Top 10 Payroll Providers Compared
Choosing the right payroll solution is critical for businesses of all sizes. This comprehensive guide compares the top 10 payroll providers of 2025, evaluating pricing models, feature sets, ease of use, compliance capabilities, and integration options. Whether you're a startup looking for an affordable solution, a growing business needing scalability, or a multinational enterprise requiring global payroll management, our detailed analysis will help you identify the perfect provider for your organization's unique requirements, industry, and workforce composition.
Featured: How Deel Simplifies Global Payroll
Deel, our #1 recommended payroll provider, offers comprehensive solutions for managing international teams and contractors. Watch this video to learn how they streamline global payroll processing.
Comparison Criteria
Pricing
$ = Budget (Under $5/employee/mo)
$$ = Mid-range ($5-10/employee/mo)
$$$ = Premium ($10-20/employee/mo)
$$$$ = Enterprise (Custom pricing)
User Rating
Based on verified reviews across G2, Capterra, and SoftwareAdvice platforms. Rating out of 5.
Usability
Ease of use rating based on user interface design, implementation complexity, and administrative burden.
Company Size
The ideal organization size where the solution performs best based on features, scalability, and pricing.
1. Deel
- Global payroll in 150+ countries
- Multi-currency support
- Contractor and employee management
- Automated compliance
- Built-in EOR services
- Mass payment processing
- Higher cost structure
- Primarily focused on global workforce
- May have unnecessary features for domestic-only companies
- Newer platform with evolving features
2. Rippling
- Full-service payroll in 90 seconds
- Global payroll capabilities
- Integrated HR, IT & Finance platform
- Automated compliance & tax filing
- Higher price point for small teams
- Some features require additional modules
- Complex initial setup
3. Multiplier
- Global payroll in 150+ countries
- International compliance management
- EOR services for global teams
- Automated tax and statutory filings
- Contractor management
- International benefits administration
- Primarily focused on international employment
- Less suitable for US-only businesses
- Premium pricing for comprehensive services
- Newer platform compared to traditional providers
4. Paychex
- Scalable payroll solutions
- Employee self-service
- Tax filing and compliance
- HR advisory services
- Time and attendance tracking
- Benefits administration
- Can be costly for smaller businesses
- Multiple platforms not fully integrated
- Contract terms can be restrictive
- Implementation can take time
5. OnPay
- All-inclusive pricing
- Automated tax filing and payments
- Multiple pay rates and schedules
- Employee self-service
- Third-party app integrations
- Custom workflows and permissions
- Smaller company with fewer resources
- Mobile app less robust than competitors
- Limited advanced features for large enterprises
- Fewer integrations than larger providers
6. Gusto
- Intuitive user interface
- Automated tax filing
- Employee self-onboarding
- Time tracking integration
- Benefits administration
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Limited features for large enterprises
- Phone support only on higher tiers
- Less robust reporting than enterprise solutions
- Limited international capabilities
7. GoCo
- All-in-one HR, benefits, and payroll
- Flexible workflows and automation
- Digital onboarding and documents
- Employee self-service portal
- Benefits administration and enrollment
- Customizable HR workflows
- Newer provider compared to industry giants
- May require add-ons for advanced features
- More expensive than basic payroll-only solutions
- Best suited for companies with 10-500 employees
8. Paylocity
- Modern user interface
- Comprehensive payroll processing
- HR and talent management
- Learning management system
- Employee experience tools
- Data analytics and reporting
- Can be expensive for smaller businesses
- Implementation may require dedicated resources
- Some advanced features have learning curve
- Customer support can be inconsistent
9. Paycom
- Single-database architecture
- Employee self-service functionality
- Automated tax management
- Time and labor management
- Talent acquisition tools
- Extensive reporting capabilities
- Steeper learning curve
- Higher cost for small businesses
- Implementation can be complex
- Less intuitive than some competitors
10. Workday
- Enterprise-grade payroll processing
- Global payroll capabilities
- Advanced workforce analytics
- Comprehensive HR suite
- Financial management integration
- Extensive compliance controls
- High cost for smaller organizations
- Complex implementation cycle
- Requires dedicated administration
- Might be too robust for basic needs
How to Choose the Right Payroll Provider for Your Business
Assess Your Business Needs
Begin by identifying your specific payroll requirements. Consider your company size, industry, and growth plans. Do you need international capabilities? Integration with existing systems? Tax filing in multiple states? Create a prioritized list of must-have features versus nice-to-have capabilities to guide your selection process.
Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Look beyond the base subscription fee to understand the full financial commitment. Consider implementation costs, fees for add-on features, charges for tax filing, year-end processing fees, and costs for additional services. Also evaluate the time savings and reduced risk of errors that might justify a higher price point for more automated solutions.
Evaluate Compliance Capabilities
Payroll involves significant compliance requirements. Ensure the provider offers automated tax calculations, filing, and payments for all relevant jurisdictions. Look for features that help maintain compliance with wage and hour laws, ACA reporting, new hire reporting, and other regulatory requirements. Consider providers with compliance guarantees that protect you from penalties due to software errors.
Assess Integration Capabilities
Modern businesses rely on multiple systems working together seamlessly. Evaluate how well each payroll provider integrates with your existing technology ecosystem, including accounting software, time tracking systems, benefits platforms, and HR systems. Native integrations typically offer better reliability and functionality than manual data transfers or third-party connectors.
Check Support and Service Levels
Payroll is mission-critical, and problems require timely resolution. Research the provider's reputation for customer service, available support channels (phone, email, chat), support hours, and typical response times. Look for dedicated account management on higher-tier plans and implementation assistance for complex setups. Read reviews focusing specifically on customer service experiences to gauge satisfaction levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payroll Providers
Who are the largest payroll providers in the US?
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is the largest payroll provider in the United States, processing payroll for approximately one in six U.S. workers and serving over 920,000 clients worldwide. Other major players include Paychex, Workday, Paycom, and UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group). These providers dominate the market particularly for medium and large enterprises, while providers like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll have captured significant market share among small businesses.
What is the best payroll provider?
The "best" payroll provider depends entirely on your business needs, size, and budget. For small businesses seeking simplicity and affordability, Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll typically rank highest in satisfaction surveys. Mid-sized companies often find Paychex or Paylocity provide the right balance of features and cost. Enterprise organizations with complex needs typically choose ADP, Workday, or UKG for their comprehensive capabilities and scalability. Consider factors like ease of use, customer support quality, integration capabilities, and specific feature needs when determining the best fit for your organization.
How many payroll companies are there in the US?
There are approximately 1,800 payroll service providers operating in the United States, ranging from large multinational corporations to local and regional providers. The market includes full-service providers, software-only solutions, industry-specific specialists, and accountants offering payroll services. The landscape continues to evolve with mergers, acquisitions, and new entrants, particularly in the small business and tech-focused segments of the market.
What is the most expensive payroll company?
Enterprise-level solutions from Workday, Oracle, and SAP tend to be the most expensive payroll options, with implementation costs potentially reaching six or seven figures for large organizations, plus ongoing annual fees based on employee count. Among more mainstream providers, ADP's higher-tier solutions and UKG typically command premium pricing. However, cost structures vary widely based on company size, features required, and negotiated terms, making direct comparisons difficult. The most expensive provider for one business might not be the most expensive for another with different needs and scale.
Is Paychex better than ADP?
Neither Paychex nor ADP is universally "better" - they excel in different areas and for different company profiles. Paychex traditionally has stronger offerings for small to mid-sized businesses, with more personalized service and slightly more competitive pricing in that segment. ADP offers more comprehensive solutions for larger enterprises and companies with complex needs, particularly those with multinational operations. Both provide full-service payroll with tax filing, compliance, and HR features. Customer service experiences vary widely for both companies, often depending on the specific representative assigned. Companies should evaluate both based on their specific requirements, pricing for their exact circumstances, and references from similar businesses.
What is the biggest payroll company in the UK?
ADP is also one of the largest payroll providers in the UK, alongside Sage, which has particularly strong market presence in the region. Other major players in the UK market include Ceridian (with their Dayforce platform), MHR, SD Worx, and Zellis (formerly NGA Human Resources UK). The UK also has strong representation from local providers like BreatheHR, Moorepay, and IRIS that specifically cater to UK businesses with features designed for UK tax and compliance requirements.
What is the market share of ADP vs Workday?
ADP has a larger overall market share in the payroll industry, serving businesses of all sizes with approximately 920,000 clients worldwide. Workday has captured a significant portion of the large enterprise market with approximately 9,500 clients, but focuses primarily on larger organizations rather than the small and mid-sized business segment where ADP also has substantial presence. While ADP generates about $17 billion in annual revenue, Workday's revenue is around $5.5 billion. However, Workday continues to grow rapidly, particularly in the enterprise HCM market where they compete directly with ADP's enterprise solutions.
What is the most common payroll frequency in the US?
Biweekly payroll (every two weeks, resulting in 26 pay periods per year) is the most common payroll frequency in the United States, used by approximately 43% of businesses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The second most common is weekly payroll (52 pay periods per year) at about 33%, followed by semi-monthly (24 pay periods per year) at 19%. Monthly payroll is the least common at approximately 5% of businesses. Payroll frequency often varies by industry and employee type, with weekly being more common for hourly workers and biweekly or semi-monthly more common for salaried employees.
Is Gusto or Paychex better?
Gusto and Paychex serve somewhat different market segments and excel in different areas. Gusto is generally better for small businesses (under 100 employees) seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution with modern design and good basic features. It offers transparent pricing, excellent usability, and strong customer support. Paychex is better for growing or established businesses that need more comprehensive features, industry-specific solutions, or dedicated support. It offers greater scalability, more robust compliance features, and wider HR capabilities. Gusto has higher user satisfaction ratings overall, but Paychex provides more depth of features and service options for complex needs.
What is the highest salary of a payroll manager?
Top-earning payroll managers in the United States can make $120,000 to $150,000 annually, with some senior-level positions in large enterprises or specialized industries reaching $170,000 or more. Factors affecting payroll manager salaries include company size, industry, location, years of experience, and credentials. Payroll managers in finance, technology, and healthcare typically earn higher salaries, as do those in major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Those with certifications like Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) often command higher salaries, as do those managing international payroll or large, complex operations.
How much is ADP payroll?
ADP payroll pricing varies widely based on company size, features needed, and negotiated terms. Their small business solution (Run) typically starts around $59-$120 per month plus $4-$7 per employee for basic services. Their mid-market solution (Workforce Now) generally starts around $8-$14 per employee per month with additional implementation fees. Enterprise customers using ADP Vantage HCM or Global View typically negotiate custom contracts based on their specific requirements, with costs potentially reaching $20-$25 per employee per month for comprehensive services. Additional services like time tracking, benefits administration, and recruitment can add significant costs. ADP often offers promotional pricing for new customers, and prices can be negotiated, especially for larger organizations.
Why is ADP better than QuickBooks?
ADP offers more comprehensive features than QuickBooks Payroll, particularly for businesses with complex needs or more than 50 employees. ADP provides stronger compliance support, more robust reporting, better scalability, stronger HR features, and dedicated customer service. However, QuickBooks Payroll excels for small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting, offering seamless integration, simpler user interface, and typically lower costs for basic payroll needs. The better choice depends on your business complexity, growth plans, and whether you're already invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem. Small businesses with straightforward needs often find QuickBooks Payroll sufficient, while growing or complex businesses typically benefit from ADP's more comprehensive capabilities.
Who is ADP's biggest competitor?
ADP's biggest competitor varies by market segment. In the enterprise space, Workday and UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) are ADP's primary competitors, with Oracle and SAP also competing in this segment. In the mid-market, Paychex is ADP's most direct competitor, with Paycom, Paylocity, and Ceridian also competing strongly. In the small business market, Paychex again competes directly with ADP's Run platform, alongside newer entrants like Gusto, Square Payroll, and QuickBooks Payroll. Overall, Paychex is generally considered ADP's most direct and longstanding competitor across multiple market segments.
Who competes against Workday?
Workday's primary competitors in the enterprise HCM and payroll space include Oracle Cloud HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP Vantage HCM, and UKG Pro (formerly Ultimate Software). Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources and Ceridian Dayforce also compete in this space, though with somewhat different target customers. Workday focuses primarily on large enterprises and has particularly strong positioning in financial services, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The competitive landscape continues to evolve with major players adding AI capabilities, enhanced analytics, and improved user experiences to differentiate their offerings.
Is Paychex better than Paylocity?
Paychex and Paylocity serve similar markets but with different strengths. Paychex has a longer history and more comprehensive service infrastructure, with particular strength in compliance, small business offerings, and wide geographic coverage with local representatives. Paylocity offers a more modern, unified platform with stronger employee experience features, better user interface, and more innovative tools for communication and engagement. Paylocity typically rates higher for user satisfaction and platform modernity, while Paychex often provides more personalized service and has stronger name recognition. Mid-sized businesses typically evaluate both, with those prioritizing technology experience often selecting Paylocity, while those valuing established presence and service breadth may choose Paychex.
What is the difference between Gusto and ADP?
Gusto and ADP target different market segments and have fundamentally different approaches. Gusto is designed specifically for small businesses (typically under 100 employees), with transparent pricing, a modern, user-friendly interface, and a focus on simplicity. ADP serves businesses of all sizes with scalable solutions that offer more comprehensive features, particularly for compliance, reporting, and global capabilities. ADP provides more personalized service options, including dedicated representatives for larger clients, while Gusto offers primarily online support with limited phone hours. Gusto typically rates higher for user satisfaction among small businesses, while ADP provides more depth, customization, and scalability for complex or growing organizations.
Which is the best software for payroll?
The best payroll software depends on your business size, industry, and specific needs. For small businesses (1-50 employees), Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, and OnPay typically rank highest for user satisfaction and value. For mid-sized businesses (50-500 employees), Paylocity, Paychex, and ADP Workforce Now are strong contenders with more robust feature sets. Large enterprises (500+ employees) typically benefit from platforms like Workday, UKG Pro, ADP Vantage HCM, or Oracle HCM Cloud. Industry-specific needs may also influence the best choice, with certain providers having stronger solutions for restaurants, healthcare, construction, or other specialized sectors.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday typically costs between $100-$200 per employee per year for core HCM functions, with additional modules like payroll, recruiting, or learning adding to this base price. Implementation costs are substantial, often ranging from $50,000 for smaller organizations to several million dollars for large enterprises with complex needs. Workday primarily targets organizations with 1,000+ employees, though they do serve mid-sized businesses through partners. Pricing is customized based on company size, modules selected, and contract length, with multi-year contracts often offering better rates. Unlike some competitors, Workday generally maintains consistent pricing across customers of similar size and needs, with less variation based on negotiation skill.
Current Trends in Payroll Technology
AI-Powered Automation
Leading payroll systems are incorporating artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks, identify errors, and predict potential issues before they occur. These systems can flag unusual overtime patterns, detect potential compliance risks, and even forecast future payroll expenses based on historical data and trends. AI is also improving self-service capabilities through chatbots and virtual assistants that can answer employee questions about their pay and benefits.
On-Demand Pay
Earned wage access or on-demand pay is rapidly gaining adoption, allowing employees to access earned wages before the scheduled payday. This feature helps employees manage cash flow emergencies without resorting to high-interest loans or credit card debt. Many payroll providers now offer this capability either natively or through partnerships with specialized providers, typically charging either the employer or employee a small fee for the service.
Global Payroll Solutions
With the rise of remote work and distributed teams, payroll solutions with global capabilities are becoming essential for many businesses. Modern platforms now offer multi-country payroll processing with built-in compliance for various tax jurisdictions, automated currency conversion, and support for country-specific requirements. This trend is driven by both multinational corporations and smaller companies embracing international talent pools.
Enhanced Security Measures
Payroll systems contain highly sensitive data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. In response, providers are implementing advanced security features including multi-factor authentication, sophisticated encryption, proactive fraud monitoring, and secure access controls. Many are also obtaining SOC 1 and SOC 2 certifications to demonstrate their commitment to security and compliance with industry standards.
Integration with Financial Wellness
Payroll systems are increasingly integrating with financial wellness tools to provide employees with resources to improve their financial health. These features include budgeting tools, savings programs, student loan repayment assistance, and financial education resources. Some providers are partnering with fintech companies to offer these services, while others are developing proprietary solutions to enhance their platforms.
Data Analytics and Insights
Advanced analytics capabilities are becoming standard in modern payroll systems, providing actionable insights rather than just processing transactions. These tools help businesses analyze labor costs, identify trends, benchmark against industry standards, and make data-driven decisions about compensation strategies. Predictive analytics can also help with budgeting and forecasting future payroll expenses based on historical patterns and planned changes.
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