10 Best Payroll Software of 2026

1. 1

   Gusto

   Online payroll for US small businesses with tax filing, benefits and HR tools in three published plans.

   8.8overall

   Online payroll for US small businesses with tax filing, benefits and HR tools in three published plans.

   Best forUS small businesses that want full-service payroll at a published monthly price and no contract.

   Adoption data

   500,000Gusto says it serves more than 500,000 businesses across the United States.

   Gusto, About Gusto (2026): “Gusto serves more than 500,000 businesses nationwide.”

   Gusto started as ZenPayroll in 2012 and now says it serves more than 500,000 US businesses, which is the deepest adoption figure among the providers that publish prices. Its pricing page lists three plans with a base fee and a per-person fee. Simple, at $49 a month plus $6 per person, runs unlimited payrolls, files and pays payroll taxes and handles basic paid time off and holiday pay, but only in one state. Plus, at $80 plus $12, adds multi-state payroll, contractor invoice management, time tracking, scheduling and unlimited next-day pay. Premium, at $180 plus $22, adds a named advisor, HR guidance, compliance tools and same-day or instant pay. There is no contract and setup is free. For a 15-person company in one state, Simple works out to about $139 a month before add-ons. The trade-off is that companies with staff in several states move straight to the higher per-person fee on Plus.

   Strengths

   • +All three plan prices are published, with base fee and per-person fee
   • +No contracts and free account setup
   • +More than 500,000 businesses use it, the largest base among the startup-era providers

   Limitations

   • −Simple covers payroll in one state only
   • −Time tracking needs the $80 Plus plan
   • −Per-person fees rise to $12 and $22 on higher plans

   SummaryGusto is the best payroll software for most US small businesses in 2026. It combines the largest customer base among the newer providers with three published plans and no contract.

2. 2

   RUN Powered by ADP

   ADP's payroll and HR platform for businesses with 1 to 49 employees, sold in four packages.

   8.5overall

   ADP's payroll and HR platform for businesses with 1 to 49 employees, sold in four packages.

   Best forSmall businesses that want the largest payroll provider and are comfortable getting a quote.

   Adoption data

   980,000ADP's annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 says RUN Powered by ADP serves more than 980,000 small businesses.

   Automatic Data Processing (SEC Form 10-K), ADP Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 (2026): “serving over 980,000 small businesses, is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for small businesses to simplify payroll, HR, and compliance”

   RUN Powered by ADP is the small business arm of the largest payroll company on this list. ADP's annual report for fiscal 2026 says RUN serves more than 980,000 small businesses, and that ADP as a whole serves over 1.1 million clients and pays over 42 million workers. RUN comes in four packages. Essential covers payroll, taxes and compliance help. Enhanced adds ZipRecruiter, State Unemployment Insurance and a garnishment payment service. Complete Payroll and HR+ adds basic HR support, and HR Pro adds enhanced HR support and perks for owners and employees. RUN works with Clover POS, has a mobile app and connects to other ADP services for time, benefits, retirement and workers' compensation. The weak point for buyers comparing costs is that ADP lists no prices; each package shows only a request for pricing, so the value score here is conservative until a quote is in hand.

   Strengths

   • +Largest small business payroll base in this ranking, at more than 980,000 businesses
   • +Clear package ladder from payroll only to full HR support
   • +Integrates with other ADP products for time, benefits, retirement and workers' compensation

   Limitations

   • −No prices are published; every package needs a quote
   • −HR support starts only at the Complete package
   • −Built for 1 to 49 employees, so larger firms move to Workforce Now

   SummaryRUN Powered by ADP has the strongest adoption of any small business payroll product in this ranking. It ranks second because its prices are only available by quote.

3. 3

   Paychex Flex

   Paychex's payroll and HR platform for small and medium-sized businesses, with optional PEO and HR outsourcing.

   8.4overall

   Paychex's payroll and HR platform for small and medium-sized businesses, with optional PEO and HR outsourcing.

   Best forSmall and midsize employers that want a long-established provider with in-house compliance staff.

   Adoption data

   800,000Paychex's annual report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2026 says it serves about 800,000 payroll clients and pays 1 in 11 US private sector workers.

   Paychex (SEC Form 10-K), Paychex Form 10-K for fiscal year ended May 31, 2026 (2026): “Serving approximately 800,000 payroll clients, we pay 1 in 11 U.S. private sector workers and moved approximately $1.3 trillion last fiscal year.”

   Paychex Flex is the main platform Paychex sells to small and medium-sized businesses, alongside SurePayroll for self-service small businesses and Paycor for larger ones. Paychex's annual report for fiscal 2026 says it serves about 800,000 payroll clients, pays 1 in 11 US private sector workers and supports about 2.6 million worksite employees through its HR outsourcing services. Flex calculates pay automatically, flags issues before payroll is due and shows a dashboard of items that need attention. Benefits, time tracking and HR tools can be added on the same platform, and businesses that want to hand off HR can move to the PEO or ASO services. Paychex says it employs about 250 compliance professionals who track tax and labor rule changes. Prices are not published for any payroll plan, so the value score is conservative. It suits employers who care more about support depth than a posted price.

   Strengths

   • +About 800,000 payroll clients, second only to ADP in this ranking
   • +HR outsourcing options cover about 2.6 million worksite employees
   • +Can grow from simple payroll to PEO without changing provider

   Limitations

   • −No prices published for payroll plans
   • −Many features are add-ons priced separately
   • −Three platforms (SurePayroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor) can make the right fit unclear

   SummaryPaychex Flex has the second-largest payroll client base in this ranking and a clear path into HR outsourcing. It loses ground on value because prices come only by quote.

4. 4

   Rippling

   Payroll built on a shared employee record that also runs HR, IT, spend and global payroll.

   8.4overall

   Payroll built on a shared employee record that also runs HR, IT, spend and global payroll.

   Best forGrowing companies with staff in several countries or entities that want payroll, HR and IT in one system.

   Adoption data

   20,000TechCrunch reported in May 2025 that Rippling had more than 20,000 customers.

   TechCrunch, Rippling raises $450M at a $16.8B valuation, reveals YC is a customer (2025): “It has over 20,000 customers and more than 4,000 employees.”

   Rippling treats payroll as one module on a single employee database, so changes to salary, department or location flow to payroll without re-entry. Its payroll page lists global payroll for employees and contractors, unlimited pay runs at no extra charge, permission rules over who can view, create and approve pay runs, self-service pay stubs and tax forms, and links to accounting systems such as Xero, QuickBooks and NetSuite. Rippling says it connects to more than 650 apps and also sells employer of record, PEO, benefits administration and time and attendance. Plans start at $8 per employee per month, but a monthly base fee is added and is not published, and the final price depends on the modules chosen. TechCrunch reported in May 2025 that Rippling had more than 20,000 customers. For a US-only team that just needs to pay people, the extra breadth may not be worth the quote process.

   Strengths

   • +Per-employee entry price is published
   • +Pays employees and contractors in other countries from the same system
   • +Policies, automations and analytics share one employee record

   Limitations

   • −The monthly base fee is not published
   • −Final price depends on the modules chosen, so a quote is needed
   • −Customer count comes from press coverage rather than a filing

   SummaryRippling is the strongest pick for companies that pay people in more than one country or entity. Its published per-employee price is low, but the base fee and modules raise the real cost.

5. 5

   OnPay

   One-plan online payroll for small businesses, with optional HR, time tracking and benefits.

   8.1overall

   One-plan online payroll for small businesses, with optional HR, time tracking and benefits.

   Best forSmall businesses that want a single low payroll price with free setup and no sales call.

   Adoption data

   25,000OnPay said in January 2025 that it provides payroll, HR and benefits to more than 25,000 small and medium-sized US businesses.

   Carrick Capital Partners (OnPay press release), OnPay Raises Over $100 Million in Funding (2025): “OnPay provides payroll, HR, and benefit solutions to over 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the United States.”

   OnPay keeps payroll to one published price: a $49 monthly base fee plus $6 per worker, the same as Gusto's entry plan. The base plan pays W-2 employees and 1099 contractors and handles tax filings, and OnPay's team sets up the account and imports employee data for free. HR tools, time tracking for hours, overtime, breaks and PTO, benefits and live HR support are added as the business needs them, so the total grows with each add-on. OnPay connects to accounting and 401(k) providers and runs a partner program for accounting firms. In its January 2025 funding announcement, OnPay said it served more than 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses. That is far below ADP or Gusto, which keeps its adoption score modest, but for owners who want a price they can check before talking to anyone, it is one of the best values here.

   Strengths

   • +Payroll price is published on the homepage
   • +Free setup and data migration by OnPay staff
   • +Same $6 per worker fee for employees and contractors

   Limitations

   • −HR and time tracking cost extra on top of the base plan
   • −Smallest customer count among the vendors with citable figures
   • −Adoption figure dates from January 2025

   SummaryOnPay is the value pick for small businesses that want one published payroll price and free setup. It trails the leaders on adoption and on built-in HR tools.

6. 6

   Paycom

   Single-database payroll and HCM software with employee-driven payroll through Beti.

   8.0overall

   Single-database payroll and HCM software with employee-driven payroll through Beti.

   Best forMidsize and large US employers that want employees to check their own pay before each run.

   Adoption data

   39,200Paycom's annual report says it had about 39,200 clients at the end of 2025, or about 20,300 when grouped by parent company.

   Paycom Software (SEC Form 10-K), Paycom Software Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (2025): “We have approximately 39,200 clients, or approximately 20,300 clients based on parent company grouping.”

   Paycom runs payroll, time and labor, talent and HR on a single database. Its best-known feature is Beti, which asks employees to review their own paychecks and fix problems before payroll is processed, and it also offers Everyday daily payroll, Paycom Pay, payroll tax management, garnishment administration, expense management and a mileage tracker. Paycom's Global HCM extends to more than 190 countries. Its annual report for 2025 says it had about 39,200 clients, or about 20,300 when accounts are grouped by parent company, and stored data for more than 7.4 million people employed by those clients. That disclosure is more candid than most, and it is worth keeping in mind when comparing headline counts. Paycom publishes no prices, which keeps its value score low here. It fits employers with enough staff that payroll errors are costly, rather than owners who want a quick self-service setup.

   Strengths

   • +One database covers hiring, payroll and time
   • +Employee-driven payroll is meant to catch errors before pay day
   • +Filing discloses both raw and parent-grouped client counts

   Limitations

   • −No published prices
   • −Aimed at larger employers, less suited to very small teams
   • −Parent-grouped client count is about half the headline figure

   SummaryPaycom suits midsize and large employers that want employees to own pay accuracy through Beti. Quote-only pricing and an enterprise focus keep it below the small business leaders.

7. 7

   Paylocity

   Payroll and HCM suite for US employers that average more than 150 employees per client.

   8.0overall

   Payroll and HCM suite for US employers that average more than 150 employees per client.

   Best forMidsize US employers that want payroll, HR, time and employee communication in one suite.

   Adoption data

   44,400Paylocity's annual report says it served about 44,400 US clients as of June 30, 2026, with more than 150 employees each on average.

   Paylocity Holding Corp (SEC Form 10-K), Paylocity Holding Corp Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 (2026): “solutions to approximately 44,400 clients across the U.S., which on average had over 150 employees”

   Paylocity sells to larger customers than most providers here. Its annual report for fiscal 2026 says it served about 44,400 US clients that averaged more than 150 employees each. The filing describes On Demand Payment, which lets employees draw part of their earned wages before payday without changing the client's standard payroll process, a Garnishments service that calculates and maintains deduction records, an AI Assistant that answers questions about Paylocity and about the client's own handbook, a Workflows engine with configurable automations and pre-built templates, and a central Documents repository. Payroll, HR, time and talent tools share the platform. Paylocity does not publish prices, so a quote is required and the value score is conservative. For a company of 100 to 1,000 people that wants payroll and HR tools together, it is a strong option; a ten-person business will find simpler and cheaper choices higher on this list.

   Strengths

   • +About 44,400 clients averaging more than 150 employees each
   • +Earned wage access without changing the standard payroll run
   • +Workflow automation built into the platform

   Limitations

   • −No published prices
   • −Built for midsize employers, more than most small businesses need
   • −Many modules are sold separately

   SummaryPaylocity is a strong payroll and HR suite for midsize US employers. Quote-only pricing keeps it in the middle of this ranking.

8. 8

   QuickBooks Payroll

   Intuit's payroll service, sold as QuickBooks Workforce plans that link to QuickBooks accounting.

   7.9overall

   Intuit's payroll service, sold as QuickBooks Workforce plans that link to QuickBooks accounting.

   Best forSmall businesses already keeping their books in QuickBooks Online.

   QuickBooks Payroll is now sold as QuickBooks Workforce. The entry Workforce Payroll plan costs $50 a month plus $7 per employee at list price, with 50% off the base fee for the first three months. It calculates, files and pays payroll taxes, sets up garnishments and deductions, runs auto payroll for salaried staff on direct deposit and produces reports on payroll history, contractor payments, paid time off and tax payments. Intuit's pricing page also lists same-day direct deposit for payroll run by 7:00 am and an expert review of the payroll setup. Premium, at $88 plus $13, adds time tracking and HR tools, and Elite, at $134 plus $17, adds expert support and pays IRS penalties and interest up to $25,000 a year. Intuit's annual report discusses payroll revenue but not a payroll customer count, so adoption is scored conservatively. The main reason to choose it is a QuickBooks Online ledger that already holds the company's books.

   Strengths

   • +All three plan prices are published
   • +Payroll data flows into QuickBooks accounting
   • +Elite plan covers IRS penalties up to $25,000 a year

   Limitations

   • −Intuit does not disclose a payroll customer count
   • −Per-employee fee of $7 is above Gusto and OnPay entry plans
   • −The 50% discount lasts only three months

   SummaryQuickBooks Payroll is the natural choice for businesses that already use QuickBooks Online. Without a disclosed customer count and with a higher per-employee fee, it ranks below the payroll specialists.

9. 9

   Justworks

   Standalone payroll for US teams, plus PEO plans that add benefits and HR consulting.

   7.7overall

   Standalone payroll for US teams, plus PEO plans that add benefits and HR consulting.

   Best forSmall businesses that may later want to move to a PEO with health insurance through the same vendor.

   Justworks is best known as a PEO, and it now sells payroll on its own. The Payroll plan costs a $50 monthly base fee plus $8 per employee and includes multi-state payroll, contractor and off-cycle payments, multiple pay rates, tips processing, digital pay stubs, employer payroll tax filings, W-2 and 1099 filings, basic timecards, PTO management and phone and chat support. Unlike Gusto's Simple plan or QuickBooks' entry plan, multi-state payroll is included from the start. The PEO Basic plan, at $79 per employee per month with no base fee, adds 24/7 support, HR consulting and harassment prevention training, and PEO Plus, at $124, adds access to medical, dental and vision coverage. Justworks does not publish a customer count on its own pages, so adoption is scored conservatively. For a small team planning to offer group health insurance later, it is a clean path; for payroll alone, Gusto and OnPay cost less per person.

   Strengths

   • +Multi-state payroll is included in the entry plan
   • +All plan prices are published
   • +Clear upgrade path to a PEO with benefits

   Limitations

   • −$8 per employee is the highest entry per-person fee among the verified prices here
   • −No citable customer count, so adoption is scored low
   • −Org chart, custom reporting and 24/7 support need a PEO plan

   SummaryJustworks is the pick for small businesses that expect to move into a PEO with benefits. On payroll alone it costs more per employee than the leaders and has no published customer figure.

10. 10

    Paycor

    Payroll and HCM platform, now owned by Paychex, aimed at larger businesses with more complex needs.

    7.7overall

    Payroll and HCM platform, now owned by Paychex, aimed at larger businesses with more complex needs.

    Best forMidsize employers with hourly staff that need scheduling, time and expense tools linked to payroll.

    Adoption data

    30,000Paycor says its customer base represents about 30,000 corporate customers covering 50,000 businesses.

    Paycor, Paycor pricing (2026): “Represents approximately 30,000 corporate customers covering 50,000 businesses”

    Paycor is now part of Paychex, whose fiscal 2026 annual report calls it the company's primary platform for larger businesses with more complex needs. Paycor's pricing page describes payroll that updates automatically for tax and employment rule changes, Paycor Time with one-click transfer of hours to payroll, an overtime dashboard by department, manager and location, Expense Management where employees submit receipts on mobile and reimbursements flow through payroll, scheduling with shift trades, and an HR Support Center with alerts, templates and forms. Paycor also screens new hires for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and handles the paperwork. The page says its customer base represents about 30,000 corporate customers covering 50,000 businesses. Paycor does not publish prices, so the value score is conservative. It fits employers with hourly or multi-location staff; smaller teams will get similar payroll for less from the published-price vendors.

    Strengths

    • +Time, scheduling and expenses connect directly to payroll
    • +WOTC screening is handled for the employer
    • +Backed by Paychex, which names Paycor its main platform for larger customers

    Limitations

    • −No published prices
    • −Future product direction depends on Paychex's three-platform plan
    • −Feature set is less suited to very small teams

    SummaryPaycor is a solid payroll choice for midsize employers that run hourly shifts and expenses through payroll. Quote-only pricing and its new place inside Paychex keep it near the bottom of this ranking.

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