What is the best payroll software for a 10-person small business?

For a 10-person small business, **Gusto** is widely considered the best overall payroll software.

Here are the top options depending on your specific priorities:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):**
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, fully automates federal, state, and local payroll taxes, offers direct deposit, and seamlessly handles employee onboarding and benefits.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

2. **OnPay (Best Value & Simplicity):**
   * **Why:** Offers full-service payroll with a single, straightforward pricing tier that includes all features, custom HR tools, and excellent customer support.
   * **Pricing:** $40/month + $6/person per month.

3. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for Existing QuickBooks Users):**
   * **Why:** Integrates directly with QuickBooks Online accounting, making financial tracking and reporting effortless if you already use their ecosystem.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent promotional discounts apply).

**Recommendation:** Choose **Gusto** for the best balance of features, ease of use, and automation, or **OnPay** if you want a flat-fee service with no tier restrictions.


Best payroll software for small business

Here are the best payroll software options for small businesses, categorized by top strengths:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Extremely user-friendly, handles all tax filings automatically, and seamlessly integrates basic HR and employee benefits.
   * **Best for:** Most small businesses wanting an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

2. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for Accounting Integration)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Syncs instantly with QuickBooks Online accounting software and offers same-day or next-day direct deposit.
   * **Best for:** Businesses that already use QuickBooks for bookkeeping.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent discounts available).

3. **OnPay (Best Value & Transparent Pricing)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Offers all features (including full HR tools and software integrations) on a single, low-cost tier with no hidden fees.
   * **Best for:** Very small businesses wanting simple, predictable pricing.
   * **Pricing:** $40/month + $6/person per month.

4. **Square Payroll (Best for Micro-Businesses & Retail/Hourly Staff)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Integrates directly with Square POS, tracks tip pooling easily, and offers a cheap contractor-only plan.
   * **Best for:** Restaurants, retail shops, contractors, and businesses using Square.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $35/month + $6/person per month (or $6/person with no base fee for contractor-only businesses).

5. **ADP RUN (Best for Scalability & Compliance)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Highly dependable with powerful compliance, custom HR add-ons, and seamless scalability as you grow into a medium-sized enterprise.
   * **Best for:** Growing businesses needing robust HR support and strong legal compliance.
   * **Pricing:** Custom quote required (generally higher cost).

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **Go with Gusto** for the best balance of features, ease of use, and price.
* **Go with QuickBooks Payroll** if you already rely heavily on QuickBooks for accounting.


We're a 15 person company processing payroll manually in Excel and making mistakes. What payroll software should we buy?

For a 15-person company moving away from Excel, **Gusto** is the best overall payroll software.

Here is why, along with two specific alternatives:

1. **Top Pick: Gusto** (Best overall for small teams)
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, fully automates local/state/federal tax filings, handles direct deposit, and drastically reduces human error.
   * **Cost:** ~$40/month base + $6/person/month.

2. **Alternative: QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks Online)
   * **Why:** Integrates seamlessly with your existing accounting ledger, keeping financial data in one ecosystem.

3. **Alternative: Rippling** (Best if you plan to scale rapidly or need heavy HR/IT automation)
   * **Why:** Excellent for automating onboarding, hardware management, and complex HR needs alongside payroll.

**Recommendation:** Start with **Gusto**. It takes less than an hour to set up and will instantly solve your Excel mistake issues.


Recommend payroll software for a small business with under 50 employees.

Here are the top payroll software recommendations for a business with under 50 employees, depending on your primary need:

*   **Best Overall:** **Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, fully automated tax filings (federal, state, local), and includes basic HR tools and benefits administration.
*   **Best for Existing QuickBooks Users:** **QuickBooks Payroll**
    *   *Why:* Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online accounting, allowing for automated payroll runs and direct ledger sync.
*   **Best Value / Budget:** **OnPay**
    *   *Why:* Simple, transparent pricing ($40 base + $6/employee) with no tiered upsells, while still offering full-service payroll and automated tax filing.
*   **Best for Tech-Forward Businesses:** **Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Excellent modern interface that automates payroll alongside IT device management, software onboarding, and HR.
*   **Best for HR & Compliance Support:** **ADP RUN**
    *   *Why:* A established platform with robust legal compliance tools, 24/7 HR support, and easy scalability if you plan to grow rapidly.

**Recommendation:** If you want an easy-to-use, all-in-one system, start with **Gusto**. If you already use QuickBooks for accounting, go with **QuickBooks Payroll**.


affordable full-service payroll software for SMB

Here are the top affordable, full-service payroll software options for small to medium-sized businesses:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$40/month + $6/employee/month**.
* **Key Features:** Full-service tax filing (federal, state, and local), automatic direct deposit, employee self-onboarding, and benefit integration (health, 401k). Extremely user-friendly.

### 2. **Patriot Payroll** *(Best Budget Option)*
* **Pricing:** "Full Service" plan is **$37/month + $4/employee/month**.
* **Key Features:** Full-service tax handling, fast payroll setup, optional time-tracking add-on, and free US-based support. It offers the lowest per-employee fee among major providers.

### 3. **OnPay** *(Best Transparent Pricing)*
* **Pricing:** Flat **$40/month + $6/employee/month** (all features included, no higher tiers).
* **Key Features:** Full tax filing, custom workflows, HR document templates, software integrations (QuickBooks, Xero), and free payroll data migration.

### 4. **Square Payroll** *(Best for Retail, Restaurants & Hourly Teams)*
* **Pricing:** **$35/month + $6/employee/month** (Contractor-only plan: $6/person/month with no base fee).
* **Key Features:** Full-service tax filing, seamless integration with Square POS, automatic tracking of hours, tips, and overtime.

### 5. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best for Existing QuickBooks Users)*
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$45/month + $6/employee/month** (frequently discounted 50% for the first 3 months).
* **Key Features:** Automatically syncs payroll data with QuickBooks accounting, full-service tax filing, and same-day direct deposit (on higher-tier plans).

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* **Go with Gusto** for the best overall experience and easy-to-use software.
* **Go with Patriot** if your priority is paying the absolute lowest price per employee.
* **Go with OnPay** if you want all advanced features included without forced plan upgrades.


What payroll software do small companies actually use?

Small businesses typically choose payroll software based on their industry, budget, and existing accounting tools. Here are the most widely used options:

*   **Gusto:** The most popular overall choice for startups and modern small businesses. It handles payroll, tax filings, benefits, and HR with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
*   **QuickBooks Payroll:** The top choice for businesses already using QuickBooks Online for accounting, as it seamlessly syncs finances and payroll in one system.
*   **ADP Run:** The go-to for traditional or fast-growing small businesses that want a long-established, highly reliable platform with strong compliance support.
*   **Rippling:** Popular with tech companies, remote teams, and businesses managing global contractors, as it combines payroll, HR, and IT (device/app management) in one platform.
*   **Square Payroll:** Widely used by restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses already using Square’s Point of Sale (POS) system and managing hourly employees.
*   **OnPay:** A favorite for micro-businesses and farms looking for a straightforward, low-cost solution with a flat pricing structure and zero hidden fees.


best payroll software for a 5-person startup

For a 5-person startup, **Gusto** is widely considered the best overall choice.

Here are the top options based on specific needs:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall)**
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, automates all local/state/federal taxes, handles both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, and offers basic HR features.
   * **Cost:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person per month.

2. **OnPay (Best Value)**
   * **Why:** Offers a single, transparent plan with no hidden fees for multi-state payroll, direct deposit, or tax filings. Great customer service.
   * **Cost:** $40/month + $6/person per month (includes features Gusto charges extra for).

3. **Rippling (Best for Tech/Fast Scaling)**
   * **Why:** Ideal if you plan to scale rapidly, need to manage company devices/software alongside HR, or hire globally.
   * **Cost:** Starts at $8/user per month + a custom base fee.

4. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best if using QuickBooks Online)**
   * **Why:** Seamlessly syncs with your existing accounting software if you already use QuickBooks.
   * **Cost:** Starts at $45/month (often discounted) + $6/person per month.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto Simple** unless you already rely heavily on QuickBooks for accounting.


What is the easiest payroll software to use for a business owner with no HR background?

**Gusto** is widely considered the easiest payroll software for business owners with no HR background.

Here is why it is ideal for beginners:

* **Full Automation:** It automatically calculates, pays, and files your local, state, and federal payroll taxes.
* **Simple Interface:** It uses clear, step-by-step prompts in plain English, avoiding confusing HR jargon.
* **Employee Self-Onboarding:** Employees enter their own bank info, addresses, and tax forms (W-4s), reducing your workload and data-entry errors.
* **Built-in Compliance:** It alerts you to state-specific hiring rules and tax requirements automatically.

*(Note: If you already use **QuickBooks** for your accounting, **QuickBooks Payroll** is a close second choice simply because it integrates seamlessly with your existing books.)*


Best payroll system for small business with hourly and salaried employees

The best overall payroll system for a small business with a mix of hourly and salaried employees is **Gusto**.

Here are the top three options depending on your specific needs:

### 1. **Best Overall: Gusto**
* **Why it’s best:** It seamlessly handles salaried employees on "Autopilot" while offering built-in time tracking and mobile clock-ins for hourly employees.
* **Key Features:** Automated federal, state, and local tax filings; automatic overtime calculation; direct deposit; easy employee onboarding.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/month per person.

### 2. **Best for Quickbooks Users: QuickBooks Payroll**
* **Why it’s best:** If you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, this is the easiest option. Hourly employee time seamlessly flows into job costing and general ledgers.
* **Key Features:** Same-day direct deposit, automated tax filing, seamless integration with QuickBooks time-tracking (QuickBooks Time).
* **Pricing:** Starts at $45/month + $6/month per person (frequent promotional discounts available).

### 3. **Best Value / Flat-Rate: OnPay**
* **Why it’s best:** Offers a single, transparent tier with no hidden fees for extra tax filings or direct deposit, making it great for budget-conscious businesses with diverse payroll needs.
* **Key Features:** Excellent custom pay rates for hourly workers, automated taxes, integrated HR tools, and top-rated customer service.
* **Pricing:** $40/month + $6/month per person (all features included).

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** for the best user experience and all-in-one simplicity.
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks for bookkeeping.


We have 20 employees across 3 different states. What payroll software handles multi-state tax filing automatically?

For a 20-employee team operating across 3 states, the following top payroll platforms handle multi-state tax calculations, payments, and filings automatically:

1. **Gusto** (Best overall for small teams)
   * **Why:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes across all 50 states.
   * **Note:** You'll want the *Plus* plan for built-in multi-state payroll management.

2. **Rippling** (Best for automated multi-state compliance)
   * **Why:** Automates tax filings and can even automatically register your business with state tax authorities when you hire in a new state.

3. **OnPay** (Best value)
   * **Why:** Full-service multi-state tax filing is included in their standard pricing with no extra fees per state, making it very cost-effective for 20 employees.

4. **ADP RUN** (Best for robust compliance support)
   * **Why:** Fully automated multi-state tax handling backed by ADP's extensive legal and compliance infrastructure.

**Recommendation:** For 20 employees, **Gusto** offers the best balance of ease of use and features, while **OnPay** is the most budget-friendly option for multiple states.


top payroll software for small marketing agency

Here are the top payroll software options for a small marketing agency, categorized by your specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits marketing agencies:** Marketing agencies often manage a mix of full-time W-2 staff and 1099 freelance creatives. Gusto handles both seamlessly and integrates with popular agency time-tracking tools (like Harvest, Everhour, and QuickBooks Time) to streamline billable hours.
* **Key Features:** Full-service automated payroll, state tax registration in all 50 states, contractor onboarding, direct deposit, and health benefits administration.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for Tech-Forward or Remote/Global Agencies)
* **Why it fits marketing agencies:** Ideal if you hire remote employees or overseas freelance talent. Rippling syncs HR, payroll, and IT (like managing app permissions for Slack, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud).
* **Key Features:** Global payroll (pay international contractors in local currencies), deep automation, robust custom reporting, and instant app/device provisioning.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks Online)
* **Why it fits marketing agencies:** If your agency uses QuickBooks for client invoicing and project accounting, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps all financial data in one ecosystem.
* **Key Features:** Seamless integration with QuickBooks Time for tracking client billables, same-day direct deposit, and automated tax filing.

### 4. **OnPay** (Best Value & Simplicity)
* **Why it fits marketing agencies:** Offers full-service payroll at a straightforward, budget-friendly price without hidden fees for 1099 contractor payments.
* **Key Features:** Flat monthly pricing, excellent customer support, built-in HR tools, and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the best balance of ease-of-use, contractor management, and software integrations.
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly or hire international freelancers.


What software should a small restaurant buy to handle hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit?

The best software options for a small restaurant needing hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit are:

1. **Toast Payroll** *(Best overall for restaurants)*
   * **Why:** Purpose-built for restaurants. It seamlessly integrates with Toast POS, automates complex tip pooling (via Toast Tip Manager), handles hourly pay rates, and processes direct deposit automatically.

2. **Gusto** *(Best standalone payroll platform)*
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly and affordable. It effortlessly handles hourly wages, direct deposits, and tax filings. For tip pooling, it integrates directly with restaurant scheduling tools like **7shifts** or **Homebase** to push pooled tips straight to payroll.

3. **Homebase** *(Best budget all-in-one for hourly teams)*
   * **Why:** Combines time tracking, scheduling, tip pooling/allocation, and full-service payroll with direct deposit in one system designed specifically for hourly workforces.

### Recommendation:
* If you already use (or plan to use) **Toast POS**, go with **Toast Payroll**.
* If you use a different POS (like Square or Clover), pair **Gusto** with **7shifts** for the smoothest tip-pooling and payroll workflow.


best payroll software for small construction business

The best payroll software for a small construction business depends on whether you do government contracts (requiring certified payroll) or basic residential/commercial work.

Here are the top options:

1. **Payroll4Construction** *(Best Overall for Specialized Needs)*
   * **Why:** Built specifically for construction. Automatically handles certified payroll reports (Davis-Bacon Act), prevailing wage tracking, union fringe benefits, multiple pay rates per employee, and detailed job costing.

2. **Gusto** *(Best for Ease of Use & Budget)*
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly and affordable. Handles multiple pay rates and contractor/employee mix well. It integrates seamlessly with construction time-tracking apps like ClockShark or ExakTime for GPS field tracking. *(Note: Requires add-ons for certified payroll).*

3. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best for Accounting Integration)*
   * **Why:** If you already use QuickBooks Online or Desktop for job costing and bookkeeping, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps all job-cost data, time tracking (via QuickBooks Time), and payroll in one system.

### Recommendation Summary:
* Choose **Payroll4Construction** if you handle public works, union labor, or complex prevailing wage jobs.
* Choose **Gusto + ClockShark** if you want the easiest, most affordable mobile time-tracking and payroll for general residential/commercial trades.


We need easy payroll software with auto tax filing for 8 workers. What should we choose?

For a small team of 8 workers needing simplicity and automated taxes, **Gusto** is your best option.

### **1. Top Pick: Gusto**
* **Why it fits:** It is widely recognized as the easiest payroll platform for small businesses. It automatically calculates, pays, and files all federal, state, and local payroll taxes. It easily handles both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
* **Cost:** Simple plan starts at $40/month + $6/worker per month.

### **2. Best Budget Alternative: OnPay**
* **Why it fits:** Extremely straightforward with no hidden tiers. Full automatic tax filing is included in their single, all-in-one plan.
* **Cost:** $40/month + $6/worker per month.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for the most user-friendly interface and hassle-free tax automation.


affordable online payroll services for boutique retail store

Here are the most affordable and top-rated online payroll services for a boutique retail store:

1. **Square Payroll**
   * **Cost:** $35/month + $6/employee
   * **Best For:** Retail stores using (or planning to use) Square POS.
   * **Why it fits:** Automatically syncs employee hours, tips, and commissions directly from your point-of-sale system, saving time on manual entry.

2. **Gusto**
   * **Cost:** $40/month + $6/employee (Simple plan)
   * **Best For:** All-in-one ease of use, employee onboarding, and HR basics.
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, handles variable hourly schedules and tax filings automatically, and integrates seamlessly with POS systems like Clover and Shopify.

3. **OnPay**
   * **Cost:** $40/month + $6/employee (Single transparent tier)
   * **Best For:** Maximum features without tier upgrades.
   * **Why it fits:** Includes full HR features, custom pay rates (e.g., store manager vs. clerk), and automated tax filings for a flat fee with no hidden costs.

4. **Patriot Software (Full Service)**
   * **Cost:** $37/month + $4/employee
   * **Best For:** Ultra-low budget payroll.
   * **Why it fits:** Offers one of the lowest per-employee fees on the market while still managing all local, state, and federal payroll tax filings automatically.

**Recommendation:**
* If you use Square for payment processing, choose **Square Payroll**.
* If you use Shopify/Clover or want the easiest setup, choose **Gusto**.


What payroll platform is best for a non-profit with 12 employees?

For a non-profit with 12 employees, **Gusto** is generally the best overall choice.

Here is why it stands out for small non-profits:

* **Non-Profit Discount:** Gusto offers a discount for 501(c)(3) organizations (contact their sales team to apply it).
* **Ease of Use:** It is intuitive, easy to set up, and automates federal, state, and local payroll tax filings.
* **Accounting Integrations:** It syncs seamlessly with popular non-profit accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero, making grant and budget tracking much easier.
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees get lifetime access to their pay stubs and tax forms (W-2s/1099s), reducing admin work.
* **Affordable Pricing:** Simple pricing structure without hidden fees.

**Alternative to consider:**
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if your non-profit already uses QuickBooks Online for fund accounting, as keeping everything under one roof simplifies your bookkeeping.


best payroll software for micro business 3 employees

For a micro business with 3 employees, you want simple, automated tax filing, and low cost. Here are the top recommendations based on your needs:

### 1. **Best Overall: Gusto**
* **Why it’s best:** Exceptionally easy to use, fully automates local, state, and federal tax filings, and handles direct deposit effortlessly.
* **Cost:** *Simple Plan* is $40/month + $6/employee per month (**~$58/month** total for 3 employees).

### 2. **Best Budget Option: Patriot Payroll (Full Service)**
* **Why it’s best:** One of the cheapest full-service options that still handles all payroll tax filings for you.
* **Cost:** $37/month + $4/employee per month (**~$49/month** total for 3 employees).

### 3. **Best for Mobile/Ultra-Simple: Roll by ADP**
* **Why it’s best:** A chat-based app powered by ADP. You can run payroll in under a minute from your phone, and it includes full-service tax filing.
* **Cost:** $39/month + $5/employee per month (**~$54/month** total for 3 employees; often offers the first 3 months free).

### 4. **Best if you run a Retail/POS Business: Square Payroll**
* **Why it’s best:** Integrates seamlessly if you already use Square for credit card processing or time tracking.
* **Cost:** $35/month + $6/employee per month (**~$53/month** total for 3 employees).

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** for the best user experience and peace of mind regarding tax compliance.
* Choose **Patriot** if saving an extra $100–$150 a year is your top priority.


We are switching from a manual accountant to payroll software for our 25-person team. What is the best option?

For a 25-person team, **Gusto** is the best overall option.

It is ideal for companies transitioning from a manual accountant because it is extremely user-friendly, fully automates local, state, and federal payroll taxes, and offers easy employee onboarding.

**Top Alternatives based on your specific needs:**

*   **Rippling:** Best if you need to manage employee devices/IT alongside HR and payroll.
*   **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if you already use QuickBooks for your business accounting and want everything under one roof.


easiest payroll software for direct deposit and tax filing

**Gusto** is widely considered the easiest payroll software for direct deposit and full-service tax filing, especially for small businesses.

### Why Gusto is the easiest:
* **Automated Tax Filing:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes (including year-end W-2s and 1099s).
* **Automated Direct Deposit:** You can set payroll on "autopilot" for salaried employees, and standard direct deposit is included.
* **Simple Setup:** Highly intuitive, step-by-step interface with built-in employee self-boarding.

---

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Needs:
* **OnPay:** Best if you want simple, flat-rate pricing with full tax automation and direct deposit included.
* **Square Payroll:** Easiest if you already use Square POS or primarily manage hourly/contract employees.
* **Roll by ADP:** Easiest if you want to run payroll entirely from your phone via a simple chat interface.


What is the top-rated payroll software for small law firms?

**Gusto** is widely rated as the best overall payroll software for small law firms.

It is top-rated because of its user-friendly interface, automated tax filing, support for both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors (or partner draws), and direct integrations with popular legal management software like **Clio** as well as **QuickBooks Online**.

Other top contenders depending on specific firm needs include:
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if your firm already relies heavily on QuickBooks for legal trust accounting (IOLTA).
* **ADP RUN:** Best for growing firms that need robust, built-in legal HR compliance tools and dedicated support.


best payroll system for small dental practice

The best payroll systems for a small dental practice are **Gusto** and **OnPay**, depending on your specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s great for dental:** Gusto is extremely user-friendly and easily handles complex dental payroll needs, such as different pay structures (e.g., hourly rates for hygienists, salary for office staff, and production/commission for associate dentists).
* **Key Features:** Automated tax filing, direct deposit, built-in time tracking, and seamless integration with health insurance and 401(k) plans tailored for small practices.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **OnPay** (Best Value & Healthcare-Specific Features)
* **Why it’s great for dental:** OnPay offers specialized setup options for medical and dental practices. It makes handling multiple pay rates, dual-role employees (e.g., an assistant who also acts as a receptionist), and custom withholdings straightforward.
* **Key Features:** Full service tax filing, HR tools, custom offer letters, and clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month + $6/person per month (includes all features).

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks)
* **Why it’s great for dental:** If your practice already uses QuickBooks Online for accounting, using their built-in payroll keeps all financial data in one ecosystem.
* **Key Features:** Same-day direct deposit, automated tax filing, and tight integration with QuickBooks Time for employee clock-ins.

---

### **Key Features to Look For in Dental Payroll:**
* **Support for multiple pay structures:** Ability to pay by hour, daily rate, salary, or production bonuses.
* **Benefits management:** Easy tracking for CE (continuing education) stipends, uniform allowances, and health insurance.
* **Time clock integration:** Simple software clock-in for hourly staff (hygienists and assistants) to track overtime accurately.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** for the most intuitive interface and employee benefits experience, or **OnPay** if you want flat, transparent pricing with robust healthcare-tailored setup.


We are a tech startup with 12 remote employees in the US. What payroll software should we buy?

For a 12-person US-based remote tech startup, the top two payroll software options are **Gusto** and **Rippling**.

Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall for Ease & Value)
* **Why it fits:** It is the industry standard for small US teams. It automatically handles complex multi-state payroll, state tax registrations, local taxes, and filings without extra effort.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, health/401(k) benefits administration, contractor payments, and simple onboarding.
* **Pricing:** Starts at ~$40/month + $6/employee/month (Simple) or $80/month + $12/employee/month (Plus).
* **Best if:** You want a straightforward, plug-and-play solution with great UI and built-in HR benefits.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for Tech Startups Scaling Quickly)
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for modern tech companies. Beyond multi-state payroll, it combines HR and IT management into one platform (e.g., sending laptops, managing app permissions like Slack/Google Workspace).
* **Key Features:** Fast multi-state tax setup, automated onboarding workflows, international expansion capabilities (EOR), and device/software management.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $8/user/month + a base platform fee (custom quote required).
* **Best if:** You plan to grow rapidly, need to manage employee devices/apps alongside payroll, or expect to hire internationally soon.

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* Pick **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most cost-effective payroll and benefits solution today.
* Pick **Rippling** if you want a powerful tech stack that handles hardware, app provisioning, and payroll as you scale.


What payroll software provides the best mobile app for employees to view paystubs?

**Gusto** is widely considered to have the best mobile app for employees (via the **Gusto Wallet** app) for small-to-medium businesses, while **ADP** offers the best mobile app for mid-to-large companies.

### 1. Gusto (Best Overall for SMBs)
* **App:** Gusto Wallet (iOS & Android)
* **Why it’s the best:** Extremely modern, user-friendly interface. Employees can instantly view and download paystubs, track tax documents (W-2s/1099s), set up automated savings goals, and access earned wage advances.

### 2. ADP Mobile Solutions (Best for Mid-to-Large Businesses)
* **App:** ADP Mobile Solutions (iOS & Android)
* **Why it’s the best:** One of the highest-rated enterprise apps on both the App Store and Google Play (4.8+ stars across millions of reviews). It makes viewing paystubs, tax statements, and pay history simple, while also integrating time-tracking and benefits management.


best low cost payroll software for sole proprietor with 2 employees

Here are the best low-cost payroll options for a sole proprietor with 2 employees, depending on how much automation you need:

### 1. Patriot Payroll (Cheapest Overall)
* **Best for:** Tight budgets.
* **Cost for 2 employees:**
  * **Basic Payroll:** ~$25/month ($17 base + $4/employee). *Note: You must file your own payroll taxes.*
  * **Full-Service Payroll:** ~$45/month ($37 base + $4/employee). Handles all tax filings automatically.
* **Pros:** Very reliable, easy setup, US-based support.

### 2. Roll by ADP (Best Low-Cost App)
* **Best for:** Running payroll quickly from your phone.
* **Cost for 2 employees:** ~$39/month ($29 base + $5/employee).
* **Pros:** Full-service tax filing, chat-based interface, includes direct deposit and auto-payroll.

### 3. Gusto (Best Overall Value & Ease of Use)
* **Best for:** Effortless automation and seamless tax filing.
* **Cost for 2 employees:** ~$52/month ($40 base + $6/employee for the "Simple" plan).
* **Pros:** Industry gold standard, automatically files federal/state/local taxes, easy onboarding for employees, integrates with QuickBooks/Wave.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Patriot Basic** ($25/mo) if you want the absolute lowest cost and don't mind filing tax forms yourself.
* Choose **Roll by ADP** ($39/mo) or **Patriot Full-Service** ($45/mo) for the cheapest hands-off tax filing.
* Choose **Gusto** ($52/mo) if you want the easiest, most user-friendly software that requires zero tax management.


We run a small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff. What payroll tool handles direct deposit best?

For a small coffee shop with 10 hourly employees, the best choice depends on your Point of Sale (POS) system:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Offers seamless, reliable direct deposit (2-day standard, with next-day options) and excels at handling hourly wages, tip calculations, and flexible pay schedules. It integrates easily with popular coffee shop POS systems like Toast, Clover, and Square.
2. **Square Payroll (Best if you use Square POS):** If you already use Square for payments, this is the easiest option. It automatically syncs employee hours, timecards, and tips directly from the POS to process direct deposit with almost no manual entry.

**Bottom line:** Choose **Square Payroll** if you use Square POS; otherwise, choose **Gusto**.


Recommend a payroll platform for a 30-person manufacturing company.

**Top Recommendation: Rippling**

Rippling is the best fit for a 30-person manufacturing company because it excels at managing complex hourly workforces and shop-floor logistics.

**Why Rippling:**
* **Job Costing & Pay Rates:** Tracks labor costs against specific manufacturing jobs/departments and easily handles multiple pay rates and shift differentials.
* **Shop-Floor Time Tracking:** Supports shared tablet clock-in kiosks, geo-fencing, facial recognition (to prevent buddy punching), and automated break/overtime compliance.
* **Workers' Comp Integration:** Connects directly with pay-as-you-go workers' compensation policies to avoid large upfront deposits and audit surprises.
* **Scalability:** Scales seamlessly as your headcount grows without requiring a platform migration.

---

**Alternative Pick:**
* **Gusto (Plus Plan):** Choose Gusto if you prioritize a lower price point and ultra-simple interface over advanced job costing and floor-management features.


best payroll software for small business with W2 and 1099 contractors

Here are the best payroll software options for small businesses managing both W2 employees and 1099 contractors:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptionally easy to use, handles both W2 and 1099 workers seamlessly in the same dashboard, and fully automates federal, state, and local taxes.
* **Key W2/1099 Features:** Automatically files W-2s and 1099-NEC forms at year-end, offers self-onboarding for both worker types, and allows a low-cost contractor-only plan if needed.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if using QuickBooks Online)*
* **Why it’s great:** Perfect if you already use QuickBooks for accounting, as payroll data syncs directly with your books without manual entry.
* **Key W2/1099 Features:** Same-day or next-day direct deposit for W2s and 1099s, automatic tax filings, and unified financial reporting.

### 3. **OnPay** *(Best Value & Transparent Pricing)*
* **Why it’s great:** Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees for HR features, multi-state payroll, or year-end tax filings.
* **Key W2/1099 Features:** Unlimited payroll runs, free e-filing of W-2 and 1099 forms, and full support for special payroll setups (agricultural, tipped workers, etc.).

### 4. **Square Payroll** *(Best for Retail, Restaurants, & Hourly Teams)*
* **Why it’s great:** Ideal if you already use Square POS or have a variable team of hourly employees and per-project contractors.
* **Key W2/1099 Features:** Flexible pricing (you only pay for contractors in the months you actually pay them), automated tip and commission tracking, and simple mobile app management.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Go with **Gusto** for the easiest, most reliable all-around solution.
* Go with **QuickBooks Payroll** if integrated bookkeeping is your priority.
* Go with **OnPay** if you want top-tier support and all features included at one flat rate.


We keep getting hit with tax filing penalties using spreadsheets. What payroll software handles state and federal tax filings reliably?

Here are the top full-service payroll software options that automatically calculate, file, and pay your federal, state, and local payroll taxes:

1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall for Small Businesses)*
   * **Tax Handling:** Fully automated federal, state, and local tax filings. Handles new-hire reporting and year-end W-2s/1099s.
   * **Guarantee:** Covers any penalties or interest if a tax error occurs on their end.

2. **OnPay** *(Best Simple, Flat-Rate Option)*
   * **Tax Handling:** Full-service tax filing across all 50 states included in its base price, with no hidden fees for multi-state payroll.
   * **Guarantee:** 100% accuracy guarantee on tax calculations and filings.

3. **ADP RUN** *(Best for Scalability & Complex Needs)*
   * **Tax Handling:** Extremely reliable tax filing engine built for growing businesses, including complex multi-state filings and local taxes.
   * **Guarantee:** Strong tax compliance guarantee and dedicated support team.

4. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if You Already Use QuickBooks)*
   * **Tax Handling:** Automatically files state and federal taxes directly within your accounting software.
   * **Guarantee:** The *Premium* and *Elite* plans include a Tax Penalty Protection guarantee (up to $25,000 in covered penalties if errors occur).

5. **Paychex Flex** *(Best for High HR/Compliance Needs)*
   * **Tax Handling:** Fully managed payroll tax administration that monitors changing state and federal tax laws on your behalf.
   * **Guarantee:** Full accuracy guarantee for tax withholdings and timely deposits.

### Key Tip
When signing up for any of these, ensure you select a **"Full-Service"** plan and submit your state tax agency IDs (SUI/SUTA and state withholding accounts) promptly so the platform can file on your behalf.


What is the best payroll software with built-in health insurance and benefits options?

**Gusto** is widely considered the best overall payroll software with built-in health insurance and benefits options for small to medium-sized businesses.

### Why Gusto leads:
* **Licensed Broker:** Gusto acts as a health insurance broker across all 50 states, allowing you to buy new plans or transfer existing ones directly into the platform.
* **Seamless Integration:** Health insurance deductions, 401(k), HSA/FSA, and other benefits automatically sync with payroll without manual calculations.
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees can compare plans, enroll online, and manage their benefits via a simple portal.

### Top Alternative:
* **Rippling:** Best for fast-growing or larger companies that need advanced HR features, global payroll, or IT management alongside built-in benefits.


best payroll software for small cleaning service business

The best payroll software for a small cleaning service depends on your specific needs (like GPS time tracking or handling 1099 contractors):

1. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for Mobile Crews):** Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and includes built-in GPS time-tracking (via QuickBooks Time). This allows cleaners to clock in/out directly from client locations on their phones.
2. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Extremely user-friendly, easily handles both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, automates all payroll taxes, and integrates with popular scheduling and time-tracking apps like When I Work and Homebase.
3. **OnPay (Best Budget Option):** Simple, transparent flat-rate pricing ($40 base + $6/user) with full-service payroll, tax filings, and custom pay rates for different cleaning jobs.

**Bottom Line:** Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you need built-in GPS location tracking for on-site crews, or **Gusto** for the easiest overall user experience and integrations.


We are a 40-person company needing payroll software that integrates with accounting tools. What do you recommend?

For a 40-person company, the best payroll software options that seamlessly integrate with major accounting tools (like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite) are:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Best for:** Ease of use, full-service payroll, and robust HR support.
* **Integrations:** Direct, two-way sync with QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and Sage.
* **Why it fits:** Handles automatic tax filing, direct deposit, employee self-onboarding, and benefits administration effortlessly for mid-sized teams.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for Fast-Growing or Tech Companies)
* **Best for:** Automation, deep custom reporting, and modern IT/HR integration.
* **Integrations:** QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage, and Workday.
* **Why it fits:** Highly scalable, automates complex payroll rules, and allows you to manage employee hardware/software alongside payroll in one dashboard.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if You Already Use QuickBooks)
* **Best for:** Companies strictly tied to the QuickBooks ecosystem.
* **Integrations:** Built natively into QuickBooks Online.
* **Why it fits:** Eliminates the need for third-party integrations, as accounting and payroll data live in the exact same platform.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the most reliable, user-friendly payroll and benefits platform with simple setup.
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly, need advanced custom workflows, or want to manage IT assets alongside payroll.


simple payroll platform for small family-owned business

Here are the best simple payroll platforms for a small family-owned business, depending on your specific needs:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s great for family businesses:** Extremely user-friendly, automates all local, state, and federal taxes, and easily handles both W-2 employees and 1099 family contractors.
* **Key Features:** Automatic tax filing, direct deposit, employee self-onboarding, and flexible pay schedules.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **OnPay** *(Best Simple Pricing & Support)*
* **Why it’s great for family businesses:** No hidden fees, no tiered levels, and offers excellent phone support if you need help walking through the setup.
* **Key Features:** Full-service payroll, automated tax filings, customizable HR tools, and free setup assistance.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 3. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best if you already use QuickBooks)*
* **Why it’s great for family businesses:** Seamlessly connects your payroll directly to your accounting software, keeping all business finances in one place.
* **Key Features:** Same-day or 24-hour direct deposit, automatic tax calculation, and seamless integration with QuickBooks Online.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $45/month + $6/person per month (frequently discounted for the first few months).

### 4. **Square Payroll** *(Best for Retail, Food, or Hourly Businesses)*
* **Why it’s great for family businesses:** Perfect if you already use Square for credit card processing or sales. Very easy for tracking hourly shifts.
* **Key Features:** Integrated time-tracking, auto-payroll for salaried staff, and pay-as-you-go options for contractors.
* **Pricing:** $35/month + $6/person per month (or $6/person only if paying contractors exclusively).

### 5. **Patriot Payroll** *(Best Budget Option)*
* **Why it’s great for family businesses:** One of the most affordable options that doesn't sacrifice reliability.
* **Key Features:** Quick setup, US-based support, and full tax-filing services.
* **Pricing:** Full-service payroll starts at $37/month + $4/person per month.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** for the easiest, most stress-free experience.
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already track your business expenses in QuickBooks.
* Choose **Patriot** if keeping costs as low as possible is your primary goal.


What payroll software is best for paying both hourly shift workers and full-time staff?

The best payroll software for managing both hourly shift workers and full-time salaried staff depends on your business size, but **Gusto** is the best overall choice for small-to-medium businesses.

Here are the top options based on specific needs:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Automates payroll for salaried staff while offering built-in time tracking, shift scheduling, multiple hourly pay rates, and mobile clock-ins for shift workers.
2. **Rippling (Best for Scaling or Tech Companies):** Ideal if you have complex shift rules (e.g., overtime rules across multiple states, location-based pay) and want advanced HR and hardware management in one platform.
3. **ADP RUN (Best for Established or Large Businesses):** Handles complex shift differentials, tip reporting, labor distribution, and traditional full-time corporate payroll at scale.
4. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best if using QuickBooks Accounting):** Seamlessly syncs with QuickBooks Time for easy shift-tracking approval alongside automatic salaried payroll.


best payroll system for medical clinic with 15 staff

For a medical clinic with 15 staff members, the best payroll systems depend on your primary need:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s best for your clinic:** Highly user-friendly, ideal for small teams, and handles both salaried doctors/admins and hourly nurses/techs seamlessly.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll and tax filing, built-in health benefits administration, time-tracking integrations (like Homebase or QuickBooks), and direct deposit.
* **Cost:** ~$40/month base + $6 per person/month.

### 2. **ADP RUN** *(Best for HR & Compliance)*
* **Why it’s best for your clinic:** Best choice if you need robust compliance support, mandatory state/federal labor law alerts, and advanced HR tools tailored for healthcare.
* **Key Features:** Handles complex pay differentials (shift pay, overtime), extensive compliance assistance, and scalable reporting.
* **Cost:** Quote-based (typically higher than Gusto).

### 3. **OnPay** *(Best Value / Flat Pricing)*
* **Why it’s best for your clinic:** Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, making it great for budget-conscious practices.
* **Key Features:** Supports custom pay rates (ideal for staff working multiple roles/shifts), full benefits administration, automated tax processing, and free setup/migration.
* **Cost:** $40/month base + $6 per person/month.

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** for the easiest day-to-day management and modern integrations.
* Choose **ADP RUN** if you prioritize deep compliance features and HR support.


We are hiring our first 5 employees. Which payroll software should we start with?

For a team of 5 employees, **Gusto** is the best overall payroll software to start with. It is extremely user-friendly, fully automates local, state, and federal payroll taxes, and handles employee onboarding and basic HR.

Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose based on your specific setup:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Easiest to use, great self-onboarding for employees, simple benefits administration, and transparent pricing.
2. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for QBO Users):** Choose this if you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, as it integrates seamlessly and keeps your books automatically updated.
3. **OnPay (Best Budget Option):** Offers a flat fee ($40/mo + $6/user) with full-service payroll, automated taxes, and excellent customer support without tiered upsells.
4. **Rippling (Best for Tech Startups):** Choose this if you plan to grow rapidly and need combined payroll, HR, and IT/device management in one platform.

**Recommendation:** Start with **Gusto’s Simple plan** ($40/mo + $6/user/mo). It covers everything a 5-person team needs without unnecessary complexity.


What payroll software offers the best automated tax calculation and filing for SMBs?

**Gusto** is widely considered the best overall payroll software for automated tax calculation and filing for SMBs.

### Why Gusto Leads:
* **Full Automation:** Automatically calculates, files, and pays local, state, and federal payroll taxes (including W-2s and 1099s) on all plans.
* **Multi-State Support:** Easily handles tax registration and filings across multiple states as your team grows.
* **Accuracy Guarantee:** Covers any tax penalties if they make an error on your filings.

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Needs:
* **OnPay:** Best for straightforward, flat-rate pricing with full tax automation and excellent customer support.
* **Rippling:** Best for fast-growing or tech-focused SMBs needing advanced HR/IT automation alongside tax compliance.
* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best if you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting and want seamless integration.


best self-service payroll software for small business

Here are the best self-service payroll software options for small businesses, depending on your specific needs:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Extremely user-friendly with an intuitive employee self-service portal (Gusto Wallet). It handles automated tax filings, direct deposits, health benefits, and basic HR features seamlessly.
2. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for QuickBooks Users):** Ideal if you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting, offering seamless integration, same-day direct deposit, and automated tax reporting.
3. **OnPay (Best Value & Transparent Pricing):** Offers a full feature set—including payroll, HR tools, and benefits administration—for a low flat monthly fee plus a small per-employee cost.
4. **Patriot Payroll (Best Budget Option):** Highly affordable with a simple self-service employee portal, making it great for micro-businesses on a tight budget.
5. **Rippling (Best for Tech & Fast Growth):** Combines payroll, HR, and IT (device/app management) into one platform. Best for tech-forward businesses that plan to scale quickly.

**Recommendation:** For most small businesses, **Gusto** offers the best balance of ease-of-use, self-service features, and customer support.


We need simple payroll software for a 20-person consulting firm. What are our best options?

Here are the best, most reliable payroll software options for a 20-person consulting firm:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, automates all local/state/federal tax filings, and easily handles a mix of full-time (W-2) employees and 1099 contractors.
* **Key Features:** Built-in time tracking, direct deposit, employee self-onboarding, and seamless integration with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero).
* **Pricing:** Starts around $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (Best if you already use QuickBooks)
* **Why it fits:** If your firm already uses QuickBooks Online for accounting and invoicing, adding their payroll requires zero setup for financial data sync.
* **Key Features:** Same-day direct deposit, automated taxes, integrated time tracking via QuickBooks Time (ideal for tracking client billable hours).
* **Pricing:** Starts around $45/month + $6/person per month (frequent discounts available).

### 3. **OnPay** (Best Value / Simplest Pricing)
* **Why it fits:** Offers a single, all-inclusive tier with no hidden fees for multi-state payroll, tax filings, or contractor payments.
* **Key Features:** Excellent customer service, HR tools (offer letters, sign-offs), and software integrations with major accounting tools.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate of $40/month + $6/person per month.

### 4. **Rippling** (Best for Remote Teams & Growth)
* **Why it fits:** If your consultants work remotely across different states or countries and need company laptops/software managed alongside payroll.
* **Key Features:** Extremely fast automated onboarding, multi-state compliance management, and unified HR/IT features.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/user per month + a base platform fee (custom quote required).

---

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Gusto** for the easiest balance of payroll, contract management, and employee self-service.
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if seamlessly tracking billable hours into your current accounting system is your top priority.


top payroll software for small architecture firm

Here are the top payroll software options for a small architecture firm, chosen for their ease of use, time-tracking integrations, and labor/job-costing capabilities:

1. **Gusto** (*Best Overall*)
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly and automates tax filings. It seamlessly integrates with project management and time-tracking tools common in architecture (like Harvest, Toggl, and QuickBooks Time) to assign hours to specific clients or projects.

2. **QuickBooks Payroll** (*Best for Job Costing & Accounting Integration*)
   * **Why it fits:** If your firm already uses QuickBooks Online for accounting and client billing, this is the easiest option. It seamlessly combines time tracking (via QuickBooks Time) with payroll to calculate exact labor costs per project.

3. **Rippling** (*Best for Custom Workflows & Tech Integration*)
   * **Why it fits:** Highly customizable and scales well. It automatically syncs time-tracking data across projects and allows you to manage HR, payroll, and employee software/hardware in one platform.

4. **OnPay** (*Best Low-Cost Option*)
   * **Why it fits:** Clear, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees for full-service payroll. It handles salary, hourly, and 1099 contract workers easily, making it great for firms that rely on freelance draughtspeople or consultants.

**Bottom Line Recommendation:**
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already rely heavily on QuickBooks for project accounting.
* Choose **Gusto** for the best overall employee experience, ease of use, and third-party integrations.


What payroll tool is best for small businesses that need same-day or fast direct deposit?

**QuickBooks Payroll** is generally the best overall option for small businesses that specifically need same-day direct deposit.

Here is how the top options compare:

1. **QuickBooks Payroll (Best for Same-Day):** Offers guaranteed same-day direct deposit on its Premium and Elite plans. As long as you submit payroll by 7:00 AM PT on payday, employees receive their money that day.
2. **Gusto (Best Overall):** Offers **next-day** direct deposit on all standard plans, and **same-day** direct deposit for eligible businesses on its higher-tier plans (or those with an established payroll history on the platform).
3. **Square Payroll (Best for Instant/Square Users):** Offers free same-day direct deposit, as well as an instant payment option if employees use a Square Cash App account or Square Card.

**Recommendation:** Go with **QuickBooks Payroll** if same-day processing is a non-negotiable requirement from day one, or **Gusto** if you prioritize overall ease of use and full-service HR tools alongside fast (next-day/same-day) processing.


best payroll software for small auto repair shop

The best payroll software for a small auto repair shop depends on your current setup, but these three are the top options:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** Easily handles mixed pay structures (hourly technicians, flat-rate/commission advisors, salaried managers) and automatically calculates job-specific bonuses and overtime.
* **Key Features:** Full-service automatic tax filing, direct deposit, seamless integration with shop management software (like Shopmonkey) and QuickBooks.
* **Best for:** Shops looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one payroll and HR platform.

### 2. **QuickBooks Payroll** *(Best for Accounting Integration)*
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** If you already use QuickBooks Online for accounting and parts tracking, adding QuickBooks Payroll keeps all your shop finances under one roof.
* **Key Features:** Same-day direct deposit, seamless synchronization with shop income/expense reports, and integrated time-tracking via QuickBooks Time.
* **Best for:** Shops that already rely heavily on QuickBooks for bookkeeping.

### 3. **OnPay** *(Best Budget/Value Option)*
* **Why it’s great for auto shops:** Offers a low, flat-rate pricing structure with no hidden fees for extra pay runs, making it cheap to pay mechanics who get weekly commission or flat-rate bonuses.
* **Key Features:** Excellent custom pay rates (hourly, piece-rate, commission), automated taxes, and included HR/onboarding tools.
* **Best for:** Small shops looking for straightforward pricing and strong customer service.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the best balance of user-friendliness, automation, and flexibility for flat-rate pay.
* Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks for your shop's bookkeeping.


We have 35 employees and need automated payroll with good customer support. Which platform should we buy?

For a 35-employee business prioritizing full payroll automation and excellent customer support, **Gusto (Plus Plan)** is your best overall choice.

Here are the top three options tailored to your needs:

1. **Top Pick: Gusto (Plus Plan)**
   * **Why it fits:** It offers full payroll automation (AutoPilot), automated tax filings, and an intuitive employee self-serve portal.
   * **Support:** The Plus Plan includes priority phone/chat support and access to certified HR pros, ensuring fast help when issues arise.

2. **Best for Complex Needs / Tech Companies: Rippling**
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely powerful automation that integrates payroll with HR, benefits, and IT device management.
   * **Support:** Fast, highly accurate in-app support and chat, though phone support comes with an added fee.

3. **Best for Dedicated Account Management: ADP RUN (Complete Plan)**
   * **Why it fits:** Industry standard with robust automated payroll and compliance tools designed for scaling SMBs.
   * **Support:** Provides 24/7 support with access to a dedicated account support team, ideal if you want a reliable, traditional service representative.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto Plus**. It offers the ideal balance of modern automation, fair pricing for 35 employees, and reliable priority support.


affordable payroll software with direct deposit for 6 employees

Here are the most affordable payroll software options with direct deposit for a 6-employee team, ordered by price:

### 1. **Patriot Payroll (Full Service)** — *Best Value*
* **Estimated Cost for 6 Employees:** **$41/month** ($17 base + $4/employee)
* **Direct Deposit:** Free 2-day direct deposit.
* **Key Features:** Files full federal, state, and local taxes for you; free employee portal; HR add-ons available.

### 2. **Payroll4Free** — *Lowest Cost (Bare-Bones)*
* **Estimated Cost for 6 Employees:** **$12.50/month** (Free software + $12.50/mo for direct deposit)
* **Direct Deposit:** $12.50/mo (or $0 if you process direct deposits manually through your own bank).
* **Key Features:** Totally free for up to 25 employees, basic interface, manual tax filing included (full tax filing is an extra $12.50/mo).

### 3. **Roll by ADP** — *Best Mobile App*
* **Estimated Cost for 6 Employees:** **$59/month** ($29 base + $5/employee)
* **Direct Deposit:** Included (Same-day/Next-day available).
* **Key Features:** Chat-based payroll via smartphone app, automatic tax filing, backed by ADP.

### 4. **Square Payroll** — *Best for Hourly/Shift Workers*
* **Estimated Cost for 6 Employees:** **$71/month** ($35 base + $6/employee)
* **Direct Deposit:** Included.
* **Key Features:** Syncs seamlessly with Square POS, tracks hourly timecards, automatically handles tax filings.

### 5. **Gusto (Simple Plan)** — *Best Overall User Experience*
* **Estimated Cost for 6 Employees:** **$76/month** ($40 base + $6/employee)
* **Direct Deposit:** Included.
* **Key Features:** Automated tax filing, excellent user interface, automated onboarding, and multi-state payroll.

### Recommendation:
* Go with **Patriot Payroll** for the best balance of low cost and full-service tax handling.
* Go with **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most modern interface and plan to add benefits later.


What payroll software do most small business owners recommend?

For most small business owners, **Gusto** is the most widely recommended payroll software due to its ease of use, automated tax filing, and integrated HR features.

Other top-recommended options based on specific business needs include:

* **QuickBooks Payroll:** Best for businesses already using QuickBooks Online for accounting.
* **ADP Run:** Best for growing businesses that need robust compliance and scalability.
* **OnPay:** Best for transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
* **Rippling:** Best for tech-focused businesses that want to manage payroll, HR, and IT (devices/software) in one place.


What is the best payroll software for a 10-person small business?

For a **10-person small business**, the best all-around choice is usually **Gusto** because it combines easy setup, automated tax filing, onboarding, and benefits administration in a way that is especially friendly for small teams.[2][3][9]

If your priority is **best value and support**, **OnPay** is the strongest alternative; one 2026 small-business roundup calls it the “best overall value and support,” with pricing shown as **$49 + $6 per employee**.[4]

A practical way to choose for a 10-person team:

- **Choose Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one payroll experience with strong automation and compliance features.[2][3]
- **Choose OnPay** if you want a simpler, budget-conscious payroll tool with strong support and a straightforward pricing model.[4]
- **Choose Patriot** if keeping the monthly cost as low as possible matters most.[4]
- **Choose ADP RUN** if you expect faster growth and want a more scalable, full-service option.[5][16]

For a 10-employee business, the most important features to compare are **automatic tax calculations and filings, direct deposit, easy onboarding, and clear monthly pricing**.[7][13][19]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 comparison for your exact needs**—for example: cheapest, easiest, or best for contractors.


Best payroll software for small business

The **best payroll software for small business** is usually **Gusto** for most owners, while **ADP RUN** is a strong choice for faster-growing businesses and **QuickBooks Payroll** is best if you already use QuickBooks accounting.[4][6][1]

Here’s the short list by common use case:

- **Gusto** — best overall for small businesses; repeatedly ranked as the top all-around option for ease of use, payroll automation, and tax compliance.[4][6][15]
- **ADP RUN** — best for growing businesses that want a more established payroll provider with broader support options.[1][16]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best for businesses that want payroll to integrate smoothly with QuickBooks accounting.[4][11]
- **OnPay** — strong for tax compliance and industry-specific needs.[1]
- **Homebase** — a good pick if you want free payroll plus team management tools.[1]
- **Paychex Flex** — best if you value hands-on support and flexibility.[1][4]

If you want the simplest recommendation: choose **Gusto** unless you already depend heavily on **QuickBooks**, need more hands-on service, or are scaling quickly.[4][6][15]


We're a 15 person company processing payroll manually in Excel and making mistakes. What payroll software should we buy?

For a **15-person company**, I’d recommend **Gusto** or **OnPay** as the best first options, with **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[1][3][12]

- **Gusto** is the strongest *default choice* for most small businesses because it is designed to be easy for non-HR users while still handling payroll, taxes, compliance, and optional benefits administration.[3][10][12]
- **OnPay** is a strong alternative if you want **best overall value and support**; one 2026 small-business roundup lists it as the best overall value, with pricing starting at **$49 + $6/employee**.[1]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** is the best fit if your bookkeeping is already in QuickBooks, because the accounting integration is its main advantage.[1][12]
- **Patriot Payroll** is the budget option if cost is the main driver, with a lower starting price of **$17 + $4/employee** in one comparison.[1][12]

For your situation, the key problem is not just paying people—it’s **reducing manual Excel errors** and getting **tax/compliance automation**. Payroll software is built to automate wage calculations, deductions, and direct deposit, which is exactly the kind of workflow that eliminates spreadsheet mistakes.[16]

If you want a simple recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-around system.
- Choose **OnPay** if you want a very strong balance of value, support, and simplicity.
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** only if you want tight accounting integration.
- Choose **Patriot** if you need the lowest-cost option.

If you want, I can also narrow this down to **the best choice based on whether you need benefits, contractor payments, time tracking, or the lowest monthly cost**.


Recommend payroll software for a small business with under 50 employees.

For a small business with **under 50 employees**, the safest default recommendation is **Gusto** for most teams, with **OnPay** as the best value-oriented alternative and **Patriot Payroll** if you want the lowest-cost, basic payroll option.[7][10][6][4]

Here’s a practical shortlist:

| Software | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Most small businesses | Strong automation, payroll + HR tools, and employee benefits administration; repeatedly ranked highly for ease of use and overall quality.[7][10] |
| **OnPay** | Best value | Positioned for small businesses with budget in mind; noted for transparent pricing and strong support.[6] |
| **Patriot Payroll** | Lowest-cost basic payroll | A budget-friendly choice for small businesses that mainly need payroll, not a full HR suite.[4] |
| **QuickBooks Payroll** | Businesses already using QuickBooks | Good fit if you want payroll integrated with existing accounting workflows.[9] |
| **ADP** | Businesses wanting a larger provider with broad support | Often listed among top small-business payroll providers, especially if you want a well-known platform and room to grow.[16] |

If you want a simple recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the best balance of usability, payroll automation, and HR features.[7][10]
- Choose **OnPay** if cost and support matter most.[6]
- Choose **Patriot Payroll** if you only need core payroll and want to keep costs low.[4]

If you want, I can narrow this down further based on:
- **budget**
- whether you need **benefits/HR**
- whether you have **hourly employees**
- your state or country, since payroll tax support can matter a lot


For **affordable full-service payroll software for SMBs**, the strongest budget options in the results are **Patriot Payroll**, **SurePayroll**, and **OnPay**.[1][5][11]

- **Patriot Payroll** is the cheapest clearly identified **full-service** option in the results, with full-service pricing cited at **$37/month + $4–$5 per employee** depending on the source and plan tier.[1][5][11]
- **SurePayroll** is also positioned as very budget-friendly, with full-service plans starting at **$29.99/month** in one result and **$29.99/month** full-service pricing highlighted as one of the most affordable options.[1]
- **OnPay** is a good low-cost choice if you want a flat, all-included service; results cite it around **$49/month + $6/employee** and emphasize full-service payroll with fewer surprises.[4][7][11]

If you want the **lowest upfront monthly cost**, start with **Patriot Payroll**.[1][5][11] If you want a more polished all-in-one experience and are okay paying a bit more, **OnPay** or **Gusto** are common SMB picks, though Gusto is typically more expensive than the cheapest full-service alternatives.[2][4][11]

For a quick shortlist:

| Provider | Why it stands out | Reported pricing in results |
|---|---|---|
| **Patriot Payroll** | Lowest-cost full-service option | **$37/mo + $4–$5/employee**[1][5][11] |
| **SurePayroll** | Very affordable full-service plan | **From $29.99/mo**[1] |
| **OnPay** | Flat-rate, full-service, SMB-friendly | **$49/mo + $6/employee**[4][11] |
| **Gusto** | Easier all-in-one payroll + HR, but pricier | **$49–$55/mo + $6/employee**[2][7][11] |

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your team size** or compare them by **tax filing, direct deposit, and HR features**.


What payroll software do small companies actually use?

Small companies **most often use a handful of mainstream payroll platforms**, not dozens of niche tools. Across recent small-business roundups, the names that show up most consistently are **Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, OnPay, Patriot Payroll, Homebase, and Square Payroll**.[1][2][3][4][15]

The clearest pattern is:

- **Gusto** is the most frequently recommended “best overall” option for small businesses.[2][6][7]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** is especially common when the company already uses QuickBooks accounting.[2][4][8]
- **ADP RUN** and **Paychex Flex** are the more established choices for businesses that want stronger support or expect to grow.[1][3][15]
- **OnPay** and **Patriot Payroll** are often positioned as simpler, lower-friction options for small businesses that care about compliance or price.[2][6][14]
- **Square Payroll** appears often for businesses already using Square POS.[3][11]

If you mean “what do small companies actually pick in practice?”, the strongest clue in the results is that **QuickBooks Payroll is described as the most used payroll software in one 2026 guide, with Paychex and Gusto as close runners-up**.[4] That said, most sources here are *best-of* reviews rather than hard market-share studies, so they show **popular choices**, not definitive usage shares.[1][2][3][4][6]

If you want, I can also give you:
- a **ranked list of the most common picks by company size**
- the **cheapest options**
- or the **best choice for 1–10 employees vs. 10–50 employees**


best payroll software for a 5-person startup

For a **5-person startup**, **Gusto** is usually the best default choice because it combines payroll, tax filing, and basic HR in a simple product that’s widely recommended for startups and small businesses.[4][7][13]

If you want the **best value**, **OnPay** is a strong alternative: it’s specifically positioned for small businesses, and one review cites it as “best overall value and support” at **$49 + $6 per employee**.[6] If your top priority is **lowest cost**, **Patriot** is listed at **$17 + $4 per employee**.[6]

A quick way to choose:

| Option | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Most 5-person startups | Easiest all-around pick; payroll + HR + benefits in one tool[4][7][13] |
| **OnPay** | Best value/support | Strong small-business fit and good pricing[6] |
| **Patriot** | Lowest cost | Cheapest starting price in the results[6] |
| **Rippling** | More advanced needs | Better if you also want broader workforce management[12] |

If you tell me whether your startup is **US-only or international**, and whether you need **contractor payments, benefits, or multi-state payroll**, I can narrow it to the single best choice.


What is the easiest payroll software to use for a business owner with no HR background?

For a business owner with **no HR background**, **Gusto** is the easiest payroll software in most independent reviews because it is designed to be friendly for non-HR users while still handling payroll taxes and compliance in the background.[1][2][3]

A few other easy-to-use options are worth considering:

- **Patriot Payroll**: often praised for a simple interface, low cost, and strong support, especially for very small businesses.[6]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: a solid choice if you already use QuickBooks for accounting, since it keeps bookkeeping and payroll in one place.[12]
- **ADP RUN**: more scalable and polished, but often chosen for growing businesses rather than being the simplest starting point.[5][17]

If you want the shortest recommendation: **choose Gusto Simple** if you want the easiest setup and the least HR complexity.[3][4]


Best payroll system for small business with hourly and salaried employees

For a small business with **both hourly and salaried employees**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice for most teams because it combines payroll automation, tax filing, and support for both worker types in a simple system.[1][5] If your business is *hourly-heavy* and scheduling/time tracking matter most, **Homebase** is often the better fit because it ties **scheduling, time tracking, and payroll** together in one workflow.[8]

A practical way to choose:

- **Best overall:** **Gusto** — strong balance of ease of use, payroll automation, compliance, and support for hourly plus salaried staff.[1][5]
- **Best for hourly teams:** **Homebase** — especially good if you need scheduling, time clocks, and payroll in one place.[8]
- **Best low-cost option:** **Patriot Payroll** — commonly recommended for affordability and can process salaried employees, hourly employees, and contractors in the same pay run.[7][18]
- **Best if you want deeper time-and-attendance features:** **TimeTrex** — highlighted as especially strong for hourly, shift-based, and multi-location businesses.[3]

If you want one recommendation without overthinking it, choose **Gusto** unless your business is heavily schedule-driven, in which case choose **Homebase**.[1][8]


We have 20 employees across 3 different states. What payroll software handles multi-state tax filing automatically?

For **20 employees across 3 states**, you want a payroll platform that supports **automatic multi-state tax filing** and state tax registration. Based on the results, the strongest fits for a small to midsize team are **Gusto**, **OnPay**, **Rippling**, and **ADP Run**, with **OnPay** and **Gusto** appearing especially well-suited for smaller employers.[2][3][6][8]

- **OnPay**: Supports payroll in all 50 states, with federal, state, and local tax withholding and automated filings, and it is specifically described as a strong option for small and midsize companies.[3][2]
- **Gusto**: Supports payroll in all 50 states with automatic tax filings and compliance for multistate operations; the results note it is commonly recommended for growing companies with fewer than 100 employees.[2][6][8]
- **Rippling**: Handles state tax registrations and automated filings across all 50 states, and is positioned as strong for more complex multi-state operations.[2][14][17]
- **ADP Run**: Automatically files federal, state, and local taxes and is commonly listed among multistate-capable platforms.[13]
- **Paylocity**: Also automates compliance across all 50 states, including calculating, filing, and paying state-specific taxes.[9]

If you want the most straightforward recommendation for a 20-person, 3-state setup, **OnPay** or **Gusto** are the best starting points because the sources consistently position them as good fits for smaller businesses with multistate payroll needs.[2][3][6][8]


top payroll software for small marketing agency

For a **small marketing agency**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **OnPay**. Gusto is the strongest all-around pick for small businesses because it combines payroll, HR, benefits administration, and strong automation[3][11], while OnPay is often the best value choice for small teams that want solid payroll and support at a lower price point[5].

A practical short list for a marketing agency would be:

- **Gusto** — best overall for ease of use, automation, and benefits administration[3][11]
- **OnPay** — best value for small businesses, with a strong support reputation[5]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if your agency already uses QuickBooks for accounting[2][15]
- **Paychex** — good for agencies that want more hands-on support and flexibility[2][18]
- **Square Payroll** — a simpler option if you need straightforward payroll for a small team[2]

If your agency has contractors, remote staff, or irregular pay schedules, **Gusto** is especially compelling because its small-business platform is built around automated payroll and benefits workflows[3][11]. If keeping costs down matters most, **OnPay** is the better value-oriented choice[5].

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 recommendation based on your agency size, contractor mix, and budget**.


What software should a small restaurant buy to handle hourly payroll, tip pooling, and direct deposit?

For a **small restaurant**, the best fit is usually **Gusto** or **OnPay** if you want a straightforward system for **hourly payroll** and **direct deposit**, with restaurant-friendly handling of **tips** and payroll compliance.[3][11][13][14]

If you need a more restaurant-specific setup, these are the strongest options from the results:

- **Gusto** — best overall pick for small restaurant payroll; it is described as handling payroll, compliance, benefits, and basic HR in one platform, and restaurant-focused sources say it works well for tipped employees and tip pooling.[3][2][11][13]
- **OnPay** — a strong choice for restaurants that need support for **hourly wages, cash tips, controlled tips, and multiple pay items**.[14][13]
- **Square Payroll** — best if your restaurant already uses **Square POS**, because it can sync hours and tips more naturally.[6][13]
- **Toast Payroll & Team Management** — best if you already run **Toast POS**, especially for restaurant-native payroll workflows.[6][12]
- **Homebase Payroll** — a budget-friendly option for very small restaurants, with scheduling and time-clock features included.[6]

If you want a single recommendation without more context: **Gusto** is the safest default for a small restaurant that needs **hourly payroll, tip pooling support, and direct deposit**.[3][11][13]

If you tell me what POS you use, I can narrow it to the best match.


best payroll software for small construction business

For a **small construction business**, the strongest general picks are **RUN Powered by ADP**, **OnPay**, and **QuickBooks Payroll**. ADP is the most commonly recommended option when you need more compliance depth, while OnPay is often favored for small crews, and QuickBooks Payroll is a simpler fit if you already use QuickBooks accounting.[5][6][7][8]

- **RUN Powered by ADP**: Best overall if you may need stronger payroll compliance, support for construction complexity, or room to grow.[5][6]
- **OnPay**: Best for small construction crews when you want a simpler, small-business-friendly payroll system.[8]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: Best if your priority is easy setup and direct integration with QuickBooks accounting.[7]
- **Gusto**: A workable choice for very small crews or simpler payroll needs, especially one- or two-helper operations.[2]
- **Miter**: Worth considering if job costing and labor allocation are especially important for your construction workflow.[3]

If you want the shortest recommendation:
- Choose **ADP** if you have **multiple employees, union work, or prevailing wage jobs**.[2]
- Choose **OnPay** if you want the best fit for a **small crew**.[8]
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already run your books in **QuickBooks**.[7]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best choice for your exact business** based on whether you handle **union payroll, prevailing wage, job costing, or certified payroll**.


We need easy payroll software with auto tax filing for 8 workers. What should we choose?

For **8 workers**, the simplest choice is usually **Gusto** or **QuickBooks Payroll** because both advertise **automatic tax filing** and are designed for small businesses.[2][11]

If you want the most straightforward pick:
- **Gusto**: strong all-in-one option for small businesses, with payroll tax calculation and automatic filing of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.[11][5]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: also handles automatic tax filing and tax payments, with year-end filings included.[2]
- **Patriot Full Service Payroll**: a lower-cost small-business option that collects, files, and deposits federal, state, and most local payroll taxes.[4]
- **OnPay**: often listed as strong value for small businesses, with full-service tax filing and a published starting price of **$49 + $6 per employee**.[18]

If your priority is **easy setup and minimal manual work**, I’d choose **Gusto** first.[11][9] If you already use **QuickBooks** for accounting, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the most convenient fit.[2]

A practical rule for your size:
- Pick **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-around payroll experience.[11]
- Pick **QuickBooks Payroll** if accounting integration matters most.[2]
- Pick **Patriot** if cost is the main concern.[4][18]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute recommendation based on budget, state(s), and whether you need direct deposit or time tracking**.


affordable online payroll services for boutique retail store

For a **boutique retail store**, the most affordable credible options are usually **Square Payroll**, **Patriot Payroll**, **Homebase**, and **Gusto**—with Square being especially strong if you already use Square POS, and Patriot being the lowest-cost option for very small teams.[3][5][6][15]

| Provider | Starting price | Best fit for boutique retail |
|---|---:|---|
| **Square Payroll** | **$35/month + $6/employee** | Retail shops already using Square POS; simple payroll and contractor payments.[3][10][15] |
| **Patriot Payroll** | **$17/month + $4/employee** | Lowest-cost budget option for small teams willing to keep payroll simple.[6][15][18] |
| **Homebase** | **$39/month + $6/employee** | Hourly retail teams that also need scheduling and time tracking.[6][10] |
| **Gusto** | **$49/month + $6/employee** | Easy-to-use full-service payroll with HR tools and compliance support.[1][3][15] |
| **OnPay** | **$49/month + $6/employee** | Good all-in-one payroll and HR option with multi-state support.[1][11][15] |

If your boutique has mostly hourly staff, **Homebase** is often the best value because it combines scheduling, time tracking, and payroll in one system.[6] If you already run sales through **Square POS**, **Square Payroll** is the most natural fit for retail.[3][5][10] If your main goal is simply the **lowest monthly cost**, **Patriot Payroll** is the cheapest credible option in the results.[15][18]

A practical way to choose:
- **Already on Square POS** → **Square Payroll**.[2][3][5]
- **Need the cheapest option** → **Patriot Payroll**.[15][18]
- **Need scheduling + payroll for hourly staff** → **Homebase**.[6][10]
- **Want easier full-service payroll and HR** → **Gusto** or **OnPay**.[1][11][15]

For a boutique retail store with 3–10 employees, a typical full-service payroll budget is often around **$80–$250/month**, depending on the provider and features.[15][18]


What payroll platform is best for a non-profit with 12 employees?

For a **non-profit with 12 employees**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice for most organizations because it is consistently recommended as the best overall nonprofit payroll option and is especially well suited to small nonprofits that want ease of use, payroll tax filing, and benefits support.[2][6][18]

If your top priority is **lowest cost and simple nonprofit-specific payroll**, **OnPay** is the strongest alternative for a 12-person team because sources describe it as a good fit for small nonprofits needing affordability and simplicity, with flat pricing and built-in nonprofit-related features like FUTA exemption handling.[1][3][10]

A practical way to choose:

- **Choose Gusto** if you want the easiest overall platform, stronger HR/benefits features, and a more polished small-business experience.[2][6][18]
- **Choose OnPay** if you want straightforward payroll at a lower cost and your nonprofit has relatively simple HR needs.[1][3][10]
- **Choose Paychex, ADP, or Rippling** only if you expect more complex HR, compliance, grant allocation, or scaling needs than a 12-person nonprofit usually has.[1][2][5][10]

If you want one direct recommendation: **Gusto** is the best default pick for a 12-employee nonprofit.


best payroll software for micro business 3 employees

For a **micro business with 3 employees**, the best all-around payroll software is usually **Gusto** if you want the easiest setup and a strong balance of payroll, tax filing, and employee features.[4][17] If your top priority is **lowest cost**, **Patriot Payroll** is the cheapest standout in the results, while **OnPay** is a strong value pick for small teams.[4][16]

A practical short list for 3 employees:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most tiny teams; known for automation, tax filing, onboarding, and an easy interface.[11][17]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best for **budget-conscious** businesses; cited as the low-cost option and highly rated by small-business users.[4][16]
- **OnPay** — best if you want **simple payroll plus good support** at a reasonable price.[4]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks accounting, so payroll stays in the same ecosystem.[7]
- **Rippling** — best only if you want broader HR automation beyond payroll; it is more feature-heavy than many 3-person businesses need.[8]

A simple recommendation:

- Choose **Gusto** if you want the safest default for a 3-person team.[11][17]
- Choose **Patriot Payroll** if keeping monthly cost as low as possible matters most.[4][16]
- Choose **OnPay** if you want a strong middle ground between price and support.[4]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute comparison table with estimated monthly cost for 3 employees**.


We are switching from a manual accountant to payroll software for our 25-person team. What is the best option?

For a **25-person team**, the best default choice is **Gusto** or **OnPay**; both are consistently ranked among the top small-business payroll platforms, and both land around **$199/month** in the pricing data you provided for a 25-employee business.[1][3][8][14]

If you want the shortest recommendation:

- **Best overall:** **Gusto** — strongest all-around payroll + HR experience, and it is repeatedly named best overall by major reviewers.[3][8]
- **Best value:** **OnPay** — similar pricing, with a strong reputation for small-business value and support.[1][14]
- **Best if you already use QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll** — best when accounting integration matters most.[10][7]

A practical way to choose for your situation:

- Pick **Gusto** if you want the smoothest setup, better employee self-service, and room to add HR/benefits later.[2][3][8]
- Pick **OnPay** if you want straightforward payroll with strong compliance/value and less emphasis on HR extras.[1][14]
- Pick **QuickBooks Payroll** if your accounting system is already QuickBooks and minimizing reconciliation work is the priority.[7][10]

For a company moving from a manual accountant, I would usually start with **Gusto** unless your accounting stack is tightly centered on QuickBooks, in which case **QuickBooks Payroll** is often the cleanest operational fit.[3][7][10]

If you want, I can give you a **3-way comparison of Gusto vs OnPay vs QuickBooks Payroll** for your exact needs, including likely monthly cost, pros/cons, and which is easiest to switch to from a manual process.


easiest payroll software for direct deposit and tax filing

If you want the **easiest payroll software** for **direct deposit plus tax filing**, the strongest recurring recommendation in the results is **Gusto**.[3][12] It is described as an all-in-one payroll platform that automates direct deposits and tax filings, while also handling employee and contractor payments.[3][4]

Other simple options worth considering are:

- **OnPay** — repeatedly described as straightforward and easy to use, with direct deposit and full-service tax filings in all 50 states.[9][11][13]
- **Patriot Payroll** — a cost-conscious option that offers free direct deposit for qualifying customers and payroll tax handling.[2][10]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — a good fit if you already use QuickBooks Online, with direct deposit and automated tax support.[7][14]

If you want the shortest answer: **Gusto is the easiest overall choice for most small businesses**, while **OnPay** is the best alternative if you want a simpler, very lightweight payroll experience.[3][11][13]


What is the top-rated payroll software for small law firms?

For **most small law firms, Gusto is the top-rated overall payroll software** in the results you provided, while **OnPay is the strongest value pick**. Gusto is repeatedly ranked #1 for small law firms because of its ease of use, compliance features, and integrations, including QuickBooks support.[1][3][7][8]

If you want the shortest recommendation:

- **Best overall:** **Gusto**[1][3][7][8]
- **Best value:** **OnPay**[1][4]
- **Best for larger or more complex firms:** **Rippling** is also ranked highly, especially when more advanced HR/payroll workflows matter.[2]

Why Gusto is the top pick for small law firms:
- Strong payroll and tax filing automation[1][7][8]
- Good compliance support, including multi-state payroll[1][8]
- Frequently recommended for small professional-service firms and law firms specifically[1][3][9]

If you want, I can also compare **Gusto vs OnPay vs Rippling** specifically for a small law firm’s needs.


best payroll system for small dental practice

For a **small dental practice**, the best payroll system is usually **Gusto** if you want the simplest strong all-around option, and **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks Online.[1][2][3]

- **Best overall for most small dental offices:** **Gusto** — recommended for very small, single-location practices with straightforward payroll, and multiple dental-focused sources describe it as the best balance of ease, automation, and features for dentists.[1][2][3][4]
- **Best if you already use QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll** — best fit for small practices already on QuickBooks Online, though it does not offer dental-specific features.[1]
- **Best if you want dental-specific workflow features:** **Netchex** — one dental-industry guide rates it best overall for dental and vision practices because of native hygienist productivity tracking and multi-location support.[1]

If your practice is **under 25 employees, single-location, and mostly salaried/regular hourly staff**, **Gusto** is the safest default choice.[1][2][4] If you have **complex bonuses, multiple locations, or more specialized dental reporting needs**, **Netchex** is worth a closer look.[1][3]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best choice based on your exact size, number of hygienists/associates, and whether you use QuickBooks**.


We are a tech startup with 12 remote employees in the US. What payroll software should we buy?

For a **12-person US-only remote startup**, the safest default choice is **Gusto**: it is widely recommended for US-based startups, supports all 50 states, and is positioned as a strong all-in-one payroll and HR option for small teams.[1][8][9]

If you want the shortest practical answer:
- **Best overall:** **Gusto** for a small US remote team.[1][8][9]
- **Best budget option:** **Patriot Full Service** if you mainly want lower cost and straightforward US payroll.[1]
- **Best if you want deeper HR/IT automation:** **Rippling**.[8]
- **Best if you expect international contractors or future global hiring:** **Deel** or **Remote**.[1][8][16]

Why Gusto is usually the best fit here:
- It is repeatedly listed as a top choice for **US-based startups** and **small businesses**.[8][9]
- It is described as handling **all 50 states**, which matters for a remote US team spread across multiple states.[1]
- It is commonly recommended as an **all-in-one payroll + HR** system, which is helpful when you do not want to stitch together multiple tools.[8][9]

What I’d choose by scenario:
- **Choose Gusto** if you want the most balanced option for a 12-person US startup.[1][8][9]
- **Choose Patriot** if cost is the main concern and you do not need much beyond payroll.[1]
- **Choose Rippling** if you also want employee device management, app access, or tighter HR/IT workflows.[8]
- **Choose Deel/Remote** only if you expect to hire contractors or employees outside the US soon.[1][8][16]

If you want, I can also give you a **3-way comparison of Gusto vs Rippling vs Patriot** for your exact team size and budget.


What payroll software provides the best mobile app for employees to view paystubs?

For **employees viewing paystubs on mobile**, **Gusto** is the strongest overall choice in the results you provided because it is repeatedly highlighted for an intuitive, mobile-first employee experience with easy access to **pay stubs**, W-2s, and other self-service features.[2][7][8]

If you want the **best app specifically for employee self-service**, **ADP** and **Paychex Flex** are also top contenders: TechRepublic names **ADP** as “best app for employees,” while also noting that **Paychex** has very strong apps for both employers and employees, including pay stub access in the mobile app.[9][11]

A practical short list would be:

- **Gusto** — best overall for a clean, employee-friendly mobile experience and paystub access.[2][7][8]
- **ADP** — best if you want a dedicated employee app with strong payroll self-service.[9][11]
- **Paychex Flex** — very strong for employee access to pay stubs and personal info.[9]
- **OnPay** — also rated highly for intuitive mobile self-service, according to the comparison in your results.[2]

If you want, I can turn this into a **side-by-side comparison of Gusto vs ADP vs Paychex vs QuickBooks Payroll** focused only on employee paystub access.


best low cost payroll software for sole proprietor with 2 employees

For a **sole proprietor with 2 employees**, the **best low-cost payroll software** is usually **Patriot Payroll** if you want the lowest paid-entry price, or **Payroll4Free** if you want a free option and can accept more limitations.[1][7][8]

- **Patriot Payroll**: Its Basic Payroll plan starts at **$17/month + $4 per worker**, and it is repeatedly identified as one of the cheapest reputable options.[7][8]
- **Payroll4Free**: Gusto’s cheap-payroll guide says it is a **free** option for businesses with **fewer than 10 employees**, which makes it a strong fit for 2 employees if your needs are simple.[1]
- **Gusto**: Often the best overall small-business option because of stronger automation and payroll tools, but it is usually not the cheapest choice.[2][3]
- **HR.my**: Described as **free** payroll/HR software and noted as working well for teams up to **10 to 25 people**, but it may be less polished than paid competitors.[17]

If you want the safest recommendation for a very small business:

- Choose **Patriot Payroll** if you want the best balance of **low cost + mainstream payroll features**.[7][8]
- Choose **Payroll4Free** if your top priority is **no monthly payroll fee** and you can tolerate a more basic system.[1]
- Choose **Gusto** if you value **ease of use and automation** more than the absolute lowest price.[2]

If you want, I can also compare these options by **monthly cost, tax filing, direct deposit, and ease of use** for a 2-employee business.


We run a small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff. What payroll tool handles direct deposit best?

For a **small coffee shop with 10 hourly staff**, the best direct-deposit payroll tool is **Square Payroll** if you want the simplest fit for hospitality and the easiest tie-in to time, tips, and hourly pay.[3][7][16]

Why it stands out:
- It is repeatedly recommended for **restaurants/retail/food service**, which maps well to a coffee shop.[3][5][16]
- It supports **same-day or next-day direct deposit** depending on plan/source, which is strong for a small team that wants fast pay.[5][7][15]
- It handles **hourly pay, tips, overtime, and tax calculations**, reducing manual work for café-style payroll.[1][3][7]

If your priority is **best overall payroll plus direct deposit** rather than café-specific fit, **QuickBooks Payroll** is a strong alternative because it is consistently ranked near the top and offers **next-day or same-day direct deposit**.[5][7][17]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- **Use Square Payroll** if your shop runs on Square POS or you want the most café-friendly option.[3][4][16]
- **Use QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks or want a more accounting-centered system with very fast direct deposit.[5][7][17]


Recommend a payroll platform for a 30-person manufacturing company.

For a **30-person manufacturing company**, the best single recommendation is **Netchex** because manufacturing-focused reviews consistently rate it as the top overall choice for this use case, especially when you need payroll plus compliance and reporting in one system.[1][6][7]

If you want the shortest practical shortlist:

- **Netchex** — best overall fit for manufacturing, especially if you want manufacturing-specific payroll handling, compliance support, and stronger reporting.[1][6][7]
- **Gusto** — best if your priority is simplicity and a very clean user experience for a smaller team.[6][9]
- **Paycor** — worth considering if you expect rapid growth and want a broader HR/payroll platform.[19]

For a 30-employee manufacturer, I would pick **Netchex** if you have shift work, multiple pay rules, or compliance complexity; I would pick **Gusto** if you want the easiest system to run day to day and your payroll needs are straightforward.[6][9]

If you want, I can also narrow this to the best option based on whether you need **time tracking, scheduling, union rules, multi-state payroll, or QuickBooks integration**.