Managing payroll can be one of the biggest challenges for small business owners. Between tracking employee hours, ensuring accurate tax calculations, and meeting compliance requirements, payroll can feel like an uphill battle. Every small mistake can lead to costly penalties, and manual processes often take valuable time away from running and growing your business. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by payroll responsibilities, you’re not alone.
At Lift HCM, we’ve worked with countless small businesses facing these exact challenges. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best payroll services for small businesses in 2025. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly option or a robust, full-service solution, we’ve got you covered.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- A detailed comparison of the top payroll services, including features, pricing, and support.
- Insights into which service best suits various business needs.
- Practical advice on selecting a payroll solution aligned with your goals.
Table of Contents
- 1. Gusto: Comprehensive Solution for Payroll & Benefits Management
- 2. OnPay: Affordable Payroll with Built-in Compliance
- 3. Paychex: Personalized Payroll with Advanced HR Tools
- 4. Rippling: Unified IT and Payroll for Tech-Savvy Companies
- 5. ADP Run: Scalable Solution for Growing Businesses
- 6. SurePayroll: Reliable and Affordable Payroll Option
- 7. Patriot: Simple, Budget-Friendly Solution
Why Payroll Services are a Game-Changer for Small Businesses
Payroll services streamline complex tasks, ensure compliance with ever-changing tax laws, and free up valuable time to focus on your core business. For small businesses, investing in payroll solutions is about gaining peace of mind and leaving compliance and calculations to the experts.
Top Payroll Services for Small Businesses in 2025
1. Gusto: Comprehensive Solution for Payroll & Benefits Management
Gusto offers a robust payroll solution tailored for small to mid-sized entities, encompassing benefits administration and HR tools.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution.
Key Features:
- Full-service payroll, including tax filing.
- Robust benefits administration.
- Integrated time tracking and PTO management.
- Employee self-service portal.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based platform, accessible on any device.
- User-friendly interface designed for small business owners.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, TSheets, Homebase, Asana, Slack.
Pricing:
- Simple Plan: $40/month + $6/employee.
- Plus Plan: $60/month + $9/employee.
- Premium Plan: Custom quote.
- Contractor Plan: $6/contractor per month.
Customer Support: Phone, email, and live chat, with priority support for higher-tier plans.
2. OnPay: Affordable Payroll with Built-in Compliance
OnPay simplifies payroll processes for small businesses with essential payroll features and HR compliance tools.
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses needing compliance features.
Key Features:
- Automated tax filing.
- Employee self-service capabilities.
- Workers' compensation tracking.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based, mobile-friendly platform.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Xero, TSheets, Deputy.
Pricing: $40/month + $6/employee.
Customer Support: Email, phone, live chat, and online help center.
3. Paychex: Personalized Payroll with Added HR Tools
Paychex is a software service for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. In addition to payroll, it provides a variety of HR tools, customizable user roles for tailored access, and integrations with time tracking, attendance management, and other business management systems.
Best for: Businesses requiring payroll with HR management capabilities.
Key Features:
- Full-service payroll with automated compliance.
- HR tools, including time tracking and benefits administration.
- Financial wellness programs for employees.
Technology and Software:
- Paychex Flex, a cloud-based solution.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Sage, BambooHR, JazzHR, TSheets, NetSuite.
- APIs for custom integrations.
Pricing:
- Flex Essentials: $39/month + $5/employee.
- Flex Select & Pro: Custom pricing based on features.
Customer Support: 24/7 phone support, dedicated account manager, and online resources.
4. Rippling: Unified IT and Payroll for Tech-Savvy Companies
Rippling merges payroll, HR, and IT into a single platform, which is ideal for varying business sizes with customization and automation.
Best for: Businesses needing payroll, HR, and IT management in one platform.
Key Features:
- Unified platform for payroll, HR, and IT.
- Extensive automation for admin tasks.
- Device and app management for seamless onboarding.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based platform with customizable workflows.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Slack, Google Workspace, Okta, Microsoft Azure.
- Developer APIs for custom integrations.
Pricing: Starts at $8/user per month (custom quotes available).
Customer Support: Phone, email, live chat, and knowledge resources.
5. ADP Run: Scalable Solution for Growing Small Businesses
ADP Run is designed for small businesses with under 50 employees. It offers a range of features, including payroll processing and HR tools, that can be customized to meet your business's needs. The platform also provides customer support to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.
Best for: Small businesses planning for growth.
Key Features:
- Flexible payroll scheduling.
- Mobile app for payroll management.
- Comprehensive compliance support.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based platform with advanced security features.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Xero, ZipRecruiter.
- Connections with over 700 insurance carriers and financial institutions.
Pricing: $79/month + $4/employee.
Customer Support: 24/7 expert support with HR advisory services.
6. SurePayroll: Reliable and Affordable Payroll Option
SurePayroll, a subsidiary of Paychex, is designed for small businesses and offers a suite of services to manage payroll processes. These include tax filings and payroll processing, along with optional features such as retirement plans and health insurance support, which may incur additional fees.
Best for: Small businesses seeking straightforward, low-cost payroll solutions.
Key Features:
- Tax filing and compliance management.
- Workers' compensation integration.
- Flexible payroll options.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based platform with mobile-friendly access.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreshBooks, ZohoBooks, Homebase, BuddyPunch.
Pricing: $29.99/month + $5/employee.
Customer Support: Phone, email, and live chat.
7. Patriot: Simple, Budget-Friendly Solution
Patriot Payroll is designed for small businesses looking for a simple, cost-effective payroll solution that integrates payroll, tax filing, HR, and accounting services. However, it lacks mobile support and international payroll capabilities.
Best for: Small businesses needing a low-cost, easy-to-use payroll system.
Key Features:
- Options for self-service or full-service payroll.
- Automated tax filing in the full-service plan.
- User-friendly setup and interface.
Technology and Software:
- Cloud-based platform with a simplified user experience.
Integrations:
- QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Time, GoCo, Plaid, Vestwell for Retirement Plans, WorkforceHub.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $17/month + $4/employee.
- Full-Service Plan: $37/month + $4/employee.
Customer Support: Phone, email, and online help center.
How to Choose the Best Payroll Service for Your Business
Choosing the right payroll provider requires careful consideration of your business size, budget, and unique needs. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Ease of Use: Opt for intuitive, user-friendly software.
- Scalability: Ensure the service grows with your business.
- Compliance Support: Verify the provider’s expertise in tax laws and regulations.
- Customer Support: Look for responsive, knowledgeable assistance.
Simplify Payroll and Focus on Growing Your Business with Lift HCM
At Lift HCM, we believe in transparent, personalized service. With over fifty years of experience, we know what small businesses need to stay compliant and grow. Our goal is to simplify your payroll management so that you can focus on what matters most—scaling your business. Reach out to Lift HCM today to discover how we can provide a tailored payroll and HR solution to support your unique needs.
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