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December 2025
Best Payroll Software Solutions

Top Payroll Software Platforms of 2025
Automate Your Payroll Processing and Stay Compliant with Ease

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Last offers update: December 2025

Coupon

Get 9 months free* of easy, fast payroll

Excellent
9.8
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Coupon

3 Months Free Payroll

Exceptional
9.9
Coupon

First Month Free + Transparent Pricing

Very Good
9.7
1
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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Coupon

3 Months Free Payroll

  • Comprehensive payroll and HR solutions for businesses of all sizes
  • Integrated platform for payroll, benefits, HR, and time tracking
  • Strong focus on compliance with U.S. tax and labor regulations
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
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1
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Coupon

3 Months Free Payroll

Exceptional
9.9

✓ Payroll & HR for any size business
✓ All-in-one: payroll, benefits, HR, time
✓ U.S. tax & labor compliance built-in

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2
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Coupon

Get 9 months free* of easy, fast payroll

  • Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit for employees.
  • Automated federal & state tax calculations
  • Low-entry pricing for small businesses
  • Mobile/online self-service: pay people, access reports, run payroll from anywhere.
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
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2
Coupon

Get 9 months free* of easy, fast payroll

Excellent
9.8

✓ Try SurePayroll with up to 6 months free
✓ Automated tax filing + penalty-free guarantee
✓ Unlimited payroll runs + 2-day direct deposit

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3
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Coupon

First Month Free + Transparent Pricing

  • All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits with one simple price
  • Transparent pricing at $55/mo —no hidden fees
  • Full-service compliance, tax filings, unlimited pay runs, and free onboarding
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It Expand sign
3
Coupon

First Month Free + Transparent Pricing

Very Good
9.7

✓ Payroll, HR & benefits in one
✓ Simple pricing: $49 + $6/employee
✓ Compliance, tax, pay runs & onboarding

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4
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50% Off First 3 Months

  • Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
  • Flexible next-day or same-day direct deposit
  • Automated federal and state tax filing with penalty protection
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
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4
Coupon

50% Off First 3 Months

Very Good
9.6

✓ Works seamlessly with QuickBooks
✓ Next-day or same-day direct deposit
✓ Automated tax filing + penalty protection

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5
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Get access to exclusive rates

  • Real-time payroll calculations (no batch delays)
  • Native multi-state compliance that scales automatically
  • Unified onboarding-to-payroll workflow
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
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5
Coupon

Get access to exclusive rates

Very Good
9.5

✓ Real-time payroll calculations
✓ Native multi-state compliance
✓ Unified onboarding-to-payroll workflow

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OUR BEST OVERALL PROVIDER

1
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Show/hide extra details See extra details & advantages
Coupon

3 Months Free Payroll

  • Comprehensive payroll and HR solutions for businesses of all sizes
  • Integrated platform for payroll, benefits, HR, and time tracking
  • Strong focus on compliance with U.S. tax and labor regulations
Pros & Cons Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It Expand sign
1
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Coupon

3 Months Free Payroll

Exceptional
9.9

✓ Payroll & HR for any size business
✓ All-in-one: payroll, benefits, HR, time
✓ U.S. tax & labor compliance built-in

Visit Site

What Does Payroll Software Offer to a Business?

Managing payroll can be one of the most time-consuming and complex tasks for businesses. From calculating employee wages to ensuring compliance with tax regulations, the payroll process requires accuracy and expertise. Imagine you're running a growing business and need to focus on strategy and operations, but you're tied up dealing with payroll complications. This is where the best payroll software comes in. Payroll software helps businesses automate payroll processing, handle tax filings, and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. Whether you're looking for cheap payroll software for a startup or robust online payroll services for a larger organization, the right solution reduces the risk of errors and penalties while freeing up valuable time to focus on core business activities.

What Does Payroll Software Include?

Modern payroll software platforms offer a comprehensive range of features designed to simplify payroll management and compliance:

  • Automated calculation of employee wages, including overtime and deductions
  • Direct deposit and check generation
  • Tax filing and compliance support, including W-2 and 1099 forms
  • Employee self-service portals for pay stubs and tax documents
  • Integration with accounting and HR software
  • Cloud-based access for online payroll services
  • Mobile apps for on-the-go payroll management

The Cost Involved With Payroll Software

The cost of payroll software varies significantly depending on the provider and the features you need. For businesses on a tight budget, free payroll software options are available, though they typically come with limitations on the number of employees or available features. Cheap payroll software solutions often start at around $20 to $40 per month for basic plans, while more comprehensive online payroll services can range from $30 to $150 monthly, plus an additional fee per employee (typically $2 to $12 per employee per month). Some providers also charge setup fees or fees for additional services, such as filing state taxes or handling benefits administration. It's essential to compare providers to find payroll software that fits your budget while meeting the specific needs of your business.

Conclusion

With so many payroll software options available—from free payroll software to premium online payroll services—finding the right fit for your business can seem overwhelming. The best payroll software for your company will depend on factors such as your business size, industry, budget, and unique requirements. Whether you need cheap payroll software to get started or a full-featured solution with advanced capabilities, comparing features, pricing, and customer reviews is key. Ready to get started? Explore our expert reviews to discover the top payroll software solutions available and find the one that's perfect for your business. With the right software in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your payroll is handled efficiently and accurately.

Top 3 Payroll Software Solutions

1
Gusto offers a modern, easy-to-use payroll and HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses in the U.S. With automated tax filings, employee onboarding, benefits management, and compliance tools, Gusto streamlines back-office operations so you can focus on growing your business. Its flexibility, transparency, and exceptional user experience make it a trusted solution for over 300,000 businesses.
  • Automated payroll with built-in tax filing and direct deposit
  • User-friendly interface with tools for onboarding, PTO, and benefits
  • Excellent customer support from HR and compliance specialists
  • Flexible plans that scale with your business growth
  • Primarily U.S.-focused, limited support for global teams
  • Some features only available on higher-tier plans
  • Can take time to explore all integrated tools
2
SurePayroll is a solid payroll solution for small businesses seeking simplicity and affordability. With unlimited payroll runs, fast direct deposits, automated tax calculations (and optional full-service filings), and a user-friendly online platform, it allows business owners to focus more on operations and less on payroll paperwork.
  • Easy to set up and user-friendly interface for running payroll.
  • Competitive pricing for small businesses and very small teams.
  • Handles key payroll compliance tasks (e.g., new-hire reporting, tax calculations) even on the basic plan.
  • Good for household/employer of domestic workers (special plan available).
  • Local tax filings, multi-state employees, certain add-ons cost extra
  • Pricing promotions may obscure full cost
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SurePayroll

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3
OnPay delivers award-winning, full-service payroll and HR at a straightforward price. You get unlimited pay runs, built-in onboarding, tax filings across all states, and scaled benefits—all with transparent fees and fast, helpful support.
  • Clean, modern interface that's easy to learn and use
  • Highly rated, responsive customer support via phone, email, and chat
  • Payroll includes direct deposit, paper checks, debit cards, and multi-state payroll
  • Scalable tools: onboarding, PTO, reporting, benefits, workers’ comp all integrated
  • Customization depth may be limited for complex HR needs
  • Advanced reporting and layout flexibility can be improved
  • Some users report minor integration hiccups or occasional slow support responses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is payroll software?

Payroll software is a digital solution that automates employee payment processing, tax calculations, withholdings, and compliance reporting. It helps businesses manage payroll efficiently without manual calculations.

What's the difference between payroll software and online payroll services?

Payroll software typically refers to desktop or cloud-based applications you operate yourself, while online payroll services often include managed services with expert support, tax filing assistance, and compliance guarantees.

Is there free payroll software available?

Yes, some providers offer free payroll software with limitations on the number of employees or features. These are ideal for very small businesses or startups with basic payroll needs.

What features should I look for in the best payroll software?

The best payroll software should include automated paycheck processing, tax withholding and filing, direct deposit, employee self-service portals, compliance support, reporting tools, and integration with accounting software.

How much does cheap payroll software cost?

Cheap payroll software typically ranges from $20–$60 per month for basic plans, plus a small per-employee fee. Pricing varies based on the number of employees and features included.

Can payroll software handle multiple states?

Yes, most quality payroll software can manage tax filings for employees in multiple states, including withholding, reporting, and compliance requirements for each jurisdiction.

Is cloud-based payroll software secure?

Reputable online payroll services use bank-level encryption, secure data centers, and regular security audits to protect sensitive employee and financial information.

Can I integrate payroll software with my accounting system?

Most modern payroll software offers integrations with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and others, helping synchronize financial data and reduce manual entry.

What happens if the payroll software makes an error?

Many payroll software providers offer error resolution support and some include guarantees to cover penalties or fines caused by software processing mistakes.

Who should use payroll software?

Payroll software is ideal for businesses of all sizes—from solopreneurs using free payroll software to large enterprises needing comprehensive online payroll services. It's perfect for anyone who wants to save time, reduce errors, and ensure compliance.