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Best Payroll Software of 2026

Payroll software for US and global teams, where full service runs about $37 to $99 a month plus $5 to $12 per worker, and which low-cost plans leave tax filing to you.

By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published January 16, 2026Updated October 17, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
  • 10 companies compared
  • 11 sources cited
  • Prices checked October 2026
  • How we rate

The best payroll software depends on who you pay. Deel and Remote are built for international teams and contractors; Gusto, Patriot, OnPay and QuickBooks Payroll suit small US businesses; and ADP, Paycor and Justworks fit companies that want more HR support or a PEO. For a small US team, full-service payroll that files your federal, state and local taxes costs about $37 to $99 a month plus $5 to $12 per worker among the plans we compared, as listed October 2026. Compare the total for your headcount, confirm tax filing is included, and check which states and countries are covered.

Our top picks
  1. Best for hiring employees and contractors in other countries DeelThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide Score: 4.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Starting priceContractors $49 per contractor per monthPer workerEOR $599 per employee per month
    Visit siteRead review
  2. Growing businesses needing PEO support PaychexThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide Score: 4.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
    Visit siteRead review
  3. Best for small US businesses that want payroll and basic HR in one place GustoThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Starting price$49 a monthPer worker$6 a month
    Visit siteRead review
  4. Best for the lowest published full-service price Patriot SoftwareThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide Score: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Starting priceBasic $17 a monthPer worker$4
    Visit siteRead review
  5. Companies hiring employees worldwide without entities MultiplierThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide Score: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
    Visit siteRead review

This guide is for business owners who pay employees or contractors and want software that gets paychecks and tax filings right. Whether you have 3 people on staff or 30, the same questions decide the choice: where your workers are, how much HR help you want, and what the bill comes to once per worker fees are added.

Tax filing matters most. The IRS expects employers to file Forms 941, 940 and W-2, and some low-cost plans, such as Patriot Basic, leave that work to you. Promotions matter too, because several providers discount the first 3 to 6 months and then charge the regular rate.

Below you will find our nine picks with published prices, a cost table, a side by side look at payroll software, PEOs and employers of record, and answers to common questions.

Lowest published full service price
Patriot: $37 a month plus $5 per worker, as listed October 20262
Typical per worker fee (US)
$4 (Patriot Basic) to $12 per worker per month on entry and mid tiers6
Global employer of record (EOR) cost
From $599 per employee per month at Deel and Remote1
Federal returns your payroll must cover
Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (FUTA) and Form W-28
On this page12 sections
  1. Our top picks
  2. Company reviews
  3. Compare at a glance
  4. Others we considered
  5. How we chose
  6. How much payroll software costs
  7. How to choose payroll software
  8. Payroll software vs PEO vs employer of record
  9. Best payroll software by situation
  10. Mistakes to avoid
  11. Frequently asked questions
  12. Sources

Company reviews

Best for hiring employees and contractors in other countries: DeelThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.

4.9/5
Starting price
Contractors $49 per contractor per month
Per worker
EOR $599 per employee per month
Tax filing
Handled within EOR and PEO services

Why we picked it. Deel lets you pay contractors and legally employ people in more than 130 countries through its employer of record service, and it also runs a US PEO in all 50 states. Its contractor fee is one of the lowest-cost ways to pay international freelancers compliantly.

More details, pros and cons
Coverage
150+ countries; EOR in 130+; US PEO in all 50 states

Pros

  • Employer of record in 130+ countries
  • Low $49 contractor fee
  • US PEO in all 50 states
  • Contractors and employees on one platform

Cons

  • EOR at $599 per employee gets expensive for small teams
  • No free trial
  • More than a small US-only business needs

All-in-one global platform

Skip it if: Every worker is in the US and you only need to run payroll.

More about Deel

Deel has redefined international workforce management, serving as an all-in-one platform for global hiring, EOR services, and contractor payments. It eliminates the complexity of foreign labor laws, making it ideal for remote-first companies expanding across borders.

Visit siteRead full review

Growing businesses needing PEO support: PaychexThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.

4.9/5
PEO Service Options
Yes (Paychex Oasis)
Free Trial Availability
Demo Only
Per-Employee Monthly Cost
Quote Based
IT & Device Management
No

Why we picked it. Paychex bridges the gap between modern cloud software and personalized human support. Offering everything from basic payroll to full PEO services through Paychex Oasis, it provides a reliable safety net for growing businesses concerned with compliance.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Covers everything from basic payroll to full HR outsourcing and a PEO, so you can add services as you grow
  • Automatic payroll tax calculation, filing and payment through its Taxpay service
  • Large 401(k) business; Paychex says it is the top 401(k) provider by number of participating employers
  • AI-assisted reporting in the Foundations package and above, and the WISE AI engine announced in 2026
  • Financially stable public company with an A+ BBB rating

Cons

  • No published prices, so you need a sales call to compare
  • Phone support and a dedicated payroll specialist are not included in every package
  • Many features, including time and attendance, onboarding and garnishment payments, are listed as add-ons
  • 565 BBB complaints in three years
  • International payroll relies on partner companies

Robust HR support

Visit siteRead full review

Best for small US businesses that want payroll and basic HR in one place: GustoThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.

4.8/5
Starting price
$49 a month
Per worker
$6 a month
Tax filing
Federal

Why we picked it. Gusto publishes clear tiered pricing, starting at $49 a month plus $6 per person on its Simple plan, and every plan includes federal, state and local payroll tax filings and payments. Plus and Premium add HR tools and support as you grow.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Widely used by small US businesses
  • Payroll and HR tools in one product
  • Clear, published tier pricing

Cons

  • Per person fees climb on higher tiers ($12 on Plus, $22 on Premium)
  • No free trial listed on the pricing page

User-friendly all-in-one

Skip it if: You need to employ people outside the US.

More about Gusto

A modern, all-in-one payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses. Offers unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filing, and integrated benefits in an incredibly user-friendly interface.

Visit siteRead full review
Show all 5 picks2 more, ranked 4 to 5

Best for the lowest published full-service price: Patriot SoftwareThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.

4.7/5
Starting price
Basic $17 a month
Per worker
$4
Tax filing
Full Service files federal

Why we picked it. Patriot's Full Service plan is the cheapest full-service option we found, and it files federal, state, local and year-end payroll taxes at no extra fee. The 30-day free trial lets you run a test payroll before you pay anything.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 30-day free trial plus 3 months at 50% off
  • Year-end filings included in Full Service
  • Simple, easy-to-read pricing

Cons

  • Basic plan leaves tax filing to you
  • Fewer HR and benefits features than Gusto or ADP
  • US only

Low-cost full service

Skip it if: You want built-in benefits administration or international payroll.

More about Patriot Software

Patriot Software is an affordable, no-nonsense solution for paying employees and managing payroll taxes. It features unlimited payrolls, free US-based support, and a Full Service plan that automatically handles all tax filings, making it a top-tier choice for budget-conscious small businesses.

Visit siteRead full review

Companies hiring employees worldwide without entities: MultiplierThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.

4.6/5
PEO Service Options
Yes (Global EOR)
Free Trial Availability
Demo Only
Per-Employee Monthly Cost
Starts at $400/employee
IT & Device Management
No

Why we picked it. Multiplier is a global Employer of Record platform that lets companies hire full-time employees in over 150 countries without setting up a local entity. It handles international payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance, with onboarding in as little as 24 hours, and also supports contractor payments. EOR pricing starts at $400 per employee per month.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Published EOR pricing that is lower than Deel, Remote and Oyster's listed rates
  • No minimum headcount or contract term
  • Says it charges no setup, offboarding or FX markup fees
  • Covers 160+ countries through its own entities, per Multiplier
  • 4.8 out of 5 from 2,872 Trustpilot reviews

Cons

  • Employer taxes and mandatory benefits add a lot on top of the platform fee in many countries
  • About 11% of countries have higher, adjusted pricing
  • Pricing page and FAQ differ on whether implementation fees can apply
  • Negative reviews cite invoicing errors and slow escalations
  • No BBB profile, and G2 ratings couldn't be checked directly

150+ country coverage

Visit siteRead full review

Compare at a glance

Key facts side by side, as listed by each company. Confirm current prices and terms before you buy.

Best Payroll Software of 2026: comparison
Company Starting pricePer workerTax filingFree trial or promo Links
Deel4.9 Contractors $49 per contractor per month EOR $599 per employee per month Handled within EOR and PEO services Free demo; no free trial listed Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Paychex4.9 Not published Not published Not published Not published Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Gusto4.8 $49 a month, $80, $180 $6 a month per person on Simple Federal Not published Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Patriot Software4.7 Basic $17 a month $4 or $5 per worker paid Full Service files federal 30 days free plus 50% off for 3 months Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Multiplier4.6 Not published Not published Not published Not published Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Remote4.6 Global payroll $29 per employee per month EOR from $599 per employee per month Handled within EOR and payroll services No free plan Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Paycor, Inc.4.5 Basic $99 a month $5 Not published 50% off for 6 months, 1 month free payroll Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner
Quickbooks Payroll4.5 Payroll only: Workforce Payroll $50 a month plus $7 per employee $7 per employee payroll only Full service: calculates 50% off the base price for 3 months Read review BestGuide Partner
OnPay4.4 From $55 a month $6 per worker on a $49 base Federal One month free Visit site Read review BestGuide Partner

Others we considered

These companies didn't make our top 5, but may still fit your situation.

Square Payroll 4.2

Square Payroll is a full-service provider that automates tax filings and integrates seamlessly with the Square POS and Team App. Offering flexible flat-rate pricing with no long-term contracts and a dedicated plan for 1099 contractors, it is ideal for shops, cafes, and restaurants with hourly workers.

Visit site Read review

How we chose

We compared published base and per worker prices, whether tax filing is included, current trials and promotions, supported states and countries, and PEO or EOR options. Facts come from each provider's official pricing or product page and from IRS employment tax guidance. Prices are as listed October 2026 and may change. Gusto and Justworks prices were checked in a browser on their official pricing pages. We did not run test payrolls. Read our full methodology.

How much payroll software costs

Most US payroll software charges a monthly base fee plus a fee for each person you pay. Here are published prices, as listed October 2026.

Provider Base per month Per worker
Patriot Full Service $37 $5
Gusto Simple $49 $6
Justworks Payroll $50 $8
OnPay $49 (from $55 with one worker) $6
QuickBooks (with accounting) $88 $6.50
Paycor Basic $99 $5
Remote global payroll None $29
Deel US PEO None $125

For example, a 10-person business on Patriot Full Service pays about $87 a month ($37 plus 10 times $5) before promotions. Employer of record services cost far more (from $599 per employee at Deel and Remote) because the provider becomes the legal employer.

How to choose payroll software

  1. Confirm full-service tax filing. The IRS requires employers to withhold, deposit and report federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, and FUTA, and to file Forms 941, 940 and W-2. Make sure the plan files these for you, plus state and local taxes.
  2. Count where your workers are. Multi-state employees or international hires narrow your choices fast.
  3. Price your actual headcount. Base and per worker fees add up differently at 3 people than at 30.
  4. Decide how much HR you need. Benefits, time tracking and onboarding often sit in higher tiers.
  5. Check integrations. Your accounting software, time clock and 401(k) provider should connect.
  6. Use the trial or promotion. Patriot offers 30 days free; ADP, Paycor, OnPay and QuickBooks offer free months or discounts.

Payroll software vs PEO vs employer of record

Option What it does Typical published cost
Payroll software You stay the employer, and the software pays people and files taxes $37 to $199 a month plus $4 to $12 per worker
PEO Co-employment: you share HR and benefits duties with the PEO From $99 (Remote) or $125 (Deel) per employee per month
Employer of record (EOR) The provider is the legal employer in another country From $599 per employee per month (Deel and Remote)

Best payroll software by situation

  • Tight budget, US only: Patriot Software.
  • Already on QuickBooks: QuickBooks Payroll.
  • Simple, all-in pricing: OnPay.
  • HR tools as you grow: Paycor or ADP.
  • Better benefits access: a PEO such as Justworks or Deel US PEO.
  • Hiring abroad: Deel or Remote.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Picking a self-file plan by accident. Patriot Basic, for example, does not file taxes for you.
  • Budgeting on promo prices. QuickBooks and Paycor promotions halve the price for 3 to 6 months, so plan for the regular rate.
  • Misclassifying workers. Paying employees as contractors can lead to back taxes and penalties.
  • Funding payroll late. The IRS requires on-time tax deposits. Full-service plans make the deposits, but you still have to fund payroll on time.

Terms to know

Full-service payroll
Payroll that files and pays your payroll taxes for you instead of only calculating them.
PEO
A professional employer organization that co-employs your staff to handle HR and benefits.
Employer of record (EOR)
A provider that legally employs workers on your behalf in a country where you have no entity.
Form 941
The IRS quarterly return for withheld income tax and Social Security and Medicare taxes.
FUTA
The federal unemployment tax employers pay, reported on Form 940.
Per worker fee
The monthly charge for each employee or contractor you pay.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest payroll software?

Patriot Software has the lowest published full-service price we found: $37 a month plus $5 per worker, as listed October 2026, with a 30-day free trial. Its Basic plan is $17 plus $4 per worker, but it does not file taxes for you.

What is the best payroll software for small business?

For most small US businesses, the main options are Patriot, OnPay, QuickBooks Payroll and Gusto. Choose based on the price for your headcount, whether you already use QuickBooks, and how much HR help you want.

What is full service payroll?

Full-service payroll calculates pay, withholds taxes, and files and deposits federal, state and local payroll taxes for you, including year-end W-2s. A self-file plan only does the math and leaves the filings to you.

How much does ADP payroll cost?

ADP does not publish RUN prices online, so you need to request a quote. It is currently offering 3 months of free payroll to new small business customers.

Is Deel or Remote better for international payroll?

It depends on what you need. Deel and Remote both list EOR from $599 per employee per month, so EOR price alone won’t separate them. Remote’s global payroll for your own entities is $29 per employee, and its standard contractor tier is $29 versus Deel’s $49.

What is a PEO?

A professional employer organization co-employs your staff so you can share HR administration and often get access to larger group benefit plans. It usually costs more per employee than payroll software alone.

Can I do payroll myself without software?

Yes, but you must calculate withholding, deposit taxes on time and file Forms 941, 940 and W-2 with the IRS, plus your state filings. Mistakes can lead to penalties, which is why most businesses use software.

Does QuickBooks Payroll require QuickBooks accounting?

No. Since 2026 Intuit sells payroll-only QuickBooks Workforce plans, starting at $50 a month plus $7 per employee, as well as bundles with QuickBooks Online accounting from $88 plus $6.50 per employee at the regular price. If you use other accounting software, also compare OnPay, Patriot or Gusto.

How long does it take to switch payroll providers?

Switching is easiest at the start of a quarter or year, so your tax filings stay clean. Several providers, including OnPay and Paycor, advertise free setup or no implementation fees.

Sources (11)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. Deel: Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  2. Patriot Software: Payroll Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  3. Remote: Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  4. OnPay: Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  5. Intuit QuickBooks: Payroll Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  6. Paycor: Small Business Plans and Pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  7. ADP: RUN Powered by ADP (accessed October 11, 2026)
  8. IRS: Employment Taxes (accessed October 11, 2026)
  9. Gusto: Pricing, plans and fees (accessed October 11, 2026)
  10. Justworks: PEO and payroll plans pricing (accessed October 11, 2026)
  11. Intuit: QuickBooks Workforce plans and pricing (accessed October 13, 2026)

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