Payroll Software, Compared Honestly
We build paycheck math for a living. These are the same comparisons we'd give a friend starting a business — verified 2026 pricing, no feature-list fluff, a clear pick per team size.
Gusto publishes its prices ($49 + $6/employee); ADP RUN makes you call sales. We compare real 2026 costs, tax filing, support and the fine print.
Neither ADP nor Paychex publishes prices. We compare reported 2026 costs, add-on traps, support changes and contract terms so you can negotiate either quote.
Gusto ($49 + $6) vs QuickBooks Payroll ($50 + $6.50 after July 2026): tax filing, next-day vs same-day pay, and when the QuickBooks ecosystem should decide.
QuickBooks Payroll costs $50–$134/month plus $6.50–$19 per employee after the July 2026 increase. What each tier includes, real totals by team size, and when Premium is worth it.
Gusto and OnPay both start near $49 + $6/employee in 2026 — but OnPay includes everything in one plan while Gusto gates features by tier. Which model fits your team?
For teams of 1–10, payroll should cost $60–$120/month all-in. We ranked Gusto, OnPay, QuickBooks, ADP and Paychex by what a 5-person team actually pays in 2026.
The contenders
Some providers may compensate us through partner programs at no cost to you. Compensation never changes a ranking — each page states the criteria its verdict follows.
Running payroll yourself? Get the 2026 tax guide
The federal brackets, FICA caps and filing dates your provider assumes you already know — in one PDF.
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