Payroll isn’t just about getting your team paid—it’s about staying compliant, offering great employee benefits, and saving your business time. We've ranked the top 5 payroll solutions for small businesses in 2025, based on functionality, value for money, scalability, and ease of use.
Top 5 payroll solutions for small businesses in 2025
Rank | Platform | Best for | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best Overall Payroll Solution | $39/mo + $6/employee | |
2 | All-in-one payroll & HR | $40/mo + $6/employee | |
3 | Tax compliance & Industry-specific | $40/mo + $6/employee | |
4 | Seamless Accounting Integration | $45/mo + $5/employee | |
5 | Fast-growing, Complex Businesses | Custom quote (approx $59+) | |
6 | Hands-on Support & Flexibility | $39/mo + $5/employee |
1. Homebase: Best for Free Payroll & Team Management Tools
If you run a small business and you’re tired of juggling five different apps just to keep your team paid and organized, Homebase is hands down the one I’d recommend first. It’s built for people like us, small business owners who don’t have an HR department but still need things to run smoothly. You get payroll, scheduling, time tracking, and team chat all in one place, and it’s actually easy to use.
The best part? A lot of what you need is totally free. You can handle scheduling, track hours, and message your team without paying a cent. Then, when you’re ready to add payroll, you can upgrade. At the time of writing this article, they’re giving 6 months of free payroll on the Payroll and Plus Plans until January 31, 2026, which is an amazing deal.
It also connects effortlessly with things you’re probably already using - Square, QuickBooks, and over 20 other platforms - so you’re not stuck re-entering data everywhere. And with the new AI tools that give you time-saving tips and insights, it honestly feels like having a little assistant that helps you stay on top of everything. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
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Reviews From Users
Integrates perfectly with QuickBooks
We use QuickBooks for accounting, and Homebase syncs beautifully with it. No more manual data entry! Payroll runs smoothly, and my clients love how easy it is to understand.
Perfect for small businesses like mine
I love that Homebase actually feels designed for small business owners. The time tracking and scheduling are super intuitive, and payroll is straightforward. The 6-month free promo was a huge bonus.
Good Tool, A Few Quirks
Overall it’s been great. I wish the reporting was a bit more customizable, but for scheduling and payroll, it’s solid and easy to use.
Way Better Than I Expected
I wasn’t expecting much from a free tool, but Homebase has completely changed the way I manage my restaurant. Scheduling, time tracking, payroll, etc. It’s all in one place and it actually works.
Simple And Affortable
Homebase does exactly what I need. Nothing fancy, but it’s reliable and affordable. The AI suggestions are surprisingly helpful for managing hours.
All My Team In One Place
It’s amazing having time clocks, chat, and payroll all in the same app. My team loves being able to swap shifts or message each other without me having to chase anyone down.
Ideal For Growing Teams
We run a small fitness studio, and Homebase keeps us organized without the big-business price tag. Shift changes, time cards, and messages all happen in one place. The AI tips even helped cut down on overtime. It’s simple, smart, and ideal for growing teams.
Makes running payroll so much easier
Homebase has been a lifesaver for our coffee shop. We went from messy spreadsheets to automated payroll in minutes. The scheduling tools alone save me hours every week.
Solid For A Growing Team
We started with just 3 employees and now have 15, and Homebase has grown with us. It’s not perfect, but it’s dependable, and I really appreciate the integrations.
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Finally Everything In One Place
Homebase replaced three different apps for us: Scheduling, time tracking, and Payroll. And made life so much easier. Payroll now takes minutes, and the QuickBooks sync saves me hours every week. Take advantage of the 6-month free payroll if you can as well.
The Free Features Are Unbeatable
I’ve tried a few scheduling apps, but none come close to Homebase’s free plan. The fact that it includes time tracking and communication tools is incredible.
Nice For Keeping My Team Organized
I mainly use the scheduling and time tracking. It’s been smooth overall. Some small bugs here and there, but support is responsive and helpful.
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Pricing
Free tools available. Payroll starts at $39/month + $6 per employee, with 6 months free on the Payroll and Plus Plans through January 2026.
Best For
Small businesses that want an all-in-one system to manage scheduling, time tracking, communication, and payroll... Without breaking the bank.
Why We Picked It:
Homebase is a game-changer for small business owners who want big-business tools without big-business costs. Their generous free plan gives you scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools that can easily replace multiple paid apps. Once you’re ready to start payroll, you can upgrade and still save, especially with their 6-month free offer. The system’s integration with major platforms like Square and QuickBooks makes it even more valuable, and the new AI-powered tools are a great touch for busy owners who want to work smarter, not harder. For simplicity, savings, and smart automation, Homebase is the clear #1 pick.
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.
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Reviews From Users
A Must-Have for Paying Contractors
What sold me on Gusto was how easy it made contractor payments and tax forms. I work with freelancers across the country, and Gusto just makes it simple to stay compliant without me having to dig into IRS forms. It's a must-have for any small biz.
Good, But Some Features Cost Extra
Overall its been pretty easy to use and definitely makes payroll simpler. My only gripe is that some of the HR features I wanted were only available on higher plans, which felt a bit limiting for our low budget.Â
Decent, But Benefits Could Improve
Gusto works well for payroll and taxes, no complaints there. I just wish the benefits options were available in more states, some of our remote employees couldn’t take full advantage. Other than that, it's been reliable and easy to manage.
Perfect for Payroll and Benefits Together
We use Gusto for both payroll and benefits, and it’s been smooth sailing. It integrates nicely with our accounting software too, which saves me hours each month. The dashboard is clean and easy to navigate—even for someone like me who’s not tech-savvy.
Gusto Is a Great Option
I found the article on payroll software for small businesses very helpful! Gusto seems like a great option for our needs, especially with its all-in-one features. Would love to hear more about the pros and cons of the other platforms mentioned.
Should Have Switched Sooner
We switched to Gusto about 6 months ago and I can't believe how much simpler everything is now. The interface is clean, and it literally walks you through each step. Tax filings, direct deposits, benefits, it just takes care of it all. I wish we'd done it sooner.
All-in-One HR in Your Pocket
The thing I appreciate most about Gusto is that it’s not just payroll, it’s like having a mini HR department in your pocket. Time tracking, PTO, employee onboarding, it's all in one place and it just works. Plus, the mobile access is super handy when I'm on the go.
Handles Multi-State Like a Champ
I like that Gusto doesn’t nickel and dime you. Everything is upfront and transparent, even as our business has grown to multiple states, it’s handled all the complexity for us, no headaches. Plus, our employees love how easy the onboarding is.
Feel Like a Pro
Gusto makes me feel like I actually know what I’m doing with payroll. It’s super intuitive, and the reminders are a game changer (I used to forget stuff all the time). Also, the support team is so friendly whenever I need help. Total peace of mind.
Payroll Without the Headache
Honestly, Gusto has been a lifesaver for me as a small business owner. Before, payroll days used to stress me out, but now it's all automated and takes like 10 minutes. Plus, my team loves being able to access their pay stubs and tax forms online. It feels like we finally leveled up.
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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.
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.
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Reviews From Users
Gets the Job Done
I’m happy overall, especially for tax compliance, but I miss having a mobile app. It would make approvals and quick updates way easier!
Simple, Affordable, and Reliable
We moved to OnPay from a more expensive provider, and I honestly haven’t looked back. It covers everything we need (payroll, taxes, benefits) and the price is super fair. If you want something that just works without a learning curve, this is it.
Solid
OnPay covers the basics really well, and I’ve had no issues with tax filings or payments.
Good, But the Interface Feels Dated
OnPay has been reliable for payroll and taxes, and I can't fault its accuracy. That said, the dashboard looks a bit old-school compared to others I’ve used. It works fine, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a more modern feel.
Perfect for Our Farm Business
I run a family farm with a mix of seasonal workers and regular staff, and OnPay makes handling payroll way less stressful. The system keeps us compliant, and the W-2/1099 setup is easy. It’s great for businesses like ours.
Dependable and Straightforward
We’ve been using OnPay for about a year now, and it’s been a smooth ride. Nothing flashy, but I actually like that. It’s clean, easy to use, and takes care of payroll and taxes exactly as promised.
Great for Our Nonprofit
OnPay has been a solid pick for our small nonprofit. It takes care of all the tax filings without me having to worry about the details. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done well, and the support team has been really helpful whenever we’ve had questions.
OK for Payroll, But I Miss Features
Honestly, OnPay is fine if you just need payroll and taxes, but I found it lacking when I tried to do more HR tasks. I ended up moving to something more robust because we needed a better all-in-one solution. It’s good for the basics, but might feel limiting for growing teams.
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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.
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.
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Reviews From Users
Works Well
It works well and the integration is seamless. Haven't had many issues, but I have to say the monthly fees add up fast, especially if you don't have the basic plan
Solid, But Only if You’re Already Using QuickBooks
We found it great for syncing with our accounting, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not already on QuickBooks.Â
Frustrating Experience,
Unless you’re 100% committed to QuickBooks for accounting, I wouldn't go with this one. We found it overpriced, clunky, and the support was terrible when we had problems. I switched to a different one that’s cheaper and more flexible.
Not Cheap
Look, it gets the job done, but I feel the pricing is high for what you actually get unless you’re all-in on QuickBooks already.
Handy and fast
I like how quick and easy payroll runs are with QuickBooks Payroll. Same-day deposits are a huge plus for our employees, and everything just flows into our books. If you're a QuickBooks user, it's a no-brainer.
Great Add-On for QuickBooks Users
We already use QuickBooks for our accounting, so adding QuickBooks Payroll made total sense. The integration is smooth, and I love not having to enter data twice. It really keeps everything tidy and organized, which saves me a ton of time.
Good Tools
The platform works well enough, but I was surprised that many HR functions like time tracking are locked behind higher tiers. You definitely have to pay extra for the full experience.
Customer Support Not Great
We had a few tax filing issues and found QuickBooks support... less than helpful. Long wait times, canned responses, and it took ages to get things resolved.
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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.
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.
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Reviews From Users
Great for Our Fast-Growing Team
We started with just a few employees, but as we’ve grown, ADP RUN has scaled with us perfectly.
Perfect for Multi-State Payroll
We operate in three states now, and ADP RUN makes multi-state payroll super easy. It handles taxes and filings without a hitch, which is a huge relief. It’s not the cheapest, but for the complexity we have, it’s worth it.
A Bit Overkill for Small Teams
We tried ADP RUN when we were just starting, and honestly, it felt a bit much for our tiny team. There’s a lot of features we didn’t need yet, and the learning curve was steeper than expected. Probably better once you're past the early stages.
24/7 Support Is a Big Win
One thing I didn’t realize I’d appreciate so much is their 24/7 customer service. For a growing business like ours, that kind of support makes a real difference.
Good, But Pricing Is a Bit Mysterious
ADP RUN works well, but pricing should be clearer. You have to get a quote, and as you add more services, it can get pricey. It’s reliable, but not as transparent on costs as I would like.
Rock Solid and Reliable
What I like most about ADP RUN is the reliability. It’s always accurate, and the compliance reminders keep me on top of things. Plus, the mobile app is a nice touch for approving payroll on the go. Definitely gives me peace of mind.
Leave Your Own Review
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.
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.
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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.
Final Comparison
- 1Homebase: Best Overall
- 2Gusto: All-in-one payroll & HR
- 3OnPay: Tax compliance & industry-specific
- 4QuickBooks: Seamless accounting integration
- 5ADP RUN: Fast-growing, complex businesses
- 6Paycheck Flex: Hands-on support & flexibility
Next article: Pay Gap Statistics
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