Our take, in brief
Gusto is worth a look for payroll connected to benefits and HR. Compare OnPay if multi-state filing matters at the entry level, and Patriot Full Service if keeping recurring costs down is the priority.
Compare at a glance
| Option & fit | Price snapshot | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| GustoPayroll with room for benefits and HR | $49/mo + $6/person on Simple | Simple covers one state; multi-state payroll is on Plus or Premium. |
| OnPayMulti-state payroll at the entry level | $49/mo + $6/worker | Additional HR or time tools can change your total. |
| Patriot Full ServiceCost-conscious teams with straightforward payroll | $37/mo + $5/paid worker | Each additional state adds $12/month; Basic does not handle tax filing. |
USD unless noted. Annual prices are monthly equivalents paid upfront; products have different scopes. On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.
A closer look at your options
Shown by use case, not ranked by score. No star ratings or performance tests.
Gusto
Simple includes payroll tax filings and payments. Plus is $80/month plus $12/person and adds multi-state payroll, time tracking and scheduling. For five paid people, Simple is $79/month; Plus is $140/month before add-ons. Benefits premiums and some services cost extra.
Unlimited payroll runs and tax filings.
Simple covers one state; multi-state payroll is on Plus or Premium.
Official sources: Gusto plans and pricing
Affiliate / referral link · Terms and eligibility apply.
OnPay
OnPay lists unlimited pay runs, multiple pay schedules and free setup and employee-data migration. Its payroll page includes paying workers in all 50 states without an extra state fee. For five workers, the published payroll base and per-worker price total $79/month. Get a quote for the particular HR features you need.
Federal, state and local filings, with all-state coverage.
Additional HR or time tools can change your total.
Official sources: OnPay full-service payroll and pricing
Ordinary vendor link · No affiliate tracking added by SmartBizGear.
Patriot Full Service
Use the regular price when budgeting, not the introductory promotion. Five workers cost $62/month on Full Service, before add-ons or additional states. Basic starts at $17/month plus $4/paid worker, but leaves tax filing with you. Time & Attendance and HR are separate add-ons.
Tax deposits and filings included in Full Service.
Each additional state adds $12/month; Basic does not handle tax filing.
Official sources: Patriot payroll pricing
Ordinary vendor link · No affiliate tracking added by SmartBizGear.
Decide what you actually need
Write down every state in which employees work, how often you pay them, whether anyone earns tips or overtime, and which benefits need to flow into payroll. Ask each provider to demonstrate your actual pay scenario. A base plan that looks cheaper can cost more after time tracking, extra states and support upgrades.
For a mixed employee-and-contractor team, check how each type is billed and whether year-end forms are included. A payroll system does not determine whether someone is legally a contractor.
Plan the switch around a clean payroll period
Before moving, reconcile year-to-date wages and tax deposits with your accountant, confirm agency account numbers, and keep copies of old filings. Ask who handles any outstanding tax notices and when the first direct deposit can run. Keep access to your previous records.
Questions to ask before signing up
- Are every state and local jurisdiction we need supported?
- What is the funding deadline, and what happens if a bank holiday intervenes?
- What will the bill be at our expected headcount six months from now?
- Who corrects a filing error, and what does the service guarantee actually cover?
This is software research, not tax, legal or employment advice. The employer still needs to supply accurate records and monitor compliance.
Sources & research notes
Official vendor pages checked November 10, 2026. Prices and features are snapshots, not live quotes. Confirm location, currency, billing term, taxes, fees and eligibility with the provider.
No paid test accounts were used. We have not independently verified vendor performance claims. Our method →