24 Best Cheap Payroll Services Reviewed for 2025

Deel offers a comprehensive global workforce management solution, including a payroll platform and services. The tool and services are available in 150 countries, helping businesses of all sizes and industries scale their workforce globally while staying compliant.

Why I picked Deel: You can hire and pay both employees and contract workers using Deel, and manage your payroll through the software. If you want to hire international workers without the challenges of local employment laws and complex tax systems, this is a good solution to outsource and ensure compliance.

Deel Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features are primarily in the fact that local experts work in-house for Deel and run payroll for their clients in the areas where their staff operates. This provides peace of mind, knowing that someone familiar with taxes and laws of the county in which your employees work is handling their payroll.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Netsuite, Workday, Workable, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, BambooHR, Ashby, OneLogin, and Okta.

For global teams that need payroll handled across borders, TopSource Worldwide is my top choice. Their platform covers payroll and compliance in over 130 countries, while also offering extras like salary benchmarking and contractor misclassification audits to keep businesses aligned with local regulations.

Why I picked TopSource Worldwide: I chose TopSource because its primary strength is compliance across multiple regions. Managing payroll internationally comes with risks, and TopSource helps reduce them by focusing on correct employee classification and local law alignment. I also like that they offer advisory services—such as salary benchmarking and market selection—which make it easier to expand into new regions without guesswork.

TopSource Worldwide Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include salary benchmarking for market alignment, contractor misclassification audits to reduce legal risk, and market selection advisory to guide global expansion.

Integrations may include Oracle NetSuite, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics, e-commerce platforms, logistics carriers, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

RemoFirst provides advanced payroll services, including payments for global employer of record (EOR) hires, international payroll, and compliance support. Their most affordable payment service is available for paying international contractors at $25/contractor/month. Their main payroll pricing starts at $199/month.

Why I picked RemoFirst: I included RemoFirst in this list because it addresses the intricacies of managing global payments, including employment through EOR agreements. Their EOR service, though more expensive, includes compliance monitoring for local labor laws within 180 countries. They also offer tools to ensure your contractors are not misclassified, so you can avoid costly fines or penalties in different jurisdictions.

RemoFirst Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include tools to pay global contractors, manage contracts, process contractor expenses, and track contractor availability through an integrated time-off tracking and calendar function. They also offer payroll services for full-time employees, as well as background checks, and services to help international employees obtain work permits or visas.

Integrations include ADP.

For payroll on the go, OnPay is my top choice. The mobile app is highly reliable and efficient, providing complete functionality and full access to the platform. Plus, it streamlines payroll and benefits administration, all with a lower learning curve and exceptional customer service.

Why I picked OnPay: I chose OnPay due to its highly capable mobile app, which exceeds what you’d typically find among cheap payroll services.

Plus, I like how OnPay offers specialized payroll services for specific industries and gives you access to an in-house insurance broker to make medical, dental, and vision plans accessible to small businesses.

OnPay Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include comprehensive but user-friendly payroll services and compliance management for all 50 states. There are also foundational HR tools available, including personnel file management, onboarding workflows, document storage, e-signature tools, and PTO tracking.

Integrations include Deputy, Guideline, Magnify, Mineral, PosterElite, QuickBooks, When I Work, Vestwell, and Xero.

Patriot Payroll is an online payroll service tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. It provides a straightforward platform that simplifies payroll management, making it accessible for business owners who need to handle payroll efficiently and accurately without breaking the bank.

Why I picked Patriot Payroll: I like that it offers essential features such as automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and an employee portal at an affordable price. Its full-service option, which includes federal, state, and local tax filings, ensures compliance without adding significant costs, making it an economical choice for small to medium-sized businesses.

Patriot Payroll Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include customizable pay rates, which allow businesses to tailor pay structures to individual employees, and time-off accruals, which help manage employee leave effectively. Furthermore, its payroll reports provide comprehensive insights into payroll data, helping businesses make informed financial decisions.

Integrations include QuickBooks, TSheets, Gusto, Square, FreshBooks, Xero, accounting software, time and attendance systems, and human resources management systems.

RUN by ADP is a comprehensive payroll and HR software solution designed to simplify payroll processing and human resource management for small businesses of up to 49 employees.

Why I picked RUN by ADP: I like that RUN by ADP offers automatic payroll and tax filing. This service automatically calculates, deducts, pays, and files payroll taxes, which significantly reduces the administrative burden on small business owners. Additionally, RUN by ADP offers a convenient, mobile-friendly employee self-service portal so employees can access their information anytime, anywhere.

RUN by ADP Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include direct deposit, HR compliance support, time and attendance tracking, garnishment payment services, retirement plan services, workers' compensation management, and payroll and tax reports. The platform also includes AI-powered error detection to help avoid costly mistakes by flagging potential errors before they happen. 

Integrations include QuickBooks, Wave, Xero, ClockShark, Points North, TruSaic, Compy, Wex, Synerion, JazzHR, 7Shifts, Snappy Gifts, Absorb LMS, SmartRecruiters, and hundreds more.

Wave is a payroll solution designed for freelancers and small businesses. It facilitates payroll processing, tax calculations, and employee payments, offering a simple approach to managing finances.

Why I picked Wave: It caters specifically to freelancers by providing an easy-to-use platform for managing payroll without unnecessary complexity. You can handle payroll taxes and direct deposits effortlessly, saving you time. The tool also simplifies tax calculations, ensuring you stay compliant. In my experience, Wave's intuitive interface makes it a great choice for those who need straightforward payroll management.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated tax calculations, direct deposit options, and a user-friendly dashboard. You can set up payroll quickly and manage employee tax forms within the platform. Additionally, the tool offers reminders for important tax deadlines.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, PayPal, Shopify, Etsy, Stripe, Google Workspace, HubSpot, and Square.

Square Payroll is a user-friendly solution that works well for retailers and restaurants that already use Square POS, offering a cloud-based, mobile-friendly option for handling basic payroll needs with a few extras.

Why I picked Square Payroll: I selected Square Payroll for the ease of integration with Square POS, making it a standout choice for retailers and restaurants that rely on Square.

Additionally, you get a lot of bang for your buck with features like automated tax filings, instant payment through Square balances or checking accounts, and tip and commission tracking.

Square Payroll Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include instant payments to employees from a Square Checking account or Square balance, and the integration with Square POS allows time-tracking information to transition to the payroll features.

Square Payroll has a companion app, plus it offers automatic tax calculation and filing and tracks tips and commissions. I really like that Square can help calculate and automate most healthcare, retirement, and workers’ compensation insurance amounts too.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Square POS, and Square Team Management.

Zoho Payroll is an end-to-end payroll solution that harnesses automation to make payroll simpler for small businesses.

Why I picked Zoho Payroll: I picked Zoho Payroll since it’s one of the lower-cost options that harnesses automation effectively to minimize the time spent managing payroll. All you have to do is enter payment information for employees, and it will use any recorded hours to handle the calculations for you.

Zoho Payroll Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include automatic payroll calculations that work for both hourly and salaried employees, as well as the ability to run separate bonus payrolls.

In my opinion, it’s well worth the $19/month base price when you consider you also get benefits administration tools, digital pay stubs with direct deposit options, comprehensive payroll reports, and an employee self-service portal accessible through the web or a companion iOS app.

Integrations include Zoho People and Zoho Books.

Zenefits is a comprehensive HR platform with payroll features that offers in-depth HR analytics and reporting to simplify information tracking and employee management.

Why I picked Zenefits: I chose Zenefits because it offers more customizable reporting options and analytics features than you usually get with a low-cost payroll service. Additionally, its payroll and benefits administration tools—while functioning as an add-on—are similarly top-notch and cover both in a single platform.

Zenefits Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include unlimited payrolls, direct deposit, and mobile payments, as well as the ability to set up different pay schedules for various employees.

I really like that analytics, PTO tracking, benefits administration, scheduling, and other employee management tools are also part of the base package.

Integrations include Asana, Betterment, BreezyHR, Deputy, Expensify, Greenhouse, Guideline, Lever, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Xero.

Homebase Payroll is a payroll and scheduling solution designed for small businesses, particularly those with hourly teams. It helps manage payroll processing, employee scheduling, and time tracking all in one place.

Why I picked Homebase Payroll: It's ideal for businesses that need to handle both scheduling and payroll efficiently. You can manage employee hours and payroll seamlessly within the same platform, reducing administrative workload. It offers time tracking and scheduling features that integrate directly with payroll, ensuring accurate payments. This makes it particularly useful for businesses with fluctuating schedules and hourly employees.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include easy shift swapping, labor cost management, and automated alerts for overtime. You can also track employee hours and export timesheets for payroll processing. The platform provides reminders and notifications to keep your team updated on schedule changes.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Square, Gusto, ADP, Clover, Shopify, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.

Warp is an AI-driven payroll and HR platform tailored for startups and remote teams. It manages payroll processing, tax compliance, and employee benefits, offering support for global contractors.

Why I picked Warp: It excels in supporting remote teams by simplifying payroll management and tax compliance. The platform automates complex tasks like tax account setups and filings, saving you time and reducing the risk of penalties. You can manage benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) plans easily. With a quick onboarding process, Warp is ideal for fast-growing companies that need efficient payroll solutions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated tax setups, global contractor support, and a user-friendly onboarding process. The platform provides health and retirement benefits management. It also offers a customer-first approach with no hidden fees, ensuring transparency and trust.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Slack, Google Workspace, BambooHR, Expensify, TSheets, Lever, and FreshBooks.

Superworks is a comprehensive payroll management solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It automates payroll processes, enhances compliance, and offers employee self-service options to streamline HR operations.

Why I picked Superworks: It provides robust employee self-service features, allowing employees to access their pay slips, submit leave requests, and manage personal information. The platform automates time and attendance tracking, simplifying record-keeping and ensuring accurate payroll calculations. You can generate pay slips in batches and handle salary statements efficiently. In my experience, Superworks reduces administrative burdens and enhances employee satisfaction.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include integrated payroll systems, customizable workflows, and automated leave management. You can track employee hours and manage deductions with ease. The platform also offers tools for performance management and HR digitalization.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, PayPal, Shopify, Etsy, Stripe, Google Workspace, HubSpot, and Square.

SurePayroll is an online payroll service tailored for small businesses and household employers. It simplifies payroll processing, tax calculations, and employee payments.

Why I picked SurePayroll: It's designed for easy setup, making it a great choice for small businesses that want to get started quickly. You can manage payroll online with minimal hassle, and the platform handles tax filings and direct deposits. The tool offers a user-friendly interface that guides you through the setup process. In my experience, the simplicity of SurePayroll ensures you can focus on other business tasks.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automatic payroll tax calculations, employee self-service portals, and mobile access. You can also manage retirement plans and health benefits within the platform. The system provides alerts and reminders to help you stay compliant with tax deadlines.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Intacct, Sage 50, AccountEdge, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, and Peachtree.

Trolley is a payment platform designed for businesses that need to handle international transactions. It facilitates cross-border payments and offers features to manage global payouts efficiently.

Why I picked Trolley: It specializes in international payments, making it ideal for businesses with a global workforce. You can easily send payments in multiple currencies, which simplifies handling international contractors. The platform offers tax compliance features, ensuring that your payments adhere to local regulations. In my experience, Trolley's ability to manage diverse payment methods enhances its appeal for international operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable payment workflows, fraud detection, and automated tax compliance. You can access real-time payment tracking to monitor transaction status. Additionally, the platform offers detailed reporting tools to help you analyze payment data.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Stripe, PayPal, Wise, TransferWise, Dwolla, and Plaid.

Payroll4Free is a genuinely free option that’s very user-friendly,—perfect for small businesses with 25 or fewer employees that have relatively basic payroll needs.

Why I picked Payroll4Free: I chose Payroll4Free because its base plan can manage payroll for up to 25 employees, and companies that use that service can do so for free indefinitely. Plus, it supports both traditional employee pay and 1099 contractor payments, as well as having tax form creation, time-tracking, and other valuable tools.

Payroll4Free Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include payroll options for traditional employees and 1099 contractors. Additionally, it supports direct deposit, tax form creation, time-tracking, and some analytics and reporting tools, and it offers an employee portal for self-service.

Integrations include data importing and exporting only, with no direct connections available.

Gusto integrates with over 180 different platforms and services, and it works well for small businesses and large organizations alike. Along with comprehensive payroll features, Gusto works as an overall personnel management solution, handling taxes, time-tracking, and benefits administration.

Why I picked Gusto: I selected Gusto due to its high number of integration options, which far exceeds what you find with most cheap payroll services. Additionally, it offers automated payroll, tax document creation, and tax filings, which are advanced capabilities beyond what most would expect at this price point.

Gusto Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include automated payroll, taxes, and filings, reducing workloads significantly.

Gusto has a wide array of capabilities that go beyond things like direct deposit, debit card-based employee payments, and other things you’d normally expect from a standard payroll service.

I was especially impressed by the automatic adjustments Gusto will make to employee wages to comply with FLSA Tip Credit minimum wage requirements. Plus it can handle unlimited off-cycle payroll, flexible payment schedules, garnishment tools, and contractor payments.

Integrations include AttendanceBot, Betterment at Work, Bonusly, Bookkeeper360, Checkr, ClockShark, Connecteam, Deputy, DocuSign, eBillity, Expensify, FreshBooks, Guideline, Homebase, Hubstaff, Hyperproof, JazzHR, OnlineCheckWriter, Paperclip, QuickBooks, Relay, Sage Accounting, Salesforce, Tableau, Vestwell, VIVAHR, and Xero.

Justworks Payroll is a platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses needing comprehensive payroll and HR support. It manages payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws.

Why I picked Justworks Payroll: It excels in providing compliance support, which is crucial for businesses navigating complex labor regulations. Justworks offers automated compliance alerts and handles tax filings, helping you stay on top of legal requirements. You can manage employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plans through the platform. This makes it an attractive option for businesses that prioritize compliance and benefits management.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance alerts. You can track employee hours and manage PTO within the platform. The tool also provides access to HR consulting services to assist with legal and compliance questions.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Slack, Google Workspace, BambooHR, Expensify, TSheets, and Lever.

Remote People offers payroll solutions for managing employees and contractors in over 150 countries. It supports employer of record (EOR) hiring, international recruitment, and global payroll processing, making it a suitable option for businesses expanding their international workforce.

Why I Picked Remote People: I included Remote People because it simplifies global payroll and compliance across 150+ countries, helping businesses manage international employees and contractors without needing local entities. Its EOR service handles onboarding, tax compliance, and benefits administration while reducing HR and payroll costs by up to 18% on average for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, its recruitment tools make it easier to source local and expatriate talent worldwide, which is especially useful for companies growing internationally.

Remote People Standout Features and Integrations

Features include international recruitment tools, global payroll processing, contractor management services with liability coverage, and employer of record support for compliant hiring. The platform also provides employee background checks, relocation assistance, and global employee benefits to help businesses manage international teams more effectively.

Integrations are not presently listed by Remote People.

QuickBooks Payroll is a payroll processing solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers payroll management, tax calculations, and direct deposit services.

Why I picked QuickBooks Payroll: It integrates effortlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, making it ideal if you're already using QuickBooks for your financials. You can sync payroll data directly with your accounting records, eliminating the need for manual entries. The tool handles tax filings and provides automatic updates to ensure compliance. In my experience, the integration with QuickBooks accounting simplifies financial management for your business.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated payroll processing, tax penalty protection, and same-day direct deposit. You can access 24/7 support to address any payroll-related queries. The platform also offers a mobile app to manage payroll on the go.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, TSheets, Expensify, Xero, Gusto, Square, Shopify, Clover, PayPal, and Bill.com.