I’m going to talk about a few popular payroll solutions. But first, let’s discuss the basics of running a payroll service. In general, a payroll is used as a system that records all the employees of a firm or business, as well as their payroll information regarding the amount they have been paid.
A good solution can help your company track data on dependents and tax withholdings for your employees so you can pay them correctly on time thus avoiding any legal issues.
Rippling
Rippling is an end-to-end solution that goes beyond payroll operations and also provides solutions for the human resource processes of small and medium-sized businesses. With this platform, users can sync data from other employee management systems to automate data input and ensure that each employee is getting accurate pay as promptly as possible. It even comes with reporting options that allow HR teams to track compensation trends. Moreover, as it is not limited to payroll functionalities, Rippling can be used to onboard new hires as it can be used to quickly set up payroll, health insurance, as well as apps that they need for their tasks. It even comes with task management tools, custom alerts, as well as a built-in unified employee database. In case you feel these tools aren’t enough, the platform has open API capabilities and native integrations with over 500 third-party applications so you can extend its functions as needed.
For pricing, the vendor offers a quote-based plan that starts at $8 per user per month. To get a custom subscription, be sure to get in touch with Rippling’s representatives.
In addition to the abovementioned, Rippling also comes with native mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. This way, users can easily access their payroll and IT operations even when they’re on the go.
What is unique about Rippling?
- No-fuss payroll and benefits management. Rippling is designed to accelerate and simplify compensation management. With this platform, you can automatically reconcile HR data with the payroll system for accurate calculations and timely distribution. It can also keep tabs on benefits and manage health insurance so you can be sure that no employee gets unpaid or underpaid.
- Custom employee data reporting. This HR and payroll solution has robust employee data reporting functionalities that let you get a granular view of key business performance metrics. Using this, payroll teams can check compensation trends, IT teams can monitor productivity issues, and HR teams can monitor employee turnover levels as well as overall employee performance. What is more, these custom reports and graphs can be generated depending on a company’s specific needs.
- Electronic document management. Perhaps among the most unique functionalities of this platform is that Rippling comes with a built-in document management system. This allows HR teams to collect online signatures on important company documents or government forms instantaneously. With this, you can roll out a completely paperless process within your team. What is more, the platform comes with enterprise-grade security so you can rest assured that all your sensitive documents are protected at all times.
- Seamless integrations. Rippling can integrate with over 500 third-party applications which include popular platforms like Slack, GSuite, Asana, TSheets, and PayPal, to name a few. This allows you to simplify data import/export and also streamline your workflows. What is more, the platform comes with open API so you can easily extend the functionalities of the solution.
Detailed Rippling Review
Paychex is the best payroll company for growth
4.0
- Starting at $39.00/mo. + $5.00/payee/mo.
Automatic payroll tax administration (additional fee may apply)
Workers compensation and health insurance add-ons (additional fee applies)
Direct deposit, check, and debit card payment options
Data as of 11/5/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Does your business need thorough HR assistance without full-on HR outsourcing? Paychex Flex combines cloud-based payroll management and human resources software for small and midsize businesses that want thorough, affordable HR management.
All Paychex payroll programs include new-hire state reporting, payroll tax filing, and an employee financial wellness program. And with three customizable packages, Paychex is one of the most scalable payroll options on our list. Growing businesses won’t have to look elsewhere for plans that support additional employees—growth is built into Paychex’s model.
Paychex’s payroll app for employers
If you frequently run payroll on the go, Paychex might be the best small-business payroll software for you. Only a few payroll providers offer employer-facing mobile payroll apps. Of the five or so that do, Paychex’s is easily the best: the Paychex Flex app has 4.8 stars (out of five) on Apple’s App Store and 4.3 on Google Play.2,3
Even though Paychex’s cheapest plan has a lower per-employee fee than Gusto, Paychex’s add-on fees can dramatically increase your monthly payroll costs. Unlike Gusto, OnPay, and QuickBooks Payroll, Paychex may charge additional fees for payroll tax administration, time and attendance software integration, accounting software integration, and workers comp and employee benefits administration. With all the extra fees, Paychex is better suited to midsize businesses that care more about built-in scalability than cost.ProsCombined HR and payroll plans
Affordable starting per-payee price
Customizable plans for growing businessesCons
Additional fees for payroll tax administration
Additional fees for third-party software integration
Pricier plans with limited pricing transparencyGet Started with PaychexRead Our Paychex Review
OnPay is the best payroll for new employers
Best for new employers with one employeeOnPay
4.0
- Starting at $36.00/mo. + $5.00/payee/mo.
Automatic payroll tax administration
Affordable insurance add-ons (in-house brokers)
Direct deposit, check, and debit card payment options
Data as of 11/5/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Like Gusto, OnPay is a straightforward payroll and HR program with a beautiful, easy-to-use platform. If you ask, OnPay can tailor its payroll services to your industry at no additional cost. And if you just hired your first employee and are still a little unclear on the payroll process, OnPay is a great fit. Its interface is extremely intuitive—but its experts also set up the software for free, then talk you through your first run.
OnPay further stands out from the crowd by offering key payroll services for free, namely automatic tax filing and end-of-year paperwork. Plus, thanks to its in-house team of insurance brokers, you pay just the premium with no integration fees.
While we love OnPay (as do its users), it’s not the best fit for businesses that want more perks and support as they grow. The base price ($36) and per-employee price ($4) never change—but neither do the features. If you’re hoping for scalable, comprehensive HR packages, you might consider Paychex or Gusto instead.ProsExtremely affordable full-service payroll
Comprehensive payroll tax administration at no additional cost
Solid employee benefits and insurance optionsCons
One plan only (limited scalability)Get Started with OnPayRead Our OnPay Review
ADP is the best payroll + HR provider
Best payroll with HR add-onsADP
3.5
- Starting price: Contact for quote
Automatic payroll tax administration (additional fee for some services)
Workers compensation and health insurance add-ons (additional fee)
Direct deposit, check, and debit card payment options
ADP is the biggest name in the world of PEOs, or professional employer organizations. But if your business isn’t big enough to warrant a PEO, RUN Powered by ADP distills ADP’s decades of HR expertise into an easy online payroll service with thorough HR add-ons.
All of ADP’s payroll system plans include direct deposit, automatic payroll tax filing, and W-2 submissions. It also goes heavy on the HR help. Even the cheapest plan, Core Payroll, includes HR perks like employee onboarding, health care compliance forms, and a regular HR checkup. And if you want more than the HR basics to support your growing team, ADP’s more expensive plans include employee background checks, ZipRecruiter assistance, and dedicated HR assistance.
In contrast to Gusto, OnPay, and QuickBooks Payroll, some of ADP’s basic payroll services cost extra, namely W-2 form filing. So how much does ADP payroll cost? Unfortunately, we don’t know, since ADP doesn’t list its payroll cost online. You have to contact the company directly to get a quote—useful if you want to build a custom package, but less useful if you’d rather not deal with a pushy sales rep.ProsDedicated HR and payroll assistance
Multiple customizable plans
Heavy focus on human resources supportCons
Additional fee for payroll tax administration
Additional fee for insurance add-ons
No transparent pricingGet Started with ADPRead Our ADP Review
Conclusion
Small Payroll Solutions are perfect for smaller businesses which are in need of basic payroll functions. Payroll solutions for small businesses are important because you will want to offer the best benefits package available in order to attract top talent in today’s market.