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10 Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses in 2023

Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses Shortlist

Here’s the list of the best payroll service providers that I’ll cover in this article, with detailed summaries below:

  1. 1. Deel — Simple global payroll, with free HR tools for small businesses
  2. 2. Buddy Punch — Automate your payroll processes and outsource your tax registration requirements in all 50 US states
  3. 3. Paychex Flex — Perform hands-free payroll reviews and approvals
  4. 4. ADP Workforce Now — Scalable payroll services for SMBs with tons of workforce app integrations
  5. 5. Patriot Software — Customize your payroll and automate your tax calculations
  6. 6. Gusto — Run payroll for international contractors from 80+ countries
  7. 7. TriNet — Save time when filing taxes with automation
  8. 8. Justworks — Manage payroll, bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements with ease
  9. 9. QuickBooks Payroll — Run payroll and create reports for multiple locations
  10. 10. ADP GlobalView Payroll — Help your team submit accurate timesheets with a mobile app

Payroll services for small businesses help owners, especially those who are first-time employers, focus on what’s important - growing their business. 

Payroll is one of the challenges small business owners face when starting out. Paying your employees on time is a good first step in earning their loyalty, but running payroll can often feel overwhelming due to the large number of factors you have to keep track of - payroll forms, payroll frequency, employee hours, overtime, benefits, and payroll taxes. 

This is why many small business owners turn to payroll services. Payroll services help you pay your employees, keep track of their wages and benefits, and file your tax forms in a timely manner. They take some of the pressure of running a business off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other things, such as closing new clients or improving your services. 

Read my review to discover the best payroll services for small businesses on the market today. My review includes short descriptions and snapshots of the solutions that made the list, along with a comparison chart so you can compare the services and find the right one for your business needs.

If you have general questions about how payroll services work or what they include, take a look at my FAQs below. Or, if you're curious how I prepared this list, see How I Selected the Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses instead. Otherwise, let's jump right in.

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Overviews of the 10 Best Payroll Service Providers for Small Businesses

Here’s a brief description of each payroll service provider for small businesses to showcase each system’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface. 

1

Deel

Simple global payroll, with free HR tools for small businesses

Deel is a cloud-based payroll platform designed for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses looking for additional help, Deel lets you hire and pay freelancers and employees from anywhere in the world without having to figure out local laws, tax systems, or international payroll. You also get access to Deel’s HR suite for free, allowing you to manage your entire team with professional and automated tools.

Deel’s platform includes various elements that make it simple to pay employees and contractors without having to juggle several tools. Their user-friendly interface incorporates advanced payroll capabilities such as contract and stock option management, expense reimbursements, and compliance tracking for every client. 

Deel is capable of flexible payment terms, allowing businesses to pay contractors on a fixed plan, per-project basis, or pay-as-you-go model. One of its key features is the ability to support multiple payroll cycles, which means businesses can run their payrolls weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Deel’s in-house experts handle all international employee deductions, withholdings, and benefits, including taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions. 

Employees and contractors can self-manage their pay and personal data, which reduces admin load. Deel supports major payment channels like Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and Revolut to offer flexible withdrawal options and reduce unnecessary international transfer fees.

Deel has positive online reviews from clients and their workers, and offers 24/7 online chat support. Employees can securely access their payroll information and perform various tasks, such as updating their personal information, requesting time off, and viewing their pay stubs.

Deel integrates with popular accounting and HR software systems such as Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable, and has an Open API to support additional custom integrations too.

Deel’s payroll services use flat rate pricing, so you can scale up or down depending on your situation. Deel’s HR tools are completely free for businesses with fewer than 200 workers. You can also request a free demo through their website to discuss your hiring needs.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.6 628

Free demo available

Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people

2

Buddy Punch

Automate your payroll processes and outsource your tax registration requirements in all 50 US states

Buddy Punch is a robust and feature-rich payroll software solution and service provider that helps small businesses and startups stay on top of their payroll responsibilities, paid time off (PTO), and employee time and attendance tracking in real time. Their payroll services include automatic payroll tax filings and payments, with expert support available at the click of a button.

Any business owner knows that payroll tax filings can be a tedious and time-consuming process, even for small businesses with only a handful of employees. Buddy Punch offers a cost-effective payroll service for small business owners that takes care of all the legalities like payroll tax filings. The experts behind the solution will keep your employee payroll data up-to-date and compliant with legislation and industry standards, meaning all payroll taxes are filed automatically by the system.

Buddy Punch supports multi-state tax registration within the US, which means that wherever your business is located, a dedicated team will take care of the tax registration process for your company. They will handle all tax filings with the appropriate government agencies in all 50 states, and remain responsible for keeping track of changing local, state, and federal tax legislation to maintain strict compliance.

Buddy Punch integrates with commonly used accounting software systems like ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Paylocity, PayPlus, SurePayroll, Quickbooks, Workday, and Zapier.

Buddy Punch costs from $3.49/user/month plus a $19/month base fee for their Standard plan, and offers a 14-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.8 121

14-day free trial

From $3.49 - $4.49/user/month + $19/month base fee

3

Paychex Flex

Perform hands-free payroll reviews and approvals

Paychex Flex is a payroll company that helps small businesses organize and run their payroll on desktop or mobile devices. The solution also gives business owners the option to submit payroll by phone to one of its specialists, and its voice assist feature enables managers to perform hands-free payroll checks, submissions, and approvals.

Paychex Flex handles your payroll taxes and reports new hires to government agencies. The software tracks your team’s payroll-related information, allowing you to create year-end reports and 1099s with ease.

Paychex Flex integrates with dozens of solutions, including BambooHR, Hubworks, Indeed, JazzHR, Xero, and QuickBooks Time.

Paychex Flex offers custom pricing upon demand and a free demo.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.2 1339

Free demo available

Pricing upon request

4

ADP Workforce Now

Scalable payroll services for SMBs with tons of workforce app integrations

ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution designed to help businesses manage their payroll, HR, time and attendance, benefits administration, and talent management. ADP Workforce Now is also scalable, meaning it can grow with a small business as it expands, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

ADP Workforce Now offers a comprehensive payroll solution that automates and streamlines the payroll process for businesses. It allows businesses to manage and process their payroll with accuracy and efficiency, while also staying compliant with local, state, and federal tax regulations. ADP Workforce Now offers features such as automated payroll calculations, direct deposit, tax filing and remittance, year-end reporting, and pay statements, providing businesses with a seamless payroll experience. Additionally, ADP Workforce Now offers employee self-service options, allowing employees to access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other payroll-related information online, reducing the workload on HR and payroll staff.

ADP Workforce Now automates many time-consuming HR and payroll tasks, freeing up small business owners and HR staff to focus on more strategic initiatives. This can save small businesses time and money, while also reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, ADP Workforce Now provides access to a range of HR tools and resources, including compliance support, employee handbooks, and job description templates, which can help small businesses ensure they are operating in accordance with the latest HR and employment laws. 

Integrations include other ADP software and tools as well as third-party options like Quickbooks, Wave, Xero, Workday, Sage, SAP SuccessFactor, 7Shifts, When I Work, JaxxHR, Ziprecruiter, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Bob, DocuFree, and plenty of other options listed in the ADP Marketplace. 

ADP Workforce Now costs from $160/month for up to 49 employees and offers a 30-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.1 3113

30-day free trial

From $160/month for up to 49 employees

5

Patriot Software

Customize your payroll and automate your tax calculations

Patriot Payroll is a full-service payroll solution that helps organizations manage their taxes, send payments, track time and attendance, and create custom reports. The software helps you run payroll with ease, simply by entering your employees’ hours. Patriot automatically calculates your payroll, and you only have to approve it to send the payments via direct deposits or checks.

This solution enables you to create reports, year-to-date totals, tax filings, or contribution histories with automation. After you complete your tax forms, the software automatically collects your payroll taxes on approved payrolls, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Patriot software integrates with QuickBooks Time and TSheets.

Patriot Payroll costs from $17/month plus $4/employee/month. They also offer a 30-day free trial and a free demo.

30-day free trial

From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee

6

Gusto

Run payroll for international contractors from 80+ countries

Gusto is a full service payroll solution that helps businesses pay contractors in 80+ countries and stores all the I-9, W-2, and 1099 forms for their employees. The software also handles the state tax registration process in all 50 states and keeps track of changing tax laws so businesses are always compliant.

This payroll provider enables you to track your employees with geolocation, so you can easily deduct the breaks of hourly workers from their wages. The solution also allows you to create flexible payment schedules, run unlimited payrolls, and pay employee reimbursements. With Gusto, you can also administer benefits and set time-off policies too.

Gusto integrates with dozens of solutions, including 7Shifts, 15Five, Bonusly, Breezy HR, Clover, Greenhouse, JazzHR, and QuickBooks Online Payroll.

Gusto costs from $40/month plus $6/user/month and offers a free demo and a 30-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3 609

30-day free trial

From $6/employee/month + $40/month base fee

7

TriNet

Save time when filing taxes with automation

TriNet is an online payroll service that helps you manage your payroll and navigate state and federal tax codes. The software’s payroll feature, along with its self-service tools, allow you to save time when running payroll while remaining compliant with all the payroll regulations in your area.

TriNet automatically calculates and withholds your taxes and submits them to the right authorities on your behalf. The software also helps you manage unemployment taxes and claims. TriNet allows your employees to complete their W-2s and its mobile app enables them to access all their documentation and pay stubs with ease.

TriNet integrates with multiple tools, including BambooHR, Oracle Netsuite, QuickBooks Online, Sage, and Xero.

TriNet offers custom pricing upon demand.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4 519

Pricing upon request

8

Justworks

Manage payroll, bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements with ease

Justworks is a payroll and benefits administration software that enables you to run payroll, keep track of your team’s activity, file your taxes, and access benefits packages. The solution helps you set up an automated direct deposit payroll that runs on time, and it allows you to split direct deposits across multiple accounts.

Justworks helps you create payment schedules for all your employees and contractors across the United States, regardless of their position in your organization. You can set up payment reminders and manage bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, and one-time payments. Justworks also files your W-2s and 1099s for you and automatically updates its framework as tax and employment laws change.

Justworks integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero.

Justworks costs from $59/employee/month.

From $59/employee/month

9

QuickBooks Payroll

Run payroll and create reports for multiple locations

QuickBooks Payroll is an Intuit online payroll solution that enables small businesses to manage their payroll, track employee hours, and file their taxes. The tool is easy to use, allowing you to automate your payroll and integrate it with other employee services, such as 401K plans or other employee benefits.

QuickBooks Payroll calculates, files, and pays your state and federal taxes. You can customize your payroll reports based on different locations, deductions, and contributions. The software offers unlimited payroll runs and a mobile-friendly employee portal where your team members can access their tax forms and pay stubs.

QuickBooks Payroll integrates with the company’s accounting services and hundreds of third-party apps, including Bill.com, Float, PayPal, Square, Syft Analytics, Synder, Tax Planner Pro, and Wagepoint.

QuickBooks Payroll costs from $4/employee/month plus a $20/month base fee. A 30-day free trial is also available.

30-day free trial

From $4/employee/month + $20/month base fee

10

ADP GlobalView Payroll

Help your team submit accurate timesheets with a mobile app

ADP Payroll is a payroll management solution that enables you to store your employee information and payslips, calculate taxes, and track employee time. The software offers a nice-looking mobile app your team members can use to punch in and out, making it ideal for hourly-based engagements.

The software’s in-app onboarding is comprehensive and helps your employees understand how to get the most out of ADP’s self-service portal. The solution also helps business owners and managers run automated payrolls, complete their tax declarations, and create detailed reports of their financial activity.

ADP Payroll integrates with multiple enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, including FinancialForce, Sage, and Workday.

ADP Payroll offers custom pricing upon request. They also offer free payroll processing for up to three months.

Free demo available

Pricing upon request

The 10 Best Payroll Service Providers for Small Businesses Comparison Chart

Here’s a comparison chart that summarizes basic details about each of my top selections for small business payroll services. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best payroll service for your budget.

Tool Free Option Price
1
Deel

Simple global payroll, with free HR tools for small businesses

Free demo available

Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people Visit Website
2
Buddy Punch

Automate your payroll processes and outsource your tax registration requirements in all 50 US states

14-day free trial

From $3.49 - $4.49/user/month + $19/month base fee Visit Website
3
Paychex Flex

Perform hands-free payroll reviews and approvals

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Visit Website
4
ADP Workforce Now

Scalable payroll services for SMBs with tons of workforce app integrations

30-day free trial

From $160/month for up to 49 employees Visit Website
5
Patriot Software

Customize your payroll and automate your tax calculations

30-day free trial

From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee Visit Website
6
Gusto

Run payroll for international contractors from 80+ countries

30-day free trial

From $6/employee/month + $40/month base fee Visit Website
7
TriNet

Save time when filing taxes with automation

Not available

Pricing upon request Visit Website
8
Justworks

Manage payroll, bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements with ease

Not available

From $59/employee/month Visit Website
9
QuickBooks Payroll

Run payroll and create reports for multiple locations

30-day free trial

From $4/employee/month + $20/month base fee Visit Website
10
ADP GlobalView Payroll

Help your team submit accurate timesheets with a mobile app

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Visit Website

Other Options

Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best payroll services for small businesses list:

  1. Payworks

    Payroll service provider for Canadian small businesses

  2. WAVE

    Automate your payroll process and set up direct deposit payments

  3. Rippling

    Save time with workflow and payment templates

  4. Paycor

    Administer payroll and benefits with a single solution

  5. OnPay

    Avoid mistakes and save time with automated tax filings

  6. Oyster HR

    Manage international hiring, payroll and compliance from within one platform

  7. PrimePay

    Track employee hours and access payroll information remotely

  8. Square

    Online payroll service that helps you offer direct deposit payments for hourly workers.

  9. Alliance Payroll Services

    Localized payroll service that helps you set up a paperless payroll and handles your taxes.

  10. Wagepoint

    Payroll software that enables you to simplify your payroll with automation and an employee self-service portal.

How I Selected the Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses

If you're wondering how I compiled this list of the top 10 small business payroll providers, look no further. I'm happy to explain my methodology.

First, I compiled a long list of payroll systems that also offer additional HR services like bookkeeping and other payroll options. With that in place, I drilled into the details further to ensure each service provider truly offered the services that growing businesses would want.

Lastly, to help me decide on my final selections, I compared each payroll provider against each other using my selection criteria below. And that, my friends, is the process I used to determine the best payroll software and service providers for small business owners.

Selection Criteria

Here's a summary of the selection criteria I used to determine the best payroll services for small businesses in this article:

  1. User Interface (UI): I selected payroll service providers that offer a simple interface so you won’t encounter any problems when navigating their solutions. 
  2. Usability: Running payroll should be easy with the right tools. I chose payroll services that offer comprehensive documentation or training materials so you can learn how to use them after a brief onboarding period. 
  3. Software integrations: The payroll service should integrate with the other tools you might use, such as accounting or HR software.  
  4. Price: I selected payroll services that help you automate some of the tasks associated with payroll, so you can save time by running the process in the background and get the most out of your investment.  

Payroll Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to FAQs I hear often when discussing payroll services for small businesses:

Payroll Service Helps you Focus on Growing Your Business

Payroll services take some of the pressure of running a business off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on growing your business. They help you avoid legal difficulties by filing your taxes on your behalf. But more importantly, they enable you to pay your employees on time. And this is crucial to forming an effective team. 

A survey showed that 80% of US workers prefer having their pay automatically delivered to their accounts as they earn it. In addition, 79% said that access to on-demand pay would make them feel more valued and increase their loyalty to an employer.  

By helping you create and respect a payment schedule, payroll services make it easier for you to build an effective team that propels your business to the next level. 

You can read more about payroll management in our articles on How To Manage Payroll For Small Business and Best HR Software For Small Business. You can also discover tools that can help you run payroll in foreign countries in our articles on the Best Employer Of Record (EOR) Tools and Best Global Payroll Solutions For Distributed Teams

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Related read: Best HRIS for Small Businesses to Manage HR Data

By Kim Behnke

Kim Behnke is an HR Tool Expert & Writer for People Managing People. She draws on her 9 years of human resources experience and her keen eye for systematic processes to support her analyses of the top HR tools on the market. She is passionate about maximizing efficiencies and streamlining workflows to ensure internal systems run smoothly. Kim's HR experience includes recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, policy development and enforcement, and HR analytics. She also has degrees in psychology, writing, publishing, and technical communication. When away from her desk, she can usually be found outside tending to her ever-expanding garden.