Compare payroll software for new businesses (2026)
4 options side by side: prices, fees, Spanish support and what to watch out for. Turn tools on and off, filter by what you need, or show only the rows where they differ.
Highest score7.7/10OnPaySmall teams across states wanting one flat priceBest user ratings6.3/10RUN Powered by ADPOwners who want 24/7 phone help and room to growLowest price7.0/10Patriot SoftwareBudget-minded small teams paid in one state
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| Best for | Small teams across states wanting one flat price | Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing | Budget-minded small teams paid in one state | Owners who want 24/7 phone help and room to grow |
| Skip if | You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan. | You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app. | You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners. | You want to see and compare prices online before talking to a salesperson. |
| Free plan or trial | 1 month | No | 30 days | No |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone, chat, email; weekdays 9am-8pm | Phone, chat, email; M-F 6am-6pm MST | Phone, chat, email; M-F 9am-7pm ET | Phone and chat 24/7 |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 614) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 51,124) | 3.7/5 (Google Play, 72) | 4.9/5 (App Store, 51,368) |
| Base price | $49/mo | $49/mo (Simple) | $37/mo Full Service ($17 Basic, no tax filing) | Not published |
| Per person | $6/worker per month | $6/mo per person (Simple) | $5/worker paid ($4 Basic) | Not published |
| Contractors only | Same plan: $49/mo + $6/contractor | No separate plan since Oct 2026; $49/mo + $6/contractor on Simple | No separate plan; Basic $17/mo + $4/contractor paid | Not published |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes: federal, state, local | Yes, all plans (federal, state, local) | Full Service plan only | Yes, all packages (federal, state, local) |
| Workers in several states | All 50 states, no extra cost | Plus and Premium only | $12/mo per extra state | Included in all packages |
| Direct deposit speed | 2-day or 4-day; no next-day | 4-day at start, 2-day after 15 days; next-day on Plus | 4-day; 2-day for qualifying customers | Not published |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go via partner; premiums only | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance, from $14/mo | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance (free integration) | Pay-as-you-go add-on |
| Benefits | Health, dental, vision, 401(k); premiums only | Health, dental, vision (premiums only); 401(k), HSA/FSA | Health via SimplyInsured; 401(k) via Vestwell | Health and retirement add-ons; employee discounts included |
| Time tracking | Add-on $15/mo + $4/worker | Included in Plus; $6/person add-on on Simple | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee | Add-on on all packages |
| HR tools | Add-on $15/mo + $2/worker; onboarding included | HR guidance and resources on Premium only | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee | HR HelpDesk and handbook in Complete and HR Pro |
| W-2s and 1099s | Included, with year-end filings | Included; filed for you | W-2s included; 1099 e-file optional (fees on Basic) | Created and e-filed; additional fee |
| Setup fee | None; free setup and data migration | None (free account setup) | None listed; free setup help | Not published |
| Free trial | First month free | None listed | 30 days + 50% off for 3 months | No trial; 3 months free (months 4-6) if started by Oct 22, 2026 |
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What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| OnPay | $67 | $804 |
| Gusto | $67 | $804 |
| Patriot Software | $52 | $624 |
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote only | |
Cheapest full-service plan, list prices, before promotions. State registration and workers' comp are extra.
Before you choose
Do this first
You'll need your EIN, your state withholding and unemployment account numbers (or pay for registration), a business bank account, and workers' comp in most states.
Free option first
No employees yet? You don't need payroll. As a single-owner LLC you usually pay yourself with an owner's draw from the business account.
Head to head
Scores come from public facts with the same formula for every tool: how we rate. Some links are partner links; we may earn a fee at no cost to you.