Top 8 Best Online Payroll Services Reviewed in 2019

With a recently redesigned user interface, Gusto boats the most visually appealing full-service platform on our list. They’ve made running payroll feel less like a chore by utilizing friendly pastel color palettes and cute animal iconography. The experience is similar to that which users are accustomed to when navigating their own web activity, forgoing stuffy data-entry pages and fine print for clean negative space and customized service. Directives are clearly labeled to avoid confusion. Batch data transfer makes it easy when you switch over from your old payroll service.

At the top level, businesses unlock valuable HR concierge for all users. This can be a good option for growing mid-size operations with data and people to manage but lacking the budgetary allocation for full-fledged HR and internal system support departments. Far-reaching businesses may look elsewhere, as Gusto does not support international payroll and lacks benefits coverage in many states.

Additional functions:

• Payroll
• Benefits
• HR Tools
• HR Services
• Time and Attendance

Justworks is a fresh internet-born brand in the payroll industry. Like Gusto, it nails current best practices in usability and aesthetic. More conservative in their breadth of service, Justworks focuses on providing clean payroll processing and best-in-class 24/7 support to their growing customer list. That round-the-clock support is their calling card, with a modern live chat to secure immediate assistance as long as there’s an internet connection available. Justworks, too, offers a variety of supporting services, although more limited in scope than those packaged by competitors. Pricing structures are transparent and easily understood. It’s not too fancy; it just works.

Additional functions:

• Time and Attendance
• Benefits Enrollment
• HR Support

The three-letter moniker has always been a popular choice in the service and utility industry. Thus, ADP is a commonly recognized name, even if some would struggle to pinpoint their exact offering. No electricity, water, or gas, here— ADP’s specialty is payroll. They’ve earned distinction on our list as the most commonly used platform, a benefit that facilitates growth and enables a smooth transition of back-end responsibilities.

Each service plan breaks down into specific packages for optimal fit and function. Available in-depth enterprise services include background checks, job postings, talent management, and insurance administration. Pricing is based on addressed needs, the number of employees, and frequency of payroll— on top of a flat monthly fee for arranged ongoing services.

Available functions:

• Payroll
• HR Tools
• Time and Attendance
• Benefits Administration
• Retirement
• Insurance
• Talent Management

TriNet’s services are specially designed for small to midsize businesses in need of robust internal processes to support their growth and attract talent. Payroll capability, though, is merely a side note in their marketing literature. They’ve elected to put the spotlight on people management, a piece of the puzzle they value greatly. For example, a trusted team of human resources professionals is made available to address any variety of talent-related inquiry, be it benefits or behavioral. Users also enjoy risk mitigation services to ensure compliance, expensing, and PTO functionality.

All of TriNet’s services are managed in the same digital ecosystem, making access and navigation easy on users. It’s also mobile-ready, with apps equipped to run on both Apple and Android devices.

Available functions:

• HR Expertise
• Payroll + HR Processes
• Access to Benefits
• Risk Mitigation
• Real-Time HR

Intuit is built for small businesses. Its nimble platform, available in four customizable packages, can be built to support an in-house finance operation or handle payroll tasks automatically. The key differentiator between each package is the level of involvement Intuit has in your bookkeeping. Intuit’s flexibility helps small businesses stay agile and focus on what they’re best at.

Smooth integration with Quickbooks accounting software ensures banking data remains accurate across systems, saving headaches along the way. It also supports W2s and 1099s, with the capability to easily add contractors and freelancers, as is common among upstart small businesses. A specially designed mini-reporting package is available for utilization by sole-proprietorship contractors themselves, an option not seen in any other payroll service we surveyed for this list.

Available functions:

• Payroll
• Accounting
• Time and Attendance

SurePayroll is another reputable payroll service aimed at the massive, and always growing, pool of American small businesses. It’s unique in that its service is broken down into specific types of business operation, from home contractors like babysitters and nannies to non-profits, churches, and restaurants, complete with requisite tip calculating tools. It’s a fantastically flexible product. They’re also known for strong US-based telephone support, available six days a week. Web-based support is available twenty-four hours a day.

Pricing, again, is not listed online, but reports and estimates show SurePayroll may be too heavy an investment for small businesses limited in capital. With this in mind, it still makes a powerful solution for users that fall into any of their specially-tailored business packages.

Available functions:

• Payroll
• Benefits and HR
• Nanny Payroll
• 401(K)
• Worker’s Comp
• Health Insurance
• Pre-employment Screening

Zenefits is a polished post-2000 enterprise software start-up growing quickly thanks to a company-wide focus on people. They’re another provider that puts most of their marketing energy toward HR platforms, from benefits down to financial and educational advisory services. These apps, paid for per active employee, can be selectively added in any account, giving management, or staff, a conscious choice as to who uses what. This highly-customizable approach is unique in the industry, and saves businesses from spending on features they don’t need for employees that won’t use them.

The versatility of Zenefits’ offering is further displayed in their diverse listing of current and former customers, including schools, healthcare providers, sports organizations, and many others in function-specific industries. The platform expectedly earns high marks for design and usability. It’s recognized as a beneficial ingredient to the overall efficiency of business management processes, saving time and money from slipping through the cracks.

Available functions:

• Payroll
• HR
• Benefits
• Compliance
• Time
• Mobile
• App Connect
• Performance Management