We evaluated 8 payroll platforms on tax compliance accuracy, onboarding speed, contractor handling, and HR/accounting integration depth. For quick shortlisting, start with ADP, Zoho, BambooHR, OnPay, and QuickBooks. We still include earlier top options like Gusto below so you can compare both modern picks and proven incumbents.
Marcus Rivera
Payroll & HR Software Lead · ex-ADP implementation specialist
Last reviewed: April 16, 2026 · Fact-checked by: James Liu
How we test →OnPay is our top practical pick for SMB payroll value, while ADP remains the strongest enterprise compliance option. QuickBooks Payroll is a natural fit for teams already using QuickBooks accounting.
Ranked by expert score across 12 criteria. All pricing verified April 16, 2026.
Best for time tracking + payroll for small businesses
out of 5
All platforms side by side. Pricing verified April 16, 2026.
| Platform | Score | Starting Price | Tax Filing | Contractor Support | Time Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADP | 4.3/5 | Custom quote | ✓ Full-service | Add-on | |
| 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 |
Answered by Marcus Rivera, Payroll & HR Software Lead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.