Payroll is a critical function for any business, but it can be time-consuming and complex. Small businesses often struggle with managing payroll, especially when they have limited resources and expertise. Fortunately, there are several payroll software solutions available that can help small businesses streamline their payroll processes, save time, and reduce errors. In this article, we'll explore the top 5 payroll software for small businesses in 2024 and how they can accelerate growth.
We evaluated several payroll software options based on their features, ease of use, pricing, and customer reviews. The following are our top picks for small businesses looking to simplify their payroll operations and focus on growing their business.
1. ezPaycheck
Rating: 4.8/5
Overview
We firmly believe ezPaycheck is the best all-around payroll software for small businesses looking for complete functionality while operating on a budget. As most small businesses have payroll managed by the owner or a single employee, ezPaycheck is the perfect solution for those seeking simple and easy-to-use payroll software.
ezPaycheck is ideal for cost-conscious small businesses seeking user-friendly payroll software. It allows you to process payroll, print checks, and generate reports with ease. The software is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for small business owners to manage their payroll without prior experience.
Learn more about ezPaycheck here
Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Print checks and pay stubs
- Support for companies, non-profits, government, and churches
- Generate reports
- Supports multiple pay rates and pay schedules
- Handles deductions and contributions
- Supports multiple state and federal tax rates
- Free customer support
- 30-day free trial
- Supports forms: W-2, W-3, 940, 941, 943
Strengths
- Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing
- Free customer support with good response times
- 30-day free trial
- Supports multiple state and federal tax rates
- Handles deductions and contributions
- Supports multiple pay rates and pay schedules
- Good online documentation
Weaknesses
- Does not support direct deposit
- Older interface compared to other payroll software
2. QuickBooks
Rating: 4.2/5
Overview
QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that also offers payroll services. It is a comprehensive solution that allows you to manage your finances, track expenses, and process payroll all in one place. QuickBooks is ideal for small businesses that are looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their finances and payroll.
However, the software itself has a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for new users. It is best suited for businesses that have some experience with accounting software and are looking for a more advanced solution.
If your company has a team of accountants or bookkeepers, QuickBooks is a great choice for managing your payroll and finances, especially if cost is not a concern when managing payroll.
Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit
- Complete accounting tax support
- Integrates well with TurboTax
- Supports multiple pay rates and pay schedules
Strengths
- Comprehensive accounting and payroll solution
- Direct deposit support
- Integrates well with TurboTax
- Supports multiple pay rates and pay schedules
- Good for professional accountants and bookkeepers
Weaknesses
- Very expensive pricing
- Steep learning curve
- Operates online only unless paying higher premiums
- Sometimes confusing UI
- Limited customer support
- Not ideal for small businesses with limited resources
3. Gusto
Rating: 3.8/5
Overview
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll software company designed for medium and larger businesses. It is a comprehensive solution that allows you to manage your payroll, benefits, and HR all in one place. Gusto is ideal for businesses that are looking for a more advanced solution to manage their payroll and HR functions.
However, Gusto is not ideal for small businesses with limited resources and expertise. The software itself is more complex and requires some experience with payroll and HR functions. It is best suited for businesses that have a dedicated HR team or are looking to outsource their payroll and HR functions.
Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
- HR compliance support
Strengths
- Comprehensive payroll and HR solution
- Direct deposit support
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
- HR compliance support
Weaknesses
- Expensive pricing
- Complex software that requires some experience
- Not ideal for small businesses with limited resources
- Requires a dedicated HR team or outsourcing
4. ADP
Rating: 3.1/5
Overview
ADP is a well-known payroll software company that offers a wide range of payroll and HR solutions for businesses. It is a comprehensive solution that allows you to manage your payroll, benefits, and HR all in one place. ADP is ideal for businesses that are looking for a full-service payroll and HR solution.
We found the features incredibly complete and useful for managing multiple departments and employees working in different countries. It was especially helpful for coordinating with HR located in multiple regions. However, ADP is not ideal for small businesses with limited resources and expertise. The software itself is more complex and requires some experience with payroll and HR functions. It is best suited for businesses that have a dedicated HR team or are looking to outsource their payroll and HR functions.
Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
- HR compliance support
- Global payroll support
Strengths
- Comprehensive payroll and HR solution
- Direct deposit support
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
- HR compliance support
- Global payroll support
- Large enterprise focus
Weaknesses
- Expensive pricing
- Complex software that requires some experience
- Not ideal for small businesses with limited resources
- Requires a dedicated HR team or outsourcing
5. Workday
Rating: 3.1/5
Overview
Workday is a cloud-based payroll software company designed for medium and larger businesses. It is a comprehensive solution that allows you to manage your payroll, benefits, and HR all in one place. Workday is ideal for businesses that are looking for a more advanced solution to manage their payroll and HR functions.
When testing Workday, we found really useful features like the ability to manage multiple departments and employees working in different countries. Employees being able to request time off and manage their benefits was also a great feature.
However, setting up the software was complex and required a lot of time and resources. It is not ideal for small businesses with limited resources and expertise. The software itself is more complex and requires some experience with payroll and HR functions. For businesses with fewer than 20 employees, we found the features were overkill and the pricing was too high.
Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit
- Accounting tax support
- Employee self-service portal
- Vendor management
- Supply chain management
Strengths
- Comprehensive payroll and HR solution
- Direct deposit support makes payment easier
- Accounting tax support was helpful
- Employee self-service portal
- Former employee management
- Centralizes all HR functions
Weaknesses
- Expensive pricing
- Complex software that requires some experience
- Not ideal for small businesses with limited resources
- Hard for employees without prior HR experience
- Sometimes clunky UI
Conclusion
In conclusion, we found that ezPaycheck is the best payroll software for small businesses. It is affordable, easy to use, and has all the features that small businesses need to manage their payroll. QuickBooks is a good choice for businesses that are looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their finances and payroll. Gusto is ideal for businesses that are looking for a more advanced solution to manage their payroll and HR functions. ADP and Workday are best suited for medium and larger businesses that are looking for a comprehensive payroll and HR solution.
We hope this article has helped you find the best payroll software for your small business. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you find the best payroll software for your business.