19 Best Cheap Payroll Services Reviewed for 2025
Best Cheap Payroll Services Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 19 we reviewed.
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With so many different payroll services available, figuring out which ones offer the best services for a low cost can be tricky. You know you want someone to handle the accurate and timely processing of employee wages, taxes, and other withholdings on behalf of businesses but need to figure out which tool best fits your budget. I've got you! In this post I'll help make your choice easy, sharing the results of my extensive research of dozens of providers with my picks of the best cheap payroll services.
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Best Cheap Payroll Services Summary
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global payroll compliance | Free trial + demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for paying global contractors | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for mobile access | 30-day free trial | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for US-based businesses | 30-day free trial | From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee | Website | |
| 5 | Best for automatic tax filing | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for retail and restaurants | Not available | From $6/user/month + $35/month base fee | Website | |
| 7 | Best for automated payroll processing | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $19/month plus $3/employee/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for detailed reporting | 14-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best free payroll service for small companies | Free plan available | From $30/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for integrations | Free demo available | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website |
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Guru
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Mitratech Trakstar
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Best Cheap Payroll Services Reviews
Below are my evaluations of the best cheap payroll services available on the market. Each features a summary of its key features, an overview of why I selected it, a screenshot of the solution, and details about trials and pricing.
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 10+ payment options for clients
- 24/7 online support
- Off-cycle payroll available
Cons:
- Some add-ons have confusing additional fees
- Limited customization options
New Product Updates from Deel
500+ New Platform Enhancements for Global Hiring and Payroll
Deel announced over 500 platform enhancements focusing on global hiring, HR, payroll, and AI-driven compliance, featuring tools for faster hiring, smarter HR management, strategic planning, and enhanced payroll flexibility. For more details, visit the source: Deel Blog.
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee vs contractor misclassification tools are helpful
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
- Customizable to different organizational needs
Cons:
- No mobile app
- Lacks extensive integration options
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly capable mobile app for payroll management while on the go
- Access to in-house insurance brokers, simplifying benefits selection for small businesses
- Reputation for excellent customer service
Cons:
- Limited automation capabilities
- Not designed for companies with multinational payroll needs
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Includes features for managing electronic documents
- Variety of built-in reports
Cons:
- No international payroll options
- The initial setup requires a lot of manual data entry
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable, in-depth reporting options
- Robust mobile app
- Employee self-service portal
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Most HR functions are only available on higher-tier plans
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with Square POS
- Automated tax filing
- Works for employees and contractors
Cons:
- Limited reporting capabilities
- Benefits administration features are limited
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated payroll calculations for simplicity
- Add pay runs as needed to account for bonuses or special pay
- Multiple pay schedules available to align processing with your company’s needs
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Only available in select states
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed HR analytics
- Capable mobile app with self-service options for employees
- Automated HR and payroll tools
Cons:
- Payroll feature is an add-on, not a base feature
- Not ideal for small businesses due to registered user requirements
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free for up to 25 employees with basic features indefinitely
- User-friendly
- Employee self-service portal
Cons:
- Ads are shown
- No companion app
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.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 180+ integrations available
- User-friendly, intuitive design with a reduced learning curve
- Accommodates contractor payroll
Cons:
- Benefits options only available at higher price tiers
- Only supports US payments
Other Cheap Payroll Service Options
I’ve included a few more options that didn’t make my top for cheap payroll services but are still worth exploring:
- Humi
For Canadian companies
- QuickBooks Payroll
For user-friendliness
- Remote
For global teams
- Oyster HR
For local labor law compliance
- Justworks Payroll
For payroll with time tracking
- Trolley
For paying contractors and on-demand workers
- SurePayroll
For same-day payroll
- Roll by ADP
For chat-based setup and support
- Paycor
For tailored HR management
What is a Payroll Service?
Payroll services refer to outsourced solutions that manage various aspects of payroll processing for businesses. These services typically encompass tasks such as calculating employee wages, handling tax deductions, and generating payroll reports. These services allow companies to focus on their core activities while ensuring accurate and compliant payroll operations.
The main benefits of payroll services include time savings, reduced risk of errors and compliance issues, enhanced data security, and improved accuracy in tax filings.
Selection Criteria for Cheap Payroll Services
When selecting the best cheap payroll service providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like minimizing administrative overhead for payroll processing and ensuring timely, compliant employee payments. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Employee wage calculation
- Direct deposit and check issuance
- Tax filing and reporting
- Pay stub generation
- Year-end W-2 and 1099 preparation
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Automated compliance updates
- Employee self-service portals
- Mobile payroll apps
- Integration with accounting software
- Contractor payment support
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years of operation in payroll services
- Number of clients served across industries
- Specialization in small business payroll
- Presence of certified payroll professionals
- Proven track record with compliance and audits
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Availability of setup assistance
- Step-by-step onboarding tutorials
- Time required to process first payroll
- Ease of migrating data from previous provider
- Access to dedicated onboarding specialists
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat or phone support
- Speed of response to support tickets
- Availability of support outside business hours
- Knowledge and helpfulness of support staff
- Quality of self-service help resources
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Monthly base pricing and per-employee fees
- Included services at each pricing tier
- Transparency of pricing structure
- Cost savings compared to manual payroll
- ROI relative to service breadth
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Satisfaction with ease of use
- Comments on customer service experiences
- Reports of technical issues or bugs
- Perceived value for the cost
- Loyalty or repeat business from users
How to Choose a Cheap Payroll Service
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Business Objectives | Make sure the provider aligns with your goals, whether it’s saving time, ensuring compliance, or scaling with your growth. If you’re a startup, your needs may differ from a growing small business. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Look for clear commitments on turnaround times, tax filings, and error resolutions. Confirm if they handle state and federal compliance, benefits deductions, and end-of-year forms. |
| Support Availability | You’ll want responsive support when issues arise. Check if support is available via phone or chat, during extended hours, and if you’ll get a dedicated rep or team. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand base fees, per-employee charges, and hidden costs for things like year-end filings. Transparent, flat-rate pricing is ideal for predictable budgeting. |
| Communication and Reporting | Make sure your team can access clear, timely payroll reports. Dashboards and automated email updates help track payments, taxes, and compliance. |
| Ease of Use | Choose a platform that's simple to navigate and doesn’t require hours of training. A clean interface and intuitive process will save you time every pay run. |
| Integration Options | Check if the system connects with your accounting, time tracking, and HR tools. Integrations reduce manual data entry and errors. |
| Scalability | Ensure the service can grow with your business—handling more employees, locations, and compliance requirements without significant cost increases. |
Key Services of Cheap Payroll Service Providers
When selecting a cheap payroll service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payroll processing: Automates the calculation and distribution of employee wages, saving time and reducing errors.
- Direct deposit: Sends employee payments directly to bank accounts, offering speed and convenience.
- Tax filing: Handles federal, state, and local payroll tax filings to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
- W-2 and 1099 preparation: Generates year-end tax forms for employees and contractors, simplifying tax season.
- Employee self-service portal: Allows employees to view pay stubs, tax documents, and personal info without HR involvement.
- Time tracking integration: Syncs with timekeeping tools to ensure accurate hours and eliminate manual entry.
- Garnishment and deduction management: Processes court-ordered wage garnishments and other deductions correctly.
- New hire reporting: Automatically files required reports with government agencies when new employees are added.
- Mobile access: Lets employers and employees access payroll features from a smartphone or tablet.
- Custom reporting: Offers downloadable reports tailored to your business needs for audits, budgeting, or analysis.
Benefits of Cheap Payroll Services
Implementing a payroll service provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Scales with growth: Supports more employees and features without needing a whole new system.
- Lower operating costs: Keeps payroll expenses down by offering essential tools at an affordable price.
- Fewer manual tasks: Automates calculations, filings, and payments so your team doesn’t have to do them by hand.
- Faster pay cycles: Speeds up payday with features like direct deposit and scheduled payroll runs.
- Easier tax compliance: Helps you avoid penalties by handling filings and staying current with tax rates.
- More time for people work: Frees up HR and managers to focus on employee support and team goals.
- Better employee access: Lets employees handle their own pay stubs and tax forms through self-service tools.
Costs and Pricing of Cheap Payroll Services
Cheap payroll service providers typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Flat monthly fee: A set monthly rate that covers a specific number of employees and standard services.
- Per employee per month: A base monthly fee plus an added charge for each employee on payroll.
- Pay-per-run: You’re charged each time you run payroll, which works well for businesses that don’t pay on a fixed schedule.
- Tiered plans: Providers offer multiple service packages at different price points, letting you pick based on your needs.
- Custom quotes: Pricing is based entirely on the size of your business, services needed, and any add-ons requested.
Key Factors That Influence Payroll Service Provider Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of cheap payroll service providers:
- Number of employees: More employees means more processing, forms, and payments, which usually raises the cost.
- Payroll frequency: Running payroll weekly instead of monthly can lead to higher charges due to more processing.
- Tax filing needs: If you operate in multiple states or have complex tax needs, pricing may go up to cover that work.
- Employee classification: Managing a mix of full-time employees and contractors may require extra services and cost more.
- Level of support: If you want live support or a dedicated rep, you might pay more than for basic chat or email help.
- Integration needs: Syncing with tools like accounting or time-tracking systems may add setup or monthly fees.
- Compliance complexity: Businesses in highly regulated industries may pay more for help staying on top of rules.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Cheap Payroll Services Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to get a grip on payroll? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that can help:
What are the typical payroll costs?
Payroll costs fall into two categories. First, you have the cost of salaries and benefits, as well as employer-paid payroll taxes and worker-related insurance, such as unemployment and workers’ compensation.
Second, you have payroll administration expenses. Usually, these include the cost of any payroll services or software you use to streamline your process. Typically, these run between $15 and $200 per month for the base service, as well as $5 to $10 per employee per month.
How do I simplify my payroll process?
Generally, there are a few strategies that simplify payroll processes for businesses. First, find a payroll service that uses automation. Those allow for a set-it-and-forget-it approach, eliminating redundant tasks.
Favoring electronic tax forms and filing, along with direct deposit, also simplifies the process. Finally, integrations can eliminate redundant data entry across your various solutions, which not only saves time but can reduce error rates since the process is less manual.
Can small businesses use cheap payroll services?
Yes, most cheap payroll services are built with small teams in mind. They handle basic needs like running payroll, paying taxes, and generating tax forms without extra bells and whistles. Just double-check that the service covers your state and employee types before you sign up.
Are cheap payroll services safe to use?
They can be, as long as the provider uses encryption, secure logins, and follows data protection standards. Look for services that mention SOC 2 compliance or similar safeguards. You should also check if they offer two-factor authentication.
Do cheap payroll services include tax filing?
Some do, but not all. A few only calculate taxes and leave the filing to you, while others handle both filing and payment. Always confirm what’s included in the base price, since tax filing might cost extra.
Conclusion
Cheap payroll service solutions make your internal payroll processes less complex administratively. Plus, they can help ensure that tax withholding, employee payments, and compliance needs are handled correctly, reducing your chances of encountering additional costs or penalty fees.
I hope my breakdown of the top cheap payroll services above helped you find your ideal fit.
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