Best Payroll Software for startups

Ranked by AI-assistant recommendations, with a free tier and low entry price weighted up. We ask ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini and Copilot real buyer questions every hour and record which brands they name.

1. #1Gusto

   100% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   From:

   $35/mo

   Integrations listed:

   8

   Domestic contractor payments · 4 day pay · Form 1099 creation and filings

   Transparent pricing with no hidden fees · Unlimited payroll runs

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2. #2ADP

   96.8% AI citation rate(31 questions)
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3. #3Paychex

   83.9% AI citation rate(31 questions)
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4. #4Rippling

   71% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   Unified workforce directory · Global analytics & dashboards · Onboarding automation

   Easy to manage HR and IT in one platform · Customizable to fit business needs

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5. #5OnPay

   45.2% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   From:

   $49/month + $6/worker

   Integrations listed:

   8

   Direct deposit · Hiring and onboarding · Health insurance

   User-friendly interface · Excellent customer support

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6. #6Justworks

   12.9% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   From:

   $8/month/employee

   Payroll for all employees · HR tools · Expert support

   Transparent and simple pricing · 24/7 support

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7. #7Paylocity

   12.9% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   Integrations listed:

   8

   Automated payroll workflows · 24/7 self-service portal · AI-powered expense management

   Custom pricing based on needs · Wide range of HR features

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8. #8Paycom

   6.5% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   Beti® automated payroll · Employee self-service® · Background checks

   Custom pricing based on needs · No data syncing across vendors

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9. #9Square Payroll

   0% AI citation rate(31 questions)

   From:

   $35/month + $6/user/month

   Free tier:

   no

   Integrations listed:

   1

   Unlimited pay runs · No long-term contracts · Simple onboarding

   Full-service payroll options · Easy contractor payments

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10. #10QuickBooks Payroll

    0% AI citation rate(31 questions)

    From:

    $88 + $7/employee

    Integrations listed:

    5

    Full service payroll · Next-day direct deposit · 1099 E-File

    User-friendly interface · Comprehensive features

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