ADP can be complicated, and some may prefer a solution with clearer pricing. If ADP’s not the right fit for you, here are the platform’s best alternatives.
ADP is a household name in payroll software. However, many small and midsize businesses find the title’s pricing or features excessive. Thankfully, there are abundant alluring alternatives, each tailored to diverse business goals.
Let’s discover some of the other best payroll software available.
Every payroll solution targets different needs. Here’s a side-by-side rundown of our top software picks:
| Starting price | International payroll | Human resource functions | PEO services | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADP | Custom | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Gusto | $49 + $6 per employee | No | Yes | No | |
| Rippling | $8 per employee | Yes | Add-on | Yes | |
| Papaya Global | Custom | Yes | Limited | Yes | |
| QuickBooks Workforce | $50 per month + $6.50 per employee monthly | No | No | No | |
| Paycor | Custom | Yes | Yes | No | |
| OnPay | $49 + $6 per employee | No | Yes | No | |
| Paychex | Custom | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Square | $6 per employee | No | Yes | No |
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll solution with comprehensive features tailored to small businesses. The platform makes cutting paychecks a breeze with transparent pricing, intuitive design and robust perks like automated tax filing.
Perhaps most importantly, Gusto’s pride and joy is its attractive, easy-to-use interface. Anyone can point and click their way around without hassle. This simplicity is the opposite of ADP, which mandates a steep learning curve.
Gusto’s intuitive look and feel are perfect for small businesses needing efficient payroll processing and well-rounded benefits management. The platform automates crucial tasks like tax filing to keep things easy. It also includes HR tools like onboarding and benefits administration.
For more information, read the full Gusto review.
There are three subscription tiers available, plus an independent contractor-only plan:
Get a one-month free discount on your invoice after you subscribe and run your first payroll with Gusto. Other terms and conditions apply.
Visit Gusto
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Unlike Gusto, Rippling is built for scalability. You can start with the basics and later tack on accounting, international support in over 160 countries and performance management, among other extensions.
The title is particularly well-suited for technology-centric organizations. That’s because it also provides rich IT management tools. You can keep track of every electronic device and software license in house. Plus, this data syncs with other tools. So, it can automatically issue a new hire a laptop the moment HR inputs their details, for example.
Rippling is perfect for growing businesses due to its modular structure. Companies can start with payroll and HR, then gradually expand to IT and workforce management.
For more information, read the full Rippling review.
Visit Rippling
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As the name implies, Papaya Global specializes in international payroll. This focus makes it the top choice for companies managing a global workforce.
The title offers payroll services in over 160 countries. Plus, thanks to its rich analytics, you can instantly see a live bird’s eye view of your worldwide operations.
And don’t worry if you have yet to build a team overseas. Papaya Global offers employer of record (EOR) services to handle everything for you.
Papaya Global stands out for its exceptional global payroll services, offering a legally compliant and simplified solution worldwide.
For more information, read the full Papaya Global review.
Visit Papaya Global
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If you’re an Intuit aficionado, then QuickBooks Workforce is a perfect match. That’s because the title seamlessly integrates with the company’s famous accounting software. In fact, you can purchase a Payroll subscription right inside QuickBooks Online. No need to wrestle with a sales agent or an unfamiliar interface.
Aside from its native connection to other Intuit titles, this ADP alternative is excellent on its own. The title boasts full-service payroll and rich analytics. Plus, your staff will love the complete benefits packages and self-service functions the platform manages.
QuickBooks Workforce is ideal for existing users of the namesake accounting software thanks to its native integration and simple setup. This link enables businesses to manage finances and payroll on a single platform.
For more information, read the full QuickBooks Workforce review.
Visit QuickBooks Workforce
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Paycor is known for its customizable payroll and HR solutions, allowing businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
As a human capital management (HCM) solution, you can choose from a broad array of solutions. These offerings include employee-facing perks, tax compliance consulting and accounting functions, among other non-payroll add-ons. Whereas ADP includes everything and charges accordingly, Paycor focuses more on letting you call the shots.
Paycor is ideal for businesses that require a tailored solution, offering flexible configurations and comprehensive payroll management.
For more information, read the full Paycor review.
Visit Paycor
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OnPay is our top choice for businesses craving user-friendliness without sacrificing functionality in their payroll system. The ADP alternative is prized for its intuitive interface and straightforward setup. It makes managing payroll, benefits and employee records doable without an administrative background.
The platform serves a wide range of industries. This list includes agriculture, food service and nonprofit organizations. So, whether you’re a chef, farmer or something else, you’ll nab a platform that understands your needs.
OnPay is superb for small businesses seeking a simple, budget-friendly payroll solution that’s still complete with comprehensive features like benefits administration and automated tax filing.
For more information, read the full OnPay review.
Visit OnPay
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If you need raw administrative power akin to ADP, then Paychex is your best bet. To start, it provides comprehensive payroll and HR services, covering almost every need and situation. You won’t feel underserved, regardless of your business’s stage of growth.
The title goes further with its personalized consulting and outsourced services. You can work one-on-one with a U.S.-based human resources professional to learn how to tackle any concern. And if you need more day-to-day help than resources allow, Paychex’s professional employer organization (PEO) offering can handle tasks for you.
Paychex stands out for its extensive HR features, covering everything from hiring to firing. Its full-service perks take things to the next level.
For more information, read the full Paychex review.
Visit Paychex
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Our star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Square Payroll offers complete integration with the Square ecosystem, including Square Team Management. Businesses can access and import timecards from Square POS or the Square Team App to calculate accruals and track PTO balance.
Not only can users import timesheets but also calculate tips and have them ready for the next payroll run. Being able to sync all Square products in one place allows for major visibility into your labor costs and full-scale reporting.
If you’re already using Square’s POS system or time tracking and need a simple payroll platform, it makes sense to consider Square Payroll for that easy integration. The pricing is transparent and there are also optional add-ons such as workers’ compensation, health insurance administration and employee handbook builder. If you’re wanting a more scalable tool or advanced features, ADP continues to be a popular alternative.
For more insight, head over to the full Square Payroll review.
Square Payroll offers two plans, a full-service payroll and a contractor-only payroll.
Visit Square
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Indeed, ADP is highly regarded for its comprehensive payroll and HR services. But some small to midsize businesses might consider alternatives for several reasons:
We carefully researched each alternative’s overall value for money, scalability, ease of use, international support and comprehensiveness. We also compared brands to ADP to determine differences and similarities, among other considerations.
Ian is a content writer for TechnologyAdvice.
