Question 1

Which payroll tools should I shortlist first?

Accepted Answer

Based on our evaluation of 8 payroll platforms across 12 criteria, start with OnPay, Gusto, ADP, BambooHR, and QuickBooks Payroll. OnPay is our top pick at 4.5/5 with transparent pricing at $40 plus $6 per person, unlimited payroll runs, and strong contractor and 1099 handling. Gusto scores 4.4/5 at the same price point and is the easiest payroll UI we tested, with automated federal, state, and local tax filing and built in benefits administration. ADP at 4.3/5 is strongest for larger businesses and multi state complexity with dedicated specialist support on higher tiers. BambooHR at 4.2/5 is a strong fit when HR integration is your priority. QuickBooks Payroll at 4.1/5 is a natural choice for teams already on QuickBooks accounting. Pricing verified April 16, 2026.

Question 2

Does payroll software automatically file taxes?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the platform and plan. In our tested list, OnPay, Gusto, and ADP offer full service automated federal, state, and local filing in standard plans. BambooHR supports tax filing as an add on. QuickBooks Payroll supports automated filing on supported plans, not all tiers. Zoho and Patriot can be self service depending on plan, and Patriot also offers a full service upgrade. If automatic filing is required from day one, OnPay and Gusto offer the clearest included coverage at SMB pricing.

Question 3

How much does payroll software cost for a 10-person team?

Accepted Answer

Using verified April 2026 pricing, OnPay and Gusto both total about $100 per month at 10 employees using $40 base plus $6 per employee. QuickBooks Payroll is about $95 per month at $45 base plus $5 per employee. Patriot Software is about $57 per month at $17 base plus $4 per employee on self service tax plans, with higher pricing for full service filing. Zoho starts from $19 per month but varies by region and plan. ADP and BambooHR are quote based and usually cost more for higher compliance and enterprise depth. For most 10 person SMB teams, OnPay or Gusto provide the best balance of price, features, and compliance support.

Question 4

Can payroll platforms handle contractors and 1099 filings?

Accepted Answer

Yes on many plans. OnPay and Gusto highlight contractor and 1099 workflows in our review data. ADP supports contractor complexity for larger organizations. Patriot and Rippling also support contractor payments depending on configuration. Always confirm year end filing and state rules on the exact plan you buy.

Question 5

How does Rippling compare with OnPay or Gusto for payroll?

Accepted Answer

Rippling bundles payroll with broader HR and IT automation and prices per user plus modules. OnPay and Gusto stay focused on straightforward SMB payroll with predictable base plus per employee pricing. Pick Rippling when payroll must sync with device and app provisioning. Pick OnPay or Gusto when payroll and tax filing are the primary purchase.

Platform	Score	Starting Price	Tax Filing	Contractor Support	Time Tracking
ADP	4.3/5	Custom quote	✓ Full-service		Add-on
Remote	4.5/5	$29/employee/mo	✓ Global
Zoho	4.1/5	From $19/mo			Limited
BambooHR	4.2/5	Custom quote	✓ (add-on)		Add-on
OnPay	4.5/5	$40 + $6/person	✓ Full-service
QuickBooks Payroll	4.1/5	$45 + $5/user		Limited
Gusto	4.4/5	$40 + $6/person	✓ Full-service		Add-on
Rippling	4.3/5	$8/user/mo

Best Payroll Software for Small Business (2026)

Quick verdict

Our top picks for 2026

ADP

Pros

Cons

Remote

Pros

Cons

Zoho

Pros

Cons

BambooHR

Pros

Cons

OnPay

Pros

Cons

QuickBooks

Pros

Cons

Gusto

Pros

Cons

Rippling

Pros

Cons

Deel

Pros

Cons

Papaya Global

Pros

Cons

Buddy Punch

Pros

Cons

Full comparison table

Frequently asked questions