Bottom Line Up Front
- 🏆 Best Overall: Gusto is the hands-down winner for most SMBs. It's automated, easy to use, and reasonably priced.
- 📈 Best for Growing Teams: BambooHR adds powerful HRIS features like applicant tracking and performance management on top of payroll.
- 🏢 Best for Mid-Market: Rippling is incredible if you have 50+ employees and need deep IT integrations (computers, apps).
Payroll used to be a nightmare of spreadsheets, paper checks, and tax anxiety. Today, modern software handles 90% of the work automatically—filing taxes, paying employees via direct deposit, and even handling benefits.
But with so many options (Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Rippling, BambooHR, QuickBooks...), how do you choose? We broke down the top contenders based on ease of use, automation, and customer support.
Detailed Reviews of the Top Payroll Software
Gusto
Gusto isn't just payroll; it's a "people platform." It shines because it makes complex tasks feel simple. Running payroll takes about 3 clicks. Tax filings (federal, state, and local) are completely automated.
✅ The Good
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Automatic tax filing & payments
- Employee self-service portal is excellent
- Integrated benefits (health, 401k)
❌ The Not-So-Good
- No mobile app for admins (mobile web works though)
- Time tracking is extra on lower tiers
- Cost can add up for larger teams (>100)
Via our partner link
BambooHR
If you need more than just payroll—if you need to track applicants, manage performance reviews, and keep detailed employee records—BambooHR is the answer. Their payroll add-on (TRAXPayroll) is solid and integrates perfectly with the HRIS.
✅ The Good
- All-in-one HR platform (HRIS + ATS + Payroll)
- Beautiful, user-friendly interface
- Excellent reporting and analytics
- Great mobile app for everyone
❌ The Not-So-Good
- More expensive than standalone payroll tools
- Payroll is an add-on, not the core product
- Reporting can be limited on lower tiers
ADP Run
The giant of the industry. ADP Run is designed for small businesses but backed by ADP's massive infrastructure. It's reliable, compliant, and offers 24/7 support, but the interface feels dated compared to Gusto.
✅ The Good
- Extremely reliable and compliant
- 24/7 support available
- Huge marketplace of add-ons
- Scales easily to thousands of employees
❌ The Not-So-Good
- Interface feels clunky and old
- Pricing is opaque (you have to call)
- Sales tactics can be aggressive
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Gusto | BambooHR | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Most SMBs | Growing Teams (HRIS) | Established Biz |
| Starting Price | $40 + $6/mo | Custom | Custom |
| Auto Tax Filing | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Health Benefits | ✓ Integrated | Partner only | ✓ Integrated |
| Time Tracking | Add-on / Higher tier | Add-on | Add-on |
| Setup Speed | Fast (Days) | Medium (Weeks) | Slow (Weeks) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need payroll software? Can't I use Excel?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it. One tax filing mistake can cost you thousands in penalties. Payroll software like Gusto automates the filing for ~$50/mo. It's cheap insurance.
How long does it take to switch providers?
Switching is easier than you think. Most providers (especially Gusto) have "switch teams" that handle the data migration for free. Expect the process to take 2-4 weeks to be safe, but the actual work on your end is minimal.
What about contractors (1099s)?
Yes! Gusto and others handle contractor payments and automatically generate 1099-NEC forms at year-end. Gusto even has a contractor-only plan for $35/mo (no base fee for the first 6 months usually).