24 Best Cheap Payroll Services Reviewed for 2026

Deel helps companies manage payroll for international employees and contractors while staying compliant with local laws. It’s ideal for teams hiring across multiple countries who want a single platform to handle global payroll, tax requirements, and ongoing workforce administration.

Why I Picked Deel

I picked Deel because it lets you run payroll for employees and contractors in over 150 countries without needing local entities. You get in-country specialists who manage tax filings and statutory requirements on your behalf, giving your team confidence that payments are accurate and compliant.

Deel also centralizes employment documents, onboarding, and pay runs so you don’t have to juggle multiple local vendors, and I like that you can process payroll cycles, review costs, and approve payments directly within the platform. This makes Deel a strong fit for organizations expanding quickly or hiring distributed teams.

Deel Key Features

Here are some key features worth highlighting:

• Localized Compliance Support: In-country experts ensure payroll, taxes, and deductions follow local regulations.
• Contractor Management: Handle contracts, onboarding, and payments for contractors in different countries.
• Entity-Free Hiring: Employ full-time workers in new markets without setting up a local entity.
• Multi-Currency Payroll: Pay teams in local currencies with transparent FX rates.

Deel Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Workday, Workable, Greenhouse, Hibob, BambooHR, Expensify, and Okta.

Justworks is a practical option if you are looking for affordable payroll software that still delivers meaningful functionality. Built for small to midsize businesses, it combines payroll processing, compliance support, and contractor management in one platform. For teams that need dependable payroll without the overhead of a large enterprise system, Justworks offers a balanced mix of cost control and capability.

Why I Picked Justworks

I picked Justworks because it gives you solid payroll automation without pushing you into an expensive, overbuilt system. You can automate direct deposits, run payroll for both employees and contractors, and manage filings in one place, which helps reduce manual work. I also like that it supports multi state compliance and tax calculations, which can be especially useful if your team operates across different jurisdictions.

Justworks Key Features

In addition to payroll automation and compliance support, Justworks offers other features that enhance its appeal:

• Employee Benefits Management: Manage health insurance and retirement plans seamlessly through the platform.
• Global Payroll Capabilities: Hire and pay employees in over 150 countries, expanding your team's reach.
• HR Tools: Utilize tools for PTO management and onboarding automation to streamline HR processes.
• Analytics: Access insights and analytics to make informed decisions about your workforce.

Justworks Integrations

Native integrations include QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Xero, NetSuite, and others, which help your accounting and payroll processes.

RUN Powered by ADP® is designed for small businesses seeking a reliable and affordable payroll solution. It provides a simplified approach to payroll processing and tax management, catering to the needs of businesses with 1-49 employees. This service is particularly appealing to those looking to streamline their payroll functions while ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.

Why I Picked RUN Powered by ADP®

I picked RUN Powered by ADP® for its ability to offer essential payroll services at a competitive price, fitting well into the "cheap payroll service" category. Its standout feature is the customizable packages that allow businesses to select services that best fit their needs, such as payroll processing and tax management. Additionally, RUN includes tools for compliance support, which is crucial for small businesses navigating complex regulations. The platform's integration capabilities also enhance its value, allowing seamless connections with HR and benefits services.

RUN Powered by ADP® Key Features

In addition to its core payroll and tax management services, RUN Powered by ADP® offers several other features that enhance its functionality for small businesses.

• Time and Attendance Management: This feature helps you track employee hours and manage schedules, ensuring accurate payroll processing.
• Employee Benefits Administration: Streamline the management of employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.
• HR Support: Access to HR support services, providing guidance on employee management and compliance issues.
• Mobile Access: Manage payroll on the go with an intuitive mobile app, allowing for flexibility and convenience.

RUN Powered by ADP® Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, ZipRecruiter, Clover, WorkMarket, Indeed, Slack, and BambooHR. These integrations enable seamless operations across various business functions, enhancing the overall efficiency of your payroll and HR tasks.

Gusto helps you take the hassle out of payroll by giving you a simple, cloud-based platform that handles pay, taxes, and basic HR needs — ideal if you run a small to midsize business and want to spend less time wrestling with spreadsheets and compliance paperwork. 

Why I Picked Gusto

I picked Gusto because it handles full payroll processing plus pre-tax benefits deductions as part of one unified service. It automatically calculates and files payroll taxes for federal, state, and local jurisdictions when you run payroll. It also supports flexible pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs, which is useful if you have hourly staff, contractors, or irregular pay cycles. Together, this means you can treat payroll and benefits deductions as routine tasks — with less manual overhead and lower risk of compliance mistakes.

Gusto Key Services

In addition to automated payroll and tax calculations, Gusto offers several other features that enhance its value as a payroll service:

• Paperless onboarding and digital employee setup: New hires enter their own contact information, bank account details, and tax forms (W-4, I-9) online — no paper forms required.
• Automated New Hire Reporting: This feature helps you stay compliant by automatically reporting new hires to the government.
• Employee Self-Service: Employees can access their pay stubs, tax forms, and personal details online, reducing administrative tasks.
• Time-Off Tracking: Manage and track employee vacation and sick days with ease, ensuring accurate payroll processing.

Gusto Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Deputy, TSheets, Clover, Expensify, ZipBooks, Bench, and Asana.

RemoFirst is designed for companies that need reliable global payroll for both contractors and employees. It’s a strong fit for teams hiring across multiple countries who want predictable pricing and built-in compliance support without managing local entities themselves.

Why I Picked RemoFirst

I picked RemoFirst because it helps you manage global payments while reducing the administrative and compliance risks that come with hiring abroad. You can pay international contractors for a flat monthly rate, and your team gets clear visibility into worker status through its misclassification checks.

Its employer-of-record (EOR) service gives you access to compliant hiring in over 180 countries, backed by localized labor-law monitoring to protect your business. I also like that contractor payments, contract management, and expense approvals all happen in one place, which helps you avoid juggling multiple systems.

RemoFirst Key Features

Here are some key features worth highlighting:

• Contractor Expense Management: Track, approve, and reimburse contractor expenses within the same payroll system.
• Time-Off & Availability Tracking: Contractors can request time off and share schedules through an integrated calendar.
• Work Permit & Visa Support: Helps international employees obtain required documentation through guided processes.
• Background Checks: Offers pre-employment screenings to support compliant global hiring.

RemoFirst Integrations

Integrations include ADP.

Homebase stands out as an affordable payroll service tailored for small business owners seeking to simplify employee management. It's designed for those in industries such as retail, hospitality, and food services, where managing hourly teams can be particularly challenging.

Why I Picked Homebase

I picked Homebase because it offers an integrated payroll solution specifically designed for small businesses, which simplifies complex tasks like managing multiple wage rates and tracking tips and overtime. The built-in automated tax calculations and direct deposit feature ensure accuracy and compliance, saving you valuable time. With its seamless integration of scheduling and time tracking, Homebase minimizes manual data entry, making payroll processing faster and less prone to errors.

Homebase Key Features

In addition to its payroll capabilities, Homebase provides several other features that enhance its value for small businesses.

• Time Tracking: Automatically track employee hours and breaks, reducing the need for manual timesheet entries.
• Team Communication: Built-in messaging allows your team to communicate shifts and updates efficiently.
• HR Compliance Tools: Ensure your business meets legal requirements with tools designed to manage labor laws and regulations.
• Mobile App Access: Manage scheduling, payroll, and team communication on the go with the Homebase mobile app.

Homebase Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, Paychex, ADP, Clover, Toast, Shopify, Google Jobs, ZipRecruiter, and Craigslist.

OnPay is a strong fit for small businesses that want a mobile-friendly payroll tool with full access to core HR features. You can manage payroll, benefits, and essential employee data from your phone without losing functionality, making it a practical option for teams that handle payroll on the go.

Why I Picked OnPay

I picked OnPay because its mobile access gives you the same payroll functionality you get on desktop, which isn’t common among budget-friendly payroll tools. You can run payroll, review employee files, and manage tax filings from anywhere—ideal if you’re not always at a desk.

I also like that OnPay supports industry-specific payroll needs, such as agriculture, nonprofits, and restaurants, through tailored settings and tax handling. Its built-in access to licensed insurance brokers helps your team compare and select medical, dental, and vision plans without navigating separate platforms.

OnPay Key Features

Here are some key features worth highlighting:

• Automated Tax Filing: Calculates, withholds, and files federal, state, and local taxes for you.
• Industry-Specific Payroll Options: Supports farms, nonprofits, and restaurants with tailored tax categories.
• Built-In HR Tools: Includes onboarding checklists, document storage, and e-signature capabilities.
• PTO Tracking: Lets you set accrual rules and approve time-off requests directly in the app.

OnPay Integrations

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

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.

RUN Powered by ADP is designed for small businesses that want accurate payroll and reliable tax handling without extra admin work. It’s especially useful if you manage a team of up to 49 employees and need built-in compliance support and automated tax filing.

Why I Picked RUN Powered by ADP

I picked RUN by ADP because it automates payroll and tax filing so you don’t have to calculate deductions or manage filing deadlines yourself. You can run payroll from anywhere, and your team can view pay details through the mobile self-service portal.

I also like that it includes compliance alerts and error-flagging technology, helping you avoid costly mistakes before you process payroll. For small businesses without dedicated HR support, features like garnishment handling, new-hire reporting, and workers’ compensation management add meaningful value.

RUN Powered by ADP Key Features

Here are some key features worth highlighting:

• Time & attendance tracking: Sync employee hours directly into payroll to reduce manual entry.
• Garnishment payment services: Automatically calculates and sends garnishment payments on your behalf.
• Retirement plan management: Supports 401(k) plans and ensures accurate, timely deductions.
• AI-based error detection: Flags unusual payroll activity so you can correct issues before running payroll.

RUN Powered by ADP Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, Wave, Xero, ClockShark, JazzHR, SmartRecruiters, Absorb LMS, 7Shifts, Synerion, Wex, and Points North.

Patriot Payroll is built for U.S.-based small and midsize businesses that want an affordable way to run payroll without taking on extra administrative work. It offers clear, predictable pricing and gives you the core tools you need to pay employees accurately and stay compliant at a lower cost than many competitors.

Why I Picked Patriot Payroll

I picked Patriot Payroll because it gives you essential payroll automation—like automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and year-end reporting—without inflating your monthly bill.

Its full-service plan handles all federal, state, and local tax filings for you, which reduces the risk of errors and saves time for small teams. I also like that you can manage employee pay rates, deductions, and time-off accruals in one place, making it easier to keep payroll data consistent.

Lastly, the platform’s employee portal cuts down on admin requests by letting workers access pay stubs and tax forms themselves.

Patriot Payroll Key Features

Here are some key features worth highlighting:

• Customizable Pay Rates: Set different pay types or rates for each employee based on role or work type.
• Time-Off Accrual Tracking: Automate accrual calculations so employees always see accurate leave balances.
• Built-In Payroll Reports: View detailed wage, tax, and deduction reports to help you understand labor costs.
• Employee Self-Service Portal: Employees can download pay stubs and W-2s without contacting your admin team.

Patriot Payroll Integrations

Integrations include QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, TSheets/QuickBooks Time, Square, Gusto (import only), and other accounting and time-tracking systems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.