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

For a **30-person manufacturing company**, my best recommendation is **Netchex** if you want a platform built with manufacturing in mind and enough room to grow beyond a very small shop.[4][6] If you prefer a simpler, more broadly proven small-business option, **Gusto** is the strongest alternative.[10][14]

Why these two stand out:
- **Netchex** is repeatedly recommended in manufacturing-focused roundups as a top pick for manufacturers, including businesses with multiple locations and a need to unify payroll, HR, compliance, and reporting.[4][6]
- **Gusto** is widely recognized as a top payroll platform for small businesses and is praised for its strong payroll + HR combination and ease of use, which can fit a 30-person team well.[10][18]

If I had to choose one for your specific size and industry:
- **Choose Netchex** if you have shifts, multiple pay rules, multiple locations, or want stronger manufacturing-oriented workflows.[4][6]
- **Choose Gusto** if you want the easiest implementation and a clean, all-in-one system for a smaller team.[10][14]

A quick shortlist:
- **Netchex**: best overall fit for manufacturing.[4][6]
- **Gusto**: best simple small-business option.[10][18]
- **ADP**: worth considering if you want a larger enterprise-grade provider with broad small-business offerings.[7]

If you want, I can also narrow this down based on whether you need **time tracking, shift differentials, union rules, or multi-state payroll**.


best payroll software for small business with W2 and 1099 contractors

For a small business that pays both **W-2 employees and 1099 contractors**, the strongest all-around picks are **Gusto**, **OnPay**, and **QuickBooks Payroll** because they support both worker types in the same account and handle year-end forms like W-2s and 1099-NECs.[3][7][15]

- **Best overall:** **Gusto** — frequently ranked the top small-business payroll choice, with full-service tax filing and W-2/1099 support in one system.[7][13]
- **Best value:** **OnPay** — explicitly supports paying both contractor and employee types in one dashboard and is positioned as a strong value option for small businesses.[5]
- **Best if you already use QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll** — supports both W-2 and 1099 workers and is a natural fit if your accounting already runs through QuickBooks.[3]

Other solid options:
- **SurePayroll** — described as working well for small businesses managing both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.[8]
- **Patriot Payroll** — appears in small-business rankings and is often considered a budget-friendly option, though the search results here give less detail on mixed-worker support than Gusto or OnPay.[11]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** for the best overall experience.
- Choose **OnPay** if you want lower-cost, straightforward payroll.
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if accounting integration matters most.[5][7][13]

If you want, I can also give you a **side-by-side comparison of pricing, tax filing, contractor payments, and integrations** for the top 3.


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

If you want the safest bet for **state and federal tax filings**, the strongest options in the results are **ADP Workforce Now / ADP RUN**, **Gusto**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, **Paychex Flex**, and **Paylocity**.[2][6][7][11][20]

- **Best overall reliability for compliance:** **ADP Workforce Now** — described as automating federal, state, and local tax calculations, withholdings, filings, and payments, with real-time regulatory updates.[6]
- **Best simple full-service option for small businesses:** **Gusto** — repeatedly described as automatically calculating, filing, and paying federal and state payroll taxes, with local tax support in several sources.[4][7][10][14]
- **Best if you already use accounting software:** **QuickBooks Payroll** — it automatically calculates, files, and pays federal and state payroll taxes and integrates tightly with QuickBooks accounting.[1][11]
- **Best service-backed alternative:** **Paychex Flex** — cited as automatically filing and paying federal, state, and local taxes, with strong accuracy and compliance support.[7][16]
- **Best for more complex HR/payroll needs:** **Paylocity** — includes automated tax filing and compliance management, with federal, state, and local coverage noted.[19]

For your specific problem—**avoiding filing penalties from spreadsheet-based payroll**—the key is choosing a **full-service payroll system** that handles **calculations, deposits, and filings automatically** rather than just generating reports.[7][14]

If you want a short recommendation:
- **Small business, simplest setup:** **Gusto**
- **Need the most robust compliance engine:** **ADP**
- **Already on QuickBooks:** **QuickBooks Payroll**
- **Need more hands-on service:** **Paychex**

Before buying, confirm the plan includes:
- **Federal and state filing**
- **Automatic tax deposits**
- **W-2 and 1099 support**
- **Multi-state handling if needed**
- **Any local tax filing requirements for your locations**[7]


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

For most **small businesses**, **Gusto** is the strongest overall choice for payroll software with built-in **health insurance** and benefits options because it combines payroll and benefits administration in one system with transparent pricing and a broad benefits marketplace.[6][9][10][13]

If your priority is specific use cases, these are the closest alternatives:

- **Gusto** — best all-around for small businesses that want payroll plus health, dental, vision, 401(k), HSA, FSA, commuter, and life insurance options in one workflow.[6][10][13]
- **Rippling** — best if you want a broader all-in-one HR platform with built-in benefits administration and payroll for a more complex organization.[14]
- **Justworks** — worth considering if you want access to pooled health plans and a more PEO-style setup; it is mentioned as a strong option for companies seeking big-company health rates.[9]
- **Patriot Software** — supports offering medical, dental, and vision insurance, but it is generally a simpler payroll-focused option rather than the most comprehensive benefits platform.[5]

If you want the **best single recommendation**, choose **Gusto** unless you specifically need enterprise-scale controls or a PEO model.[9][10][13][14]


best payroll software for small cleaning service business

For a **small cleaning service business**, **Gusto** is the best overall payroll software in the results you provided because it is repeatedly recommended for cleaning businesses, especially those with hourly workers and small teams, and it balances ease of use, tax automation, and HR features.[2][5][1]

If you want the best fit by priority, the strongest options are:

- **Gusto** — best overall for most small cleaning businesses; good for hourly staff, W-2s and 1099s, and simple onboarding.[2][4][5]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best budget option if you want the lowest-cost full-service payroll.[7]
- **Homebase** — best if scheduling and payroll are equally important and your team has variable weekly hours.[7]

A practical rule of thumb from one cleaning-business guide is that a team of 3–5 cleaners typically spends about **$50–$100/month** on a reliable payroll system.[5]

If you want, I can also narrow this down based on whether you pay mostly **employees, subcontractors, or both**, since that changes the best choice.


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

For a **40-person company**, I’d shortlist **Gusto**, **Rippling**, and **QuickBooks Payroll**—with **Gusto** as the best default choice if you want the simplest all-around payroll + HR experience, and **QuickBooks Payroll** if your accounting is already in QuickBooks.[1][9][17]

- **Gusto** is PCMag’s Editors’ Choice for 2026 because it combines payroll and HR well and has a strong user experience.[1]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** is the most natural fit if you want tight integration with QuickBooks accounting software.[9]
- **Rippling** is a strong option if you want payroll plus broader workforce management; Software Advice reports it has the highest overall rating in its payroll comparison.[5]

If you want the most practical recommendation:

- Choose **Gusto** if you want the best balance of ease of use, payroll, HR features, and employee self-service.[1][17]
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if your finance team already uses **QuickBooks** and accounting integration is the top priority.[9]
- Choose **Rippling** if you want a more scalable platform that can connect payroll with IT, HR, and app management as you grow.[5]

A few accounting-integration notes:

- **QuickBooks Payroll** is specifically positioned for QuickBooks users.[9]
- **Wave** also includes accounting integration, but it is aimed at much smaller businesses than a 40-person company.[10]
- **Gusto** is often the best all-purpose choice for small and midsize businesses, but the best fit depends on which accounting system you use.[17]

If you tell me **which accounting tool** you use—QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage, or something else—I can narrow this to the best 1–2 options.


simple payroll platform for small family-owned business

For a **simple payroll platform** for a small family-owned business, **Gusto** is the strongest all-around option because it is designed for small businesses and emphasizes easy payroll, tax filing, and compliance handling.[1][3][4] If you want a lower-cost alternative, **Patriot Payroll** is often highlighted for value, while **QuickBooks Payroll** is a good fit if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[10][15][17]

A practical short list:

- **Gusto** — best overall if you want the simplest all-in-one experience for payroll, HR, and benefits.[1][3][4]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best for budget-conscious small businesses that want straightforward payroll.[10][15][17]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you want payroll tied closely to accounting and bookkeeping.[5][11]
- **Paychex / SurePayroll** — worth considering if you want more support or very basic payroll needs.[2][7][17]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best choice for your exact business size, number of employees, and budget**.


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

For most businesses with both **hourly shift workers** and **full-time staff**, **Gusto** is the best all-around choice because it combines payroll, HR tools, and a strong user experience, and it is repeatedly identified as a top overall payroll service.[7][11][12]

If your team is more *schedule-heavy* and you want **scheduling + time tracking + payroll** in one system, **Homebase** is a strong fit for hourly staff, especially in small businesses.[13]

A practical way to choose:

- **Best overall:** **Gusto** for mixed hourly and salaried teams.[7][12]
- **Best for hourly operations:** **Homebase** if scheduling and time clock management are central.[13]
- **Best for larger or more complex payroll:** **ADP** or **Paychex** if you have multi-state rules or higher headcount.[11]

The key features to prioritize are **time tracking integration**, **overtime automation**, **multiple pay rates**, and support for **both hourly and salaried payroll**.[6][11][13]

If you want, I can narrow this to the best option for your business size, number of employees, and budget.


best payroll system for medical clinic with 15 staff

For a **medical clinic with 15 staff**, **Gusto** is the strongest all-around choice for most practices because it is repeatedly recommended for small healthcare organizations and medical practices under 50 employees, with automatic tax filing, multi-rate pay support, and benefits handling in one system.[1][2][3]

If you want the best alternative, **OnPay** is a good budget-friendly option for a small clinic, while **HR for Health** is worth considering if you need more healthcare-specific HR features beyond payroll.[2][3][12][19]

**Best fit by need:**
- **Gusto** — best overall for simplicity, compliance, and all-in-one payroll/benefits for small clinics.[1][2][3][15]
- **OnPay** — best if you want a more economical payroll-only option for a small clinic budget.[2][12]
- **HR for Health** — best if you want healthcare-focused HR tools alongside payroll.[3][19]

For a 15-person clinic, I would usually start with **Gusto** unless you specifically need advanced scheduling, commissions, or deeper HR workflows.


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

For a team of **5 employees**, the best place to start is usually **Gusto**: it is widely recommended as the best overall payroll option for small businesses because it is easy for non-HR users, handles tax and compliance work, and scales well as you grow.[2][7]

If your top priority is **lowest cost**, **Patriot Payroll** is a common budget pick for small businesses.[9][19] If you want **accounting integration**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is a strong fit.[1][13] If you want **free payroll plus team management**, **Homebase** is another option to consider.[1]

A practical short list for your stage would be:
- **Gusto** — best overall starting point for a first 5-person team.[2][7]
- **Patriot Payroll** — best if you want to minimize monthly spend.[9][19]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[1][13]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best choice for your situation** based on whether you have **hourly workers, contractors, multiple states, or QuickBooks/Xero**.


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

For most SMBs, **Gusto** appears to offer the best combination of **automated tax calculation and filing**. Multiple sources describe it as a full-service payroll platform that calculates payroll taxes and automatically files federal, state, and local taxes, with year-end forms handled as well.[1][14][18]

If you want the strongest alternatives, these stand out:

- **QuickBooks Payroll** — good if you already use QuickBooks; it automatically calculates, files, and pays federal and state payroll taxes.[7][12]
- **ADP RUN** — strong for businesses that want service-backed compliance support and broader HR features; it includes automatic payroll processing, tax calculations, and filings.[8]
- **OnPay** — a strong pick when **local tax complexity** matters, according to the ranking source that favors it for that use case.[1]
- **SurePayroll** — positioned as a simple SMB option for tax filing and compliance in the sources provided.[2][18]

If your priority is **the least manual work**, **Gusto** is the clearest overall recommendation from the results provided.[1][14] If your priority is **tight accounting integration**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the better fit.[7][12]


best self-service payroll software for small business

For most small businesses, **Gusto** is the strongest all-around choice because it combines payroll, tax automation, and scalable small-business plans.[1][11][16]

If you want the **best self-service payroll software** specifically, **Gusto** is also a top pick because it is highlighted for *employee self-service* and lets employees access pay stubs and tax forms online.[12]

Other good options by need:

- **OnPay** — best for **overall value and support** for small businesses, with a starting price of **$49 + $6/employee**.[7]
- **ADP RUN** — best for **fast-growing businesses** and is listed as the **best overall** by one 2026 roundup.[3][17]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you want **seamless accounting integration**.[3][14]
- **Homebase** — best if you want **free payroll and team management**.[3]
- **Paychex Flex** — best for **hands-on support and flexibility**.[3][18]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the best balance of **self-service, ease of use, and payroll/HR features**.[1][12][16]
- Choose **OnPay** if **budget and support** matter most.[7]
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[3][14]


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

For a **20-person consulting firm**, the best simple payroll options are usually **Gusto**, **OnPay**, **Patriot Payroll**, and **QuickBooks Payroll**. For the easiest all-around experience, **Gusto** is the strongest default choice; for a value-focused, straightforward setup, **OnPay** and **Patriot Payroll** are also strong fits.[2][4][7][16]

- **Gusto** — Best overall for small teams that want simplicity and a polished user experience; it’s repeatedly recommended for small businesses and teams under 20 employees, with pricing starting around **$49/month + $6/employee/month**.[2][5][7][9]
- **OnPay** — Best for straightforward payroll with strong support and transparent pricing; it’s highlighted as a top small-business option and good for companies that want simple payroll without extra complexity.[4][16]
- **Patriot Payroll** — Best low-cost simple payroll option; it’s described as straightforward and good for value, making it appealing if your firm wants to keep costs down.[4][16]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — Best if you already use QuickBooks for accounting; it’s often recommended for its user experience and integration benefits.[7][15]
- **ADP RUN** — Best if you expect growth or want a more established provider; it’s strong on compliance and small-business payroll, but usually feels more “full-featured” than “simple.”[4][6][13]

If your firm is **US-based, relatively lean, and wants the least friction**, I’d shortlist:
1. **Gusto**
2. **OnPay**
3. **Patriot Payroll**

If you want, I can also narrow this down by **budget**, **state(s) where you pay employees**, or whether you need **contractor payments and benefits**.


top payroll software for small architecture firm

For a **small architecture firm**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **QuickBooks Payroll**, with **ADP RUN** and **Paychex** as stronger options if you expect more compliance complexity or growth.[11][12][2]

- **Gusto**: Best fit when you want **simple payroll, benefits, and onboarding** without a heavy HR system; it’s widely recommended for small businesses and is also listed as a solid choice for small construction firms, which have similar payroll needs around hourly staff and job-based work.[11][20]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: Best if your firm already uses **QuickBooks accounting** and wants the most frictionless setup; it’s described as a good fit for small architecture firms and small construction/trade firms, especially around **1–50 employees**.[7][12]
- **ADP RUN**: Better if you need more robust **tax/compliance support** and expect to scale; it’s called out as best for small construction businesses in one 2026 roundup.[10]
- **Paychex**: A reasonable alternative if you want a more traditional payroll provider with broader HR/payroll services; it appears in architecture/construction-oriented comparisons as a mainstream option.[1][5]
- **Rippling**: Worth considering if you want payroll plus broader **HR automation** and integrations, especially if your office has mixed salaried and hourly staff.[11]

If you want the **short answer**:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-around experience.
- Choose **QuickBooks Payroll** if you already run your books in QuickBooks.
- Choose **ADP RUN** if compliance and growth matter most.


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

For **same-day direct deposit**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the strongest fit if you already use QuickBooks for accounting, because its **Workforce Premium and Elite** plans offer same-day direct deposit[1][11]. If you want a broader small-business payroll tool that is often ranked best overall, **Gusto** is usually the top all-around choice, but its standard direct deposit is typically **next-day or 2-day**, not same-day[5][12][19].

If your priority is *fast pay* rather than same-day specifically, these are the best options from the results:

| Tool | Fastest deposit speed shown | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Payroll** | **Same-day** on Premium/Elite | QuickBooks users needing fastest deposit[1][2][12] |
| **Square Payroll** | **Same-day** direct deposit | Hourly/salaried small businesses wanting simplicity[2] |
| **Gusto** | **Next-day / 2-day** | Best overall SMB payroll and HR experience[5][12][19] |
| **Patriot Payroll** | **2-day / 4-day** free direct deposit | Low-cost payroll, not fastest[16] |

If you want one recommendation: **QuickBooks Payroll** is best for *same-day* direct deposit; **Square Payroll** is a strong alternative if you want a simpler payroll workflow with same-day deposit[1][2].


best payroll software for small auto repair shop

For a **small auto repair shop**, the best payroll software is usually **Gusto** or **QuickBooks Payroll**, with **Gusto** often the better fit if you want the simplest setup and **QuickBooks Payroll** the better fit if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.[1][20]

A practical way to choose:

- **Gusto** — best for **ease of use** and straightforward small-business payroll.[1][20]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — best if you want **tight accounting integration** and already use QuickBooks.[1][20]
- **Piece Work Pro** — best if your shop pays techs using **flat-rate / flag-hour** or other piecework-style pay structures.[1]
- **Guidepoint Payroll** — a lower-cost option for **small businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll**.[5]

For a small auto repair shop, the key factor is how you pay technicians:
- If you pay mostly **hourly staff**, **Gusto** is often the cleanest choice.[1][20]
- If you need **accounting + payroll in one system**, **QuickBooks Payroll** is the strongest mainstream option.[1][20]
- If you use **flat-rate labor**, choose a payroll tool that explicitly supports that model, such as **Piece Work Pro**.[1]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 shortlist by budget**, or compare **Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll vs Piece Work Pro** for your shop.


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

For **35 employees** with a priority on **automated payroll** and **good customer support**, **Gusto** is the best default choice for most businesses of this size.[2][3][10] It is repeatedly ranked highly for ease of use, payroll automation, and a strong overall user experience, while **OnPay** is the strongest alternative if you want especially solid support and a simpler, value-focused setup.[2][10][11]

A practical way to decide:

| Platform | Best fit | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Best overall for 35 employees | Strong payroll automation, easy interface, and highly rated user experience.[2][3][8][10] |
| **OnPay** | Best if support/value matters most | Known for robust support resources and user-friendly design.[2][10][11] |
| **ADP RUN** | Best if you expect faster growth or want enterprise-grade support | Often recommended for larger or scaling businesses, with strong compliance infrastructure.[1][12][15][16] |
| **Paychex Flex** | Best if you want hands-on support | Positioned around flexibility and support-heavy service.[12] |
| **QuickBooks Payroll** | Best if you already use QuickBooks | Best when payroll and bookkeeping integration is the priority.[1][8] |

**My recommendation:**
- Buy **Gusto** if you want the best balance of **automation, usability, and support** for a 35-person team.[2][3][10]
- Buy **OnPay** instead if your top priority is **customer support and straightforward payroll** over broader HR features.[2][11]

If you want, I can also narrow this down by **budget**, **multi-state payroll**, or whether you need **HR/benefits** included.


affordable payroll software with direct deposit for 6 employees

For **6 employees**, the most affordable payroll software with **direct deposit** is usually **Patriot**, **OnPay**, or **QuickBooks Payroll**, depending on whether you want the lowest base price, the simplest pricing, or accounting integration.[1][4][7][9][10][15]

- **Patriot**: free 4-day and 2-day direct deposit for qualifying customers; its basic payroll plan is also described as one of the cheapest options for small businesses.[1][3][9]
- **OnPay**: starts at **$49/month + $6 per employee** and includes direct deposit; for 6 employees that is about **$85/month** before taxes/add-ons.[4][9][10]
- **QuickBooks Payroll**: starts at **$50/month + $6.50 per employee** with **free direct deposit**; for 6 employees that is about **$89/month** before any required QuickBooks Online subscription.[7][9]
- **Gusto**: starts at **$49/month + $6 per employee** in single-state payroll; for 6 employees that is about **$85/month** and includes next-day direct deposit on listed plans.[2][9][15]
- **Square Payroll**: starts at **$35/month + $6 per employee**; for 6 employees that is about **$71/month** and supports direct deposit.[2][15]

If you want the **lowest likely monthly cost**, **Square Payroll** is the cheapest among the listed paid options for 6 employees at about **$71/month**.[2][15] If you want the **best low-cost value with strong support and simple pricing**, **OnPay** is a common pick.[4][9][10]

If you want, I can also compare these in a **6-employee cost table** including payroll taxes, contractor support, and direct-deposit speed.


What payroll software do most small business owners recommend?

**Gusto** is the payroll software most often recommended as the **best overall** choice for small businesses in the results you provided.[1][4][11][16]

A few other tools are also frequently recommended, depending on the need:

- **ADP RUN** — often ranked best for growing businesses and also shows strong user ratings.[1][11]
- **QuickBooks Payroll** — commonly recommended for businesses that want tight accounting integration.[1][12]
- **OnPay** — often highlighted for tax compliance and niche industry needs.[1]
- **Paychex Flex** — often recommended for hands-on support and flexibility.[1]

If you want the short answer: **Gusto is the most broadly recommended payroll software for most small business owners**, while **ADP RUN** is a close alternative for faster-growing teams.[1][4][11][16]