Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses
Automate taxes, pay yourself legally, and grow without the extra admin work.
Compare Our Top Payroll Picks
Complete your financial stack with these Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses that integrate seamlessly with modern payroll platforms.
- Full-service payroll for employees and contractors
- Built-in health benefits, PTO, and time tracking
- S-Corp compliant with automated filings
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero
- Built-in compliance across 150+ countries
- Localized contracts and tax documentation
- Handles foreign exchange and multi-currency payments
- Ideal for remote and distributed teams
- Best for QuickBooks Online users
- Fully integrated payroll, tax filing, and reporting
- Handles S-Corp compliance
- Fast setup for W-2s and 1099s
Payroll Software - service comparison
Three vetted options for fractional consultants and independent founders
| Gusto |
Most Popular
Deel
|
QuickBooks Payroll | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | |||
| Primary use case | All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR for small teams | Hiring and paying international contractors and employees | Businesses already using QuickBooks Online |
| Features | |||
| Full-service payroll | ✓ Employees and contractors | ✓ 150+ countries | ✓ W-2s and 1099s |
| Health benefits | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| PTO and time tracking | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| S-Corp compliance | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Automated tax filings | ✓ | ✓ Localized | ✓ |
| International payments | ✕ | ✓ Multi-currency | ✕ |
| Localized contracts | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| QuickBooks integration | ✓ QuickBooks and Xero | + Via integration | ✓ Native |
| Ideal For | |||
| Best for | Small teams needing full-service payroll, benefits, and HR in one place. | Remote and distributed teams paying contractors or employees across borders. | Existing QuickBooks users who want fully integrated payroll and reporting. |
| Affiliate links - no extra cost to you | Explore Gusto | Try Deel | Start with QuickBooks |
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Why a Modern Payroll Tool Matters
Running a successful consultancy or agency means keeping your focus on clients and not getting buried in paperwork. The Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses eliminate complexity, reduce risk, and help you scale with confidence.
What You Get with Modern Payroll Platforms
Everything you need to run payroll professionally, from onboarding to compliance, all in one integrated platform.
Preferred Partners
A curated list of platforms, tools, and services handpicked to help you run, grow, and scale your business more efficiently.
Ready to make payroll one less thing to worry about?
Explore Gusto, Deel, or QuickBooks Payroll to save time, stay compliant, and scale your business with confidence. Join thousands of successful consultants and agencies.
- Trusted by consultants and agencies
- 100% Compliant
- 5-min setup
