# Best Small Business Payroll Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > 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: https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison --- [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 June 10, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 68 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 68 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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/) Rippling is an integrated workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance tools to streamline operations. It cent...[Read more about Rippling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/) **4.9** ([4793 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/reviews/)) **526** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +192 more +191 more +190 more Rippling's Best Rated Features 5.0Payroll Integration See All Rippling's Worst Rated Features 4.11API See All [Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/) Tired of juggling disconnected systems for HR, Finance, and IT? Wasted time and manual work slow your business down. Paylocity i...[Read more about Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/) **4.3** ([1844 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/reviews/)) **397** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft 365 Asana +68 more +67 more +66 more Paylocity's Best Rated Features 4.83Reimbursement Management See All Paylocity's Worst Rated Features 3.44Leave Tracking See All [Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/) Paycor’s HR & payroll platform connects leaders to people, data, and expertise. Our comprehensive HR and talent platform combine...[Read more about Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/) **4.3** ([3041 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/reviews/)) **239** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Guusto Nectar +18 more +17 more +16 more Paycor's Best Rated Features 4.89Real-Time Reporting See All Paycor's Worst Rated Features 3.50Course Management See All [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/) RUN Powered by ADP is a smart, simple payroll and HR solution designed to help small businesses pay people confidently and stay ...[Read more about RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/) **4.6** ([1419 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/reviews/)) **206** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online +0 more +0 more +0 more RUN Powered by ADP's Best Rated Features 4.88Check Printing See All RUN Powered by ADP's Worst Rated Features 4.0Learning & Development See All [Asure](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/) Asure’s end-to-end Payroll, HR, and Time and Attendance solutions were developed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses....[Read more about Asure](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/) **4.2** ([284 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/reviews/)) **181** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Lendio Employee Navigator +3 more +2 more +1 more Asure's Best Rated Features 4.57Activity Dashboard See All Asure's Worst Rated Features 3.33Third-Party Integrations See All [Auris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/) Auris™ is the payroll and HR partner built for small and medium-sized businesses who can’t afford to get it wrong. Trusted by ov...[Read more about Auris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/) **4.3** ([101 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/reviews/)) **156** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Xero QuickBooks Desktop +1 more +0 more +0 more Auris's Best Rated Features 4.92Recruitment Management See All Auris's Worst Rated Features 3.92Time Tracking See All [TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/) TriNet's HR Plus is outsourced HR services plus HR technology to help your business thrive. Our all-in-one HR platform helps you...[Read more about TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/) **4.2** ([823 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/reviews/)) **98** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Workspace Microsoft 365 +27 more +26 more +25 more TriNet HR Plus's Best Rated Features 4.91Health Insurance Administration See All TriNet HR Plus's Worst Rated Features 4.11Timesheet Management See All [Patriot Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/) Patriot Software is a cloud-based payroll solution that supports multiple pay rates, enabling businesses to cater to various com...[Read more about Patriot Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/) **4.8** ([3962 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/reviews/)) **79** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Stripe +4 more +3 more +2 more Patriot Software's Best Rated Features 4.92Dashboard See All Patriot Software's Worst Rated Features 4.0Timesheet Management See All [Viventium Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/) Designed for home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities, Viventium Software is a cloud-based solution that helps organiza...[Read more about Viventium Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/) **4.7** ([102 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/reviews/)) **46** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations AxisCare Apploi +33 more +32 more +31 more Viventium Software's Best Rated Features 5.0Time Tracking See All Viventium Software's Worst Rated Features 3.83Benefits Management See All [Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/) Employment Hero is a cloud-based human resource management (HRM) system for small and medium businesses on the up. The solution ...[Read more about Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/) **4.4** ([239 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/reviews/)) **43** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack QuickBooks Online +11 more +10 more +9 more Employment Hero's Best Rated Features 4.88Asynchronous Learning See All Employment Hero's Worst Rated Features 3.0Online Time Clock See All [Triton HR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/triton-hr-profile/) Triton HR is a human resources and benefits management platform designed for businesses of various sizes across multiple industr...[Read more about Triton HR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/triton-hr-profile/) No reviews yet **1** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ADP Workforce Now Paycor +10 more +9 more +8 more [Bright](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-brightpay-profile/) BRIGHT SOFTWARE GROUP — G2 PRODUCT LISTING The complete practice and business software suite for accountants, bookkeepers & SME...[Read more about Bright](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-brightpay-profile/) **4.9** ([347 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-brightpay-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations FreshBooks Xero +5 more +4 more +3 more Bright's Best Rated Features 5.0Due Date Tracking See All Bright's Worst Rated Features 4.40Payroll Reporting See All [OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/) OnPay is a cloud-based payroll solution that helps small businesses automate tax filing and payment workflows. Key features incl...[Read more about OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/) **4.8** ([466 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online QuickBooks Time +6 more +5 more +4 more OnPay's Best Rated Features 4.92Wage Garnishment See All OnPay's Worst Rated Features 3.71Training Management See All [7shifts](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/7shifts-profile/) 7shifts is a comprehensive employee scheduling tool designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It aims to streamline wor...[Read more about 7shifts](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/7shifts-profile/) **4.7** ([1212 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/7shifts-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ZipRecruiter ADP Workforce Now +56 more +55 more +54 more 7shifts's Best Rated Features 4.89Multi-Location See All 7shifts's Worst Rated Features 3.84Third-Party Integrations See All [Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/) Square Payroll is a full-service payroll solution that helps small businesses pay employees through online payroll management an...[Read more about Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/) **4.7** ([621 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Time Square Point of Sale +6 more +5 more +4 more Square Payroll's Best Rated Features 4.88Employee Portal See All Square Payroll's Worst Rated Features 3.78Vacation/Leave Tracking See All [PeopleBookHR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/) PeopleBookHR is a cloud-based human resources (HR) management solution. Primary features include employee information management...[Read more about PeopleBookHR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/) **4.9** ([84 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version [Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/) Dayforce Powerpay is an easy-to-use payroll and HR software solution for Canadian small businesses. Using Powerpay, you can help...[Read more about Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/) **4.7** ([266 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online QuickBooks Online Advanced +2 more +1 more +0 more Dayforce Powerpay's Best Rated Features 4.83Employee Profiles See All Dayforce Powerpay's Worst Rated Features 4.06Time Tracking See All [APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/) At APS, our mission is simple: to make payroll and HR easier. Our comprehensive, user-friendly SaaS platform is designed to stre...[Read more about APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/) **4.6** ([600 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Sage Intacct +2 more +1 more +0 more APS Payroll's Best Rated Features 4.75Check Printing See All APS Payroll's Worst Rated Features 4.33401(k) Tracking See All [ActivityHD](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/) ActivityHD is a fully integrated accounting system designed to provide flexibility and improve decision making. Businesses can u...[Read more about ActivityHD](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/) **4.8** ([54 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/activityhd-payroll-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Docusign BambooHR +14 more +13 more +12 more ActivityHD's Best Rated Features 4.86Bank Reconciliation See All ActivityHD's Worst Rated Features 4.83Billing & Invoicing See All [Homebase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/homebase-profile/) Homebase is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify the management of hourly work for businesses of all sizes. Through its...[Read more about Homebase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/homebase-profile/) **4.6** ([1149 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/homebase-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ZipRecruiter Indeed for Employers +21 more +20 more +19 more Homebase's Best Rated Features 5.0Overtime Calculation See All Homebase's Worst Rated Features 3.40Automated Scheduling See All [Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/) Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your fast-growing business, Gusto is the partner you need to grow and nurture you...[Read more about Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/) **4.6** ([4209 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Trello +114 more +113 more +112 more Gusto's Best Rated Features 5.0Mobile App See All Gusto's Worst Rated Features 3.95Employee Handbook See All [Thesaurus Payroll Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-payroll-manager-profile/) Thesaurus Payroll Manager is an on-premise payroll solution suitable for small to midsize payroll bureaus in the Ireland and the...[Read more about Thesaurus Payroll Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-payroll-manager-profile/) **5.0** ([20 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/thesaurus-payroll-manager-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Thesaurus Payroll Manager's Best Rated Features 4.87Payroll Reporting See All Thesaurus Payroll Manager's Worst Rated Features 2.83Self Service Portal See All [SnapHRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/snaphrm-profile/) SnapHRM is a human resource (HR) software solution. It can be deployed either through the cloud or on-premise. SnapHRM has ...[Read more about SnapHRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/snaphrm-profile/) **5.0** ([21 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/snaphrm-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Slack +1 more +0 more +0 more [PeopleQlik](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peopleqlik-profile/) PeopleQlik is a cloud-based human resources solution that allows businesses of all sizes to streamline core HR administration, t...[Read more about PeopleQlik](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peopleqlik-profile/) **5.0** ([10 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peopleqlik-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version [Entire OnHire](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/entirehr-profile/) Take Control of Your Staffing Chaos with Entire OnHire:  The All-in-One Powerhouse for Australian Agencies Tired of juggling en...[Read more about Entire OnHire](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/entirehr-profile/) **4.8** ([15 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/entirehr-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +9 more +8 more +7 more 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/small-business-payroll-comparison/?page=3) ## Popular Comparisons [ RUN Powered by ADP vs Rippling ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/vs/rippling/)[ Paylocity vs Gusto ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/4537-web-pay/vs/20428-Gusto/)[ Paychex Flex vs Patriot Software ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/3746-Patriot-Software/vs/428169-paychex-flex/)[ Homebase vs 7shifts ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/7shifts-profile/vs/homebase/)[ Paycor vs TriNet HR Plus ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/vs/zenefits/) ## 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: **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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/direct-deposit-payroll-comparison/) 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/)