Payroll software reviews for US small businesses

What is payroll software?

Payroll software calculates gross-to-net pay, withholds taxes, files payroll tax returns, and pays employees via direct deposit or check. Full-service tools like Gusto and OnPay also remit taxes to agencies. Most US small businesses switch from spreadsheets once they hire a W-2 employee or need multi-state filing.

What is the cheapest payroll software for small businesses?

Patriot Payroll Full Service is the cheapest full-service option at $37 per month plus $4 per employee for automatic tax filing. Wave Payroll is free in 14 states if you handle your own tax deposits. OnPay at $40 plus $6 per employee is slightly more but offers better support and covers all 50 states.

How much does payroll software cost for 10 employees?

For 10 employees, payroll software typically costs $70 to $160 per month. Gusto Simple: $100 per month ($40 base plus $6 per employee). OnPay: $100 per month ($40 plus $6). Patriot Full Service: $77 per month ($37 plus $4). ADP and Paychex do not publish prices but typically quote $100 to $200 for 10 employees.

What is the best payroll software for startups?

Startups with a handful of employees in one or two states usually start with Gusto or OnPay for transparent pricing and fast setup. Rippling fits teams that want payroll bundled with IT and HRIS from day one. Deel or Remote are better when your first hires are overseas contractors rather than US W-2 employees.

Is Gusto or ADP better for small businesses?

For most small businesses under 50 employees, Gusto is better: transparent pricing, a modern interface, and consistent customer service. ADP has deeper compliance infrastructure for complex multi-state payroll but its pricing is opaque and customer service reviews are more mixed. ADP is worth considering when you have employees in 10 or more states with complex local tax rules.

Can I switch payroll providers mid-year?

Yes, but it requires care. Your new provider needs your year-to-date payroll records to file accurate W-2s at year-end. The easiest time to switch is at the start of a quarter or the beginning of the calendar year. Most payroll providers have migration teams that handle the data transfer. Plan for 2 to 4 weeks for the switch.