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Expert Picks

Best Payroll Software 2026

Payroll processing is non-negotiable—errors cost money and morale. The right tool handles tax compliance, direct deposit, and deductions without eating your team's time. Choose based on company size and geography: ADP Run and Paychex dominate the traditional US market, Gusto and Homebase scale better for small businesses, while Deel and Papaya Global are essential if you have remote or international workers.

  1. 1
    Best Overall

    ADP Run

    by ADP

    $59

    /mo

    Trusted payroll processing and HR tools from the industry leader.

  2. 2
    Runner-Up

    Deel

    by Deel

    $49

    /mo

    Hire and pay anyone, anywhere — EOR, contractors, and global payroll.

  3. 3
    #3

    Gusto

    by Gusto

    $40

    /mo

    Full-service payroll and HR platform built for small businesses.

  4. 4
    #4Free tier

    Homebase

    by Homebase

    $0

    /mo

    Free scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for hourly and shift workers.

  5. 5
    #5

    Papaya Global

    by Papaya Global

    $25

    /employee/mo

    Enterprise-grade global payroll and workforce management platform.

  6. 6
    #6

    Paychex

    by Paychex

    $39

    /mo

    Full-suite US payroll, HR, and benefits from a legacy payroll provider.

  7. 7
    #7

    Paylocity

    by Paylocity

    $15

    /employee/mo

    Modern US payroll and HCM platform with strong employee engagement tools.

  8. 8
    #8

    Remote

    by Remote Technology

    $29

    /mo

    Global EOR and contractor payments with zero entity requirements abroad.

  9. 9
    #9

    Rippling

    by Rippling

    $8

    /user/mo

    HR, IT, and payroll unified — onboard employees and provision apps at once.

  10. 10
    #10

    Workday

    by Workday

    $100

    /employee/yr

    Enterprise HCM and financial management platform for large organizations.

Final Thoughts

For most small to mid-market US companies, Gusto wins on simplicity and price. If you're global, Deel is the only real choice for EOR and contractor payment simplicity.