Payroll Management: 4/5 - Benefits Management: 4/5 - API: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Multi-State: 1/5 - Direct Deposit: 2.3/5 - W-2 Preparation: 3/5 - Payroll Reporting: 3.3/5 [See all features](/hr/payroll-mate-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Payroll Mate Payroll Software - Price: $219.00/year - Upto 10 companies [See full pricing details](/hr/payroll-mate-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Payroll City](/hr/payroll-city-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Payroll City’s goal is to provide the peace of mind and security that comes with working with a trusted payroll partner. Payroll City’s fully supported payroll platform can handle [Read more](/hr/payroll-city-profile/) --- ### [Workful](/hr/workful-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 5 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Workful is a cloud-based payroll and employee management solution designed to help small businesses automate processes for internal communication, time tracking, onboarding and [Read more](/hr/workful-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $35.00/month [See full pricing details](/hr/workful-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Workly](/hr/workly-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 4 - Starting price: $13.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Workly is a human resources (HR) software solution offered both as a cloud-based service and as an on-premise deployment. Key features include a free time clock, as well as [Read more](/hr/workly-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 - Vacation/Leave Tracking: 4/5 - Sick Leave Tracking: 4/5 - Online Time Clock: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 4/5 - Biometric Recognition: 4/5 - Online Time Clock: 4/5 - Sick Leave Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/workly-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $13.00/month [See full pricing details](/hr/workly-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3) ## Popular Comparisons [ RUN Powered by ADP vs Rippling ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/vs/rippling/)[ Paylocity vs Patriot Software ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/3746-Patriot-Software/vs/4537-web-pay/)[ Paychex vs Paycor ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paychex-flex-profile/vs/paycor-perform/)[ Homebase vs 7shifts ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/7shifts-profile/vs/homebase/)[ Asure vs Justworks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/vs/justworks-peo/) ## Your Guide to Top Small Business Payroll Software, October 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Small Business Payroll products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Rippling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/) - [Patriot Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/patriot-pay-profile/) - [OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/) - [Multiplier](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/multiplier-profile/) - [UZIO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/uzio-profile/) - [Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/dayforce-powerpay-profile/) - [Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/) - [APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/) - [Wagepoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/wagepoint-profile/) - [Justworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/justworks-peo-profile/) - [Netchex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/netchex-profile/) - [Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/) - [TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/) - Deluxe Payroll and HR - [Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/) - [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/) - [Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/) - [Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/) - [Paychex Flex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paychex-flex-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. For a small business owner like you, there are two ways to manage the payroll process: use an in-house payroll software solution or outsource to a payroll service provider. But if you don't want to share your sensitive payroll data with a third-party payroll provider, then buying software is your best bet. There are a number of vendors that provide payroll software tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses. This guide will give you a head start on choosing the right system. Here’s what we’ll cover: - [What is small business payroll software?](#Whatissmallbusinesspayrollsoftware) - [Common features of small business payroll software](#Commonfeaturesofsmallbusinesspayrollsoftware) - [What type of buyer are you?](#Whattypeofbuyerareyou) - [Benefits of small business payroll software](#Benefitsofsmallbusinesspayrollsoftware) - [Market trends to understand](#Markettrendstounderstand) ## What is small business payroll software? Small business payroll software helps small business owners streamline and automate payroll processing and employee benefits management. The software helps save time and effort as well as reduces the chances of manual payroll errors. An online payroll solution is designed to help small firms process payroll in-house. It often includes modules for time tracking, payroll tax filing, and benefits administration. It automates data entry and tedious processes that users would otherwise have to do manually, saving both time and labor costs. There are many different payroll solutions available on the market. Larger companies might need deeper [functionality for managing Human Resources](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/) (HR) in multiple locations or [tools for complex reporting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/) as part of their payroll system. But small businesses typically need an online payroll solution with basic capabilities such as compensation, time tracking, and tax filing. ## Common features of small business payroll software These systems often come with some or all of the following core capabilities: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Compensation | Found in every system, this application automates payroll processing. Users assign pay rates to employees, and employee hours are entered directly or imported. The system then automatically calculates wages and generates paychecks. Direct deposit options are usually offered, and bonuses, commissions, overtime, and tips can be added. | | Time and attendance | Time clock functionality allows employees to clock in and out. Administrators can also track employee attendance. | | Tax filing | Automatically prepares, files, and pays state and federal taxes. Alternatively, provides payroll tax calculations and/or documents for users to prepare and file taxes manually. | | Insurance and benefits | Some systems have functionality for insurance and benefits administration. This allows users to enroll employees in insurance benefits and manage benefit elections. Paid time off can also typically be accrued and tracked. | --- ## What type of buyer are you? Many different solutions cater to the needs of small companies, but not all small businesses are created equal. Consider what your requirements are as you begin researching for an online payroll software solution: **Basic payroll needs:** If you are looking only for a basic solution to streamline payroll processing, consider entry-level, affordable products with functionality that cater specifically to your payroll management needs. **More robust workforce management needs:** Perhaps you need a payroll system that also offers more robust tools such as tax compliance and filing, insurance and benefits administration, and employee management. **Growing business with payroll and HR needs:** If your business is growing and you know you may need to scale up to a full HR software suite, consider a vendor that offers tiered packages that let you easily upgrade without having to learn a whole new system. ## Benefits of small business payroll software There are many benefits to choosing a payroll software solution over running payroll manually. These include: - **Automation of tedious processes:** First and foremost, you’ll save time once spent cutting checks and filing taxes. The software automates manual payroll tasks, so you have more time to spend building your business. - **Reduced labor costs:** You’ll also save money by cutting down on the labor costs associated with payroll processing. For some companies, small business payroll software can even eliminate the need for a full-time payroll employee. - **Greater accuracy and lower risks:** In addition to saving time and cutting costs, a good payroll system will increase accuracy and decrease risk. Automated payroll processing eliminates the possibility of human errors. The software will also remind you of important deadlines, so the risk of incurring penalties decreases significantly. - **Integration with existing software:** Many small business payroll systems can integrate with the other HR tools and accounting software your business may already be using. This can streamline operations and reduce errors even further. ## Market trends to understand Here are a few trends to be aware of as you search for new software in this market: **Cloud-based software:** Most of today’s small business payroll solutions are deployed in the cloud. Since users log into the software from their internet-connected device, cloud-based systems can be accessed from anywhere. With traditional on-premise systems, businesses had to buy updated software each year to keep up with changing payroll tax laws. Now, cloud vendors simply update their products as laws change, and the changes are reflected in users’ systems automatically—with no need to buy anything new. **Mobile accessibility:** As cloud-based software has become more popular, so too has mobile access to payroll systems. Many vendors now offer native mobile apps for smartphones and tablets, which provide a seamless on-the-go experience. Some vendors offer employee self-service mobile apps, as well. These allow workers to access their own salary and benefits information remotely. Look for this trend to continue in the future. ### Related Small Business Payroll Software - [Benefits Administration Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/benefits-administration-comparison/) - [Compensation Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/compensation-management-comparison/) - [Human Resources Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/) - [Payroll Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/payroll-software-comparison/)