Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses 2025

Top 5 payroll solutions for small businesses in 2025

1. Gusto – Best Overall Payroll Solution

If you're looking for a solid payroll system and don’t want to overcomplicate things, I’d seriously recommend Gusto. I’ve seen a lot of options out there, and Gusto consistently comes out on top—especially for small business owners. It’s super intuitive, the automation features save a ton of time, and it integrates really well with benefits too. Even if someone’s never run payroll before, Gusto makes the whole process feel surprisingly manageable. It’s just one of those tools that gets it right.

Pricing

Starts at $40/month + $6 per employee. Higher-tier plans (e.g., Plus, Premium) offer additional HR features.

Best For

Small businesses that want an all-in-one payroll and HR platform that’s easy to use and scales as they grow.

Why We Picked It:

Gusto is like that reliable worker who always has your back when it comes to payroll and HR tasks. It's incredibly user-friendly, making the daunting process of payroll feel like a breeze. Beyond just cutting paychecks, Gusto offers a suite of benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, which can make your company more attractive to potential hires. Plus, it automates tax filings, so you can sleep easy knowing that compliance is handled. Their customer support is top-notch, always ready to assist when you have questions. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution that grows with your business, Gusto is a solid choice.

2. OnPay – Best for Tax Compliance and Industry-Specific Needs

If you’re trying to keep things simple and cost-effective but still want something solid for payroll and HR, OnPay is definitely worth a look. I’ve recommended it a few times—especially to people working in niche industries like farming, nonprofits, or other areas where tax rules can get a little tricky. It’s not flashy or loaded with extras you’ll never use, but that’s kind of the point. What it does, it does really well. The platform handles tax compliance with impressive accuracy, and it’s designed to cover all the core needs without overwhelming you with complexity or hidden fees. It’s perfect for folks who want a dependable, no-nonsense payroll system that gets the job done without eating up their budget—or their time.

Pricing

$40/month + $6 per employee. All features included—no pricing tiers.

Best For

Businesses that need accurate tax handling, multi-state payroll, and affordability.

Why We Picked It:

OnPay is a gem for businesses with unique needs, especially those in specialized industries like agriculture or nonprofits. It simplifies the complex world of tax compliance, handling federal, state, and local filings effortlessly. The platform is straightforward, so you won't get lost in a maze of features you don't need. OnPay also offers benefits administration, including health insurance and 401(k) plans, which is impressive for its price point. Their customer service is friendly and responsive, making the whole experience smooth. If your business has specific requirements and you want a hassle-free payroll solution, OnPay is worth considering.

3. QuickBooks Payroll – Best for Accounting Integration

If you're already using QuickBooks for bookkeeping, then QuickBooks Payroll is a really smart next step. I’ve seen it work exceptionally well for businesses that want everything connected in one place—accounting, payroll, and tax filing all syncing together smoothly. The integration between the two platforms is seamless, so you’re not stuck manually entering data or cross-checking numbers across different systems. It saves a ton of time and reduces the chance of errors, especially around things like payroll tax calculations and end-of-year reporting. It’s especially handy for small to mid-sized businesses that want to streamline their financial processes without having to jump between multiple tools. If the goal is to make things more efficient and less stressful, this combo really delivers.

Pricing

Starts at $45/month + $5 per employee. Discounts often available for first 3 months.

Best For

Businesses that already use QuickBooks and want a streamlined accounting + payroll experience.

Why We Picked It:

If you're already using QuickBooks for your accounting, integrating QuickBooks Payroll is a no-brainer. It syncs seamlessly, reducing the need for duplicate data entry and minimizing errors. The platform offers same-day direct deposit, which your employees will appreciate. It also takes care of tax calculations and filings automatically, saving you time and potential headaches. While it might be a bit pricier than some competitors, the convenience of having your accounting and payroll in one place can be well worth it. For a streamlined financial workflow, QuickBooks Payroll is a strong contender.

4. ADP RUN – Best for Growing Businesses

If you're looking for a payroll solution that can really grow with their business, ADP RUN is a great one to consider. It’s built by ADP—one of the most established names in the payroll space—so there’s a lot of trust and reliability behind it. I’ve seen it used by everything from brand-new startups to companies that have scaled up significantly over time, and it handles that growth really well. It’s cloud-based, which means it’s accessible from anywhere, and it comes packed with features that support not just payroll, but also HR tasks as the team expands. What I like is that you’re not locked into a system that’ll feel too small once your business starts to take off. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, ADP RUN is designed to adapt without needing a full overhaul.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business size and services. Typically starts around $59/month + $4–$6 per employee depending on services.

Best For

Businesses expecting to scale quickly or operate in highly regulated industries.

Why We Picked It:

ADP RUN is like that seasoned mentor who's seen it all and can guide you through the complexities of scaling a business. It's designed to accommodate growth, offering not just payroll but also HR support, benefits administration, and compliance assistance. The platform is flexible, allowing you to add services as your needs evolve. ADP has a long-standing reputation in the industry, providing a sense of security that they know what they're doing. They offer mobile access, so you can manage payroll on the go. While their pricing is customized, the breadth of services makes it a worthwhile investment for businesses with big ambitions.

5. Paychex Flex – Best for Personalized Support

If personal support is high on the priority list, Paychex Flex is one of the few payroll platforms I’d wholeheartedly recommend. It’s got a strong reputation for offering a wide range of payroll and HR features, but what really sets it apart is the level of customer service. I’ve known business owners who aren’t super comfortable with tech or just want someone to talk to when issues come up—and this is the platform that delivers on that. You actually get access to a dedicated payroll specialist, which is rare these days. That means you’re not stuck waiting on generic support or bouncing around between reps. The platform itself is flexible and customizable, so it works for a variety of business types and sizes, but it’s especially helpful for people who want that added peace of mind knowing they can call a real person who actually understands their setup. It’s a great fit for anyone who doesn’t want to feel like they’re navigating payroll alone.

Pricing

Starts around $39/month + $5 per employee, but pricing varies based on features selected.

Best For

Small businesses that value expert human support and need help navigating HR or compliance.

Why We Picked It:

Paychex Flex stands out for its personalized customer service. They assign you a dedicated payroll specialist who gets to know your business inside and out. This means when you have questions or issues, you're talking to someone familiar with your specific situation. The platform itself is comprehensive, offering payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. It's user-friendly and also provides mobile access, so you can handle payroll tasks from anywhere. For businesses that value a personal touch and a strong support system, Paychex Flex is a great option.