Whether you’re new to using payroll software or thinking about a switch, getting payroll right and on time is crucial for any small business. That’s why so many small business owners turn to full-service payroll providers—they want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their payroll is taken care of by the experts. But with so many payroll software companies out there, finding the perfect fit for your business can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in! We’ve put together this guide to help you compare small business payroll providers against ADP1. Dive into our detailed analysis and discover why ADP is the best payroll solution for your growing business.
BEST SMALL BUSINESS PAYROLL SERVICES OF 2024
Best overall small business payroll provider – ADP
Runner-ups – Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks, OnPay, SurePayroll
ADP Review – Best overall small business payroll provider
ADP is one of the most trusted small business payroll & HR providers, catering extensively to both small and large businesses. Its small business payroll platform, RUN Powered by ADP®, offers a wide range of payroll & HR services, including automatic payroll processing, tax calculations and filings, compliance management and time and attendance tracking, making it highly adaptable to different needs. ADP also excels in scalability, supporting businesses as they grow and change with advanced HR tools and analytics.
Key features
- Full-service, automated payroll processing
- Payroll AutoPilot for recurring payrolls
- AI-powered error detection
- Integrated platform includes access to includes benefits and insurance
- Automated tax calculations, filings and payments
- Built-in compliance updates to support federal, state, and local regulations
- Time and attendance add-ons, including mobile app and kiosks
- Payroll and tax compliance support
- One-on-one support from HR professionals
- Top-rated RUN mobile app for employers and employees
The main takeaway? ADP’s small business platform is the most flexible solution for small businesses at any stage, offering automated payroll, tax calculations, compliance and time tracking. It also supports business growth with advanced HR tools, AI error detection, one-on-one HR support, and a top-rated mobile app.
Gusto Review
Gusto is an online payroll and HR platform tailored for small businesses. It offers payroll processing, automated tax calculations, and benefits administration. Key features include employee self-service, direct deposit, time tracking, and compliance support. Gusto supports domestic and international contractor payroll and integrates with over 100 apps, including accounting software like QuickBooks. Customer support is available via phone, email, and web chat.
Key features
- Full-service payroll processing
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Automated tax calculations and filings
- Employee self-service
- Benefits administration
- Hiring, onboarding and talent management
- Time tracking and management
- Accounting integrations
- Spending & savings accounts via Gusto Wallet app
- Mobile tools
Why ADP is better than Gusto for small business payroll & HR
| Capabilities |  |
Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| 24/7 live support (Gusto provides support from 5am-5pm PT, Monday through Friday) |  |
not offered |
| Comprehensive tools for managing State Unemployment Insurance (claim responses, benefit payment reviews, best practices consulting) | |
not offered |
| Integrated time tracking suite, including scheduling and physical time clocks | |
not offered |
| Dedicated onboarding support for new small business clients of any size (across all packages) | |
not offered |
| Mobile app for on-the-go payroll and HR (Gusto offers mobile access only via web browser) | |
not offered |
| Same-day ACH processing | |
not offered |
| Two-day processing cycles for all clients (no direct deposit limits applied) | |
not offered |
| Register with tax agencies in all 50 states (without needing a third-party partner) | |
not offered |
| Customer support available through the payroll provider's Apple® iOS app | |
not offered |
| Integration with over 30 leading Point of Sale (POS) solutions via partner apps | |
not offered |
| Single invoice billing that combines ADP payroll with partner services | |
not offered |
| 75 years of experience in payroll services | |
not offered |
| HR & Business | ||
| Employee handbook wizard, tailored for your state or jurisdiction | |
not offered |
| Job postings through ZipRecruiter® | |
not offered |
| Job description creation tool | |
not offered |
| Employee discount program for brand-name products and everyday essentials | |
not offered |
| Live consultation for R&D tax credits to determine the amount based on your business | |
not offered |
| Easy setup and management of Google Ads marketing campaigns | |
not offered |
| Access to free and discounted legal services (provided by third-party) | |
not offered |
User satisfaction ratings
See how customers rated RUN Powered by ADP vs. Gusto on TrustRadius, a leading business software review platform, in key categories for small business payroll & HR.2
| Categories | ADP RUN | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| Product scalability | 9.1 | N/A |
| Implementation rating | 9.5 | 8.2 |
| Likelihood to recommend | 8.5 | 7.2 |
Ratings include incentivized reviews
The main takeaway? Gusto is a robust payroll and HR platform for small businesses, offering essential features like payroll processing, automated tax calculations, and employee self-service. However, RUN Powered by ADP surpasses Gusto with comprehensive support services, including 24/7 live support, integrated time tracking, and extensive payroll and HR management tools.
Paychex Review
Key features
- Automated payroll processing
- Tax administration and compliance assistance
- Employee benefits management
- HR administration
- Time and attendance tracking
- Workers' compensation management
- Reporting and analytics tools
- Employee self-service portal
- Paychex Flex mobile app for employers and employees
Why ADP is better than Paychex for small business payroll & HR
| Capabilities | |
Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| Single invoice billing that consolidates ADP payroll and partner services | |
not offered |
| Register with tax agencies in all 50 states without a third-party service | |
not offered |
| 75 years of payroll experience | |
not offered |
| HR & Business | ||
| Create job listings with ZipRecruiter® | |
not offered |
| Comprehensive partner marketplace for finding, comparing, activating, and paying for various apps (time management, HR, accounting, and more) | |
not offered |
| Salary benchmarking at no added cost in top-tier HR bundles (to help you make competitive job offers) | |
not offered |
| Job description creation tool available at no additional charge | |
not offered |
| Access to free and discounted legal services (offered by third-party) | |
not offered |
| Easy setup and management of Google Ads marketing campaigns | |
not offered |
User satisfaction ratings
See how customers rated RUN Powered by ADP vs. Paychex on G2, a leading business software review platform, in key categories for small business payroll & HR.3
| Categories | ADP | Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 92% | 86% |
| Reporting | 89% | 84% |
| Mobility | 89% | 81% |
| Ease of use | 91% | 85% |
| Performance and reliability | 93% | 88% |
| Compliance | 91% | 84% |
| Ease of admin | 91% | 86% |
Ratings include incentivized reviews
The main takeaway? Paychex Flex offers small businesses payroll processing, automated tax filings, and a mobile app for employee self-service, along with HR and benefits management. However, RUN Powered by ADP beats out Paychex Flex by offering integrated payroll capabilities and more comprehensive HR tools, including job listing creation and a robust partner marketplace.
QuickBooks Review
QuickBooks is an accounting software with integrated payroll management. It features payroll processing, automated tax calculations, direct deposit, and compliance support. QuickBooks also offers time tracking integrations but does not integrate with other accounting platforms. Phone-based customer support is available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM PT, and Saturday, 6 AM to 3 PM PT. Chat support is available 24/7 from payroll experts.
Key features
- Automated payroll processing
- Same-day direct deposit
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Automated federal and state taxes
- Employee self-service portal
- Time tracking integration
- Benefits management
- Customizable payroll reports
- Compliance updates
- Mobile app access
- QuickBooks App Marketplace
Why ADP is better than QuickBooks for small business payroll & HR
| Capabilities | |
QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| Advanced tools for State Unemployment Insurance management (including claim responses, benefit payments review, and best practices consulting) | |
not offered |
| User-friendly mobile app for managing payroll and HR | |
not offered |
| 24/7 live support for all plans – not limited to top-tier bundles | |
not offered |
| Dedicated onboarding support for new clients, catering to small businesses of all sizes | |
not offered |
| Register with tax agencies in all 50 states without a third-party service | |
not offered |
| Easily pay employees who work in more than one state or local jurisdiction in the same pay period | |
not offered |
| Award-winning portal (Stratus Award, American Best in Business) for connecting your accountant to your payroll system | |
not offered |
| 75 years of payroll experience | |
not offered |
| HR & Business | ||
| Employee handbook wizard, pre-populated for your state or local jurisdiction | |
not offered |
| Online training courses on topics such as sexual harassment and abusive conduct, and HR compliance – plus completion tracking | |
not offered |
| Free printed labor law posters | |
not offered |
| Discount programs for employees on brand-name products and daily essentials | |
not offered |
| Post job listings with ZipRecruiter® | |
not offered |
| Salary benchmark data to help you make competitive job offers | |
not offered |
| Applicant tracking system for managing the entire hiring process | |
not offered |
| Background checks for prospective employees | |
not offered |
| Simple setup and management of Google Ads marketing campaigns | |
not offered |
| Free and discounted legal services (offered by third-party) | |
not offered |
User satisfaction ratings
See how customers rated RUN Powered by ADP vs. QuickBooks Payroll on G2, a leading business software review platform, in key categories for small business payroll & HR.4
| Categories | ADP | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 91% | 83% |
| Reporting and dashboards | 89% | 84% |
| Performance and reliability | 93% | 84% |
| Quality of support | 89% | 74% |
Ratings include incentivized reviews
The main takeaway? QuickBooks offers accounting software with integrated payroll management, including features like payroll processing, automated tax calculations, and time tracking integration. However, RUN Powered by ADP outshines QuickBooks with advanced State Unemployment Insurance management tools, 24/7 live support, and a comprehensive
OnPay Review
OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses. It supports multi-state payroll, automated tax calculations, and employee self-service. OnPay integrates with various accounting and time-tracking software and includes features for employee onboarding. Customer support is provided through phone and chat during weekdays. On the weekends, emergency support is available via email.
Key features
- Unlimited monthly payroll runs
- Multiple pay schedules and rates
- Automatic tax calculations & filings
- Streamlined employee onboarding
- Employee self-service
Why ADP is better than OnPay for small business payroll & HR
| Capabilities | |
OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| 24/7 live support across all bundles | |
not offered |
| Advanced State Unemployment Insurance management tools (claim responses, benefit payments review, best practices consulting) | |
not offered |
| Integrated time tracking suite, including scheduling and physical time clocks | |
not offered |
| Same-day ACH processing | |
not offered |
| Single invoice billing that combines ADP payroll and complementary partner services | |
not offered |
| Mobile app for on-the-go payroll and HR (OnPay offers mobile access only via web browser) | |
not offered |
| Register with tax agencies in all 50 states (does not require third-party partner) | |
not offered |
| Customer support available through the payroll provider's Apple® iOS app | |
not offered |
| Integration with over 30 leading Point of Sale (POS) solutions via partner apps | |
not offered |
| 75 years of payroll experience | |
not offered |
| HR & Business | ||
| Employee handbook wizard, pre-populated for your state or local jurisdiction | |
not offered |
| Salary benchmark data (to help you make competitive job offers) | |
not offered |
| Job postings via ZipRecruiter® | |
not offered |
| Job description creation tool | |
not offered |
| One-stop partner marketplace to search, compare, activate, and pay for apps (time, HR, accounting, and more) | |
not offered |
| Online courses on workplace and sexual harassment, HR record keeping, DE&I, and more | |
not offered |
| Google Ads marketing campaign simple setup and management | |
not offered |
| Access to free and discounted legal services (provided by third party) | |
not offered |
User satisfaction ratings
See how customers rated RUN Powered by ADP vs. OnPay on TrustRadius, a leading business software review platform, in key categories for small business payroll & HR.5
| Categories | ADP RUN | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 8.5 | 8.2 |
Ratings include incentivized reviews
The main takeaway? OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform for small businesses, offering multi-state payroll, automated tax calculations, and employee self-service. However, RUN Powered by ADP is the better choice, thanks to 24/7 live support, advanced State Unemployment Insurance tools, a comprehensive time tracking suite, and a wider range of integrated HR services.
SurePayroll Review
SurePayroll by Paychex provides online payroll processing and tax handling for small businesses. It supports various employee types, including freelancers, and offers features for tax compliance and employee self-service. The platform includes benefits management and customizable payroll reports. Customer support is available via phone, email, and chat during weekdays, with some hours during the weekend.
Key features
- Automated payroll processing
- Payroll tax calculations
- Employee self-service portal
- Tax and HR compliance tools
- Customizable payroll reports
- Customer support available via phone, email, and chat
- Benefits management
Why ADP is better than SurePayroll for small business payroll & HR
| Capabilities | |
SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| 24/7 live support across all bundles (not limited to top-tier bundle) | |
not offered |
| Native suite of time tracking tools with scheduling and physical time clocks | |
not offered |
| Accounting software integration at no additional fee | |
not offered |
| Advanced SUI management tools (claim responses, benefit payments review, best practices consulting) | |
not offered |
| Multi-state tax filings at no additional fee | |
not offered |
| Partner app connectors to over 30 leading Point of Sale (POS) solutions | |
not offered |
| Single invoice billing that combines ADP payroll and complementary partner services | |
not offered |
| 75 years of payroll experience | |
not offered |
| HR & Business | ||
| Post job listings with ZipRecruiter® | |
not offered |
| Access salary benchmark data to aid help make competitive job offers and comply with pay transparency laws | |
not offered |
| Comprehensive partner marketplace for finding, comparing, activating, and purchasing apps (including time management, HR, accounting, and more) | |
not offered |
User satisfaction ratings
See how customers rated RUN Powered by ADP vs. SurePayroll on G2, a leading business software review platform, in key categories for small business payroll & HR.6
| Categories | ADP | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 91% | 90% |
| Performance and reliability | 93% | 91% |
| Quality of support | 89% | 87% |
Ratings include incentivized reviews
The main takeaway? SurePayroll by Paychex offers online payroll processing, tax handling, and benefits management for small businesses. However, RUN Powered by ADP outperforms SurePayroll with 24/7 live support, advanced time tracking tools, multi-state tax filings without additional fees, and a comprehensive HR suite, including job listing services and a partner marketplace.
