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Payroll · for Small business owners

Best Payroll Software for Small Business

Running payroll yourself means calculating withholding, depositing taxes on time and producing year-end forms without mistakes. Good payroll software automates most of that work and gives employees a place to find their pay stubs and tax documents.

Updated September 30, 2026 · 3 picks · selections are editorial and never sponsored

We compared small-business payroll tools using only information from each vendor's official pages. Our picks cover different needs: full-service tax filing with HR support, a low-touch option for owners who self-file, and a platform built to grow into broader HR.

How we chose

1 Tax filing responsibility

Whether the provider deposits and files federal, state and local payroll taxes, or leaves filing to you.

2 Payment options

How workers can be paid, such as direct deposit, pay cards or checks, and how fast deposits can go out.

3 Plan structure

Which features come on entry plans versus higher tiers or paid add-ons.

4 Employee self-service

Portals or apps where workers can see pay stubs, tax forms and update their details.

5 Integrations

Connections to accounting, time tracking, benefits and point-of-sale tools.

Picks at a glance

CriterionRUN Powered by ADPPatriot Software PayrollPaycor
PricingVerifyVerifyVerify
Editorial scoreNot yet scoredNot yet scoredNot yet scored

The picks

1

RUN Powered by ADP

ADP's payroll platform for businesses with 1 to 49 employees, with tax filing on every package and HR support on higher tiers.
Not yet scored

Why it fits small business owners

RUN Powered by ADP files payroll taxes on every package and lets small teams add hiring and HR help desk support as they grow, all within one system built for 1 to 49 employees.

Limitations to weigh

Pricing is quote-based, and time and attendance is an add-on.

Pricing
Pricing not yet verified
Last checked
not yet verified by our editors
Also good for
US businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk support
Visit RUN Powered by ADP Official vendor siteRUN Powered by ADP reviewRUN Powered by ADP alternatives
2

Patriot Software Payroll

Straightforward payroll with a choice between doing your own tax filings or letting Patriot file federal, state and local taxes for you.
Not yet scored

Why it fits small business owners

Patriot suits owners who want simple payroll and a choice between filing taxes themselves on Basic or having Patriot file federal, state and local taxes on Full Service.

Limitations to weigh

Same-day direct deposit is not supported, and garnishments are not remitted.

Pricing
Pricing not yet verified
Last checked
not yet verified by our editors
Also good for
Very small US businesses, Owners comfortable filing their own payroll taxes
Visit Patriot Software Payroll Official vendor sitePatriot Software Payroll reviewPatriot Software Payroll alternatives
3

Paycor

Payroll with automated tax filing, compliance alerts and a tiered path into HR, analytics and talent tools.
Not yet scored

Why it fits small business owners

Paycor pairs automated tax filing with compliance alerts, earned wage access and tiered HR tools, giving growing businesses room to expand without switching systems.

Limitations to weigh

Time, benefits administration and recruiting are optional add-ons on small-business plans.

Pricing
Pricing not yet verified
Last checked
not yet verified by our editors
Also good for
Growing businesses planning to add HR tools, Employers who want earned wage access for staff
Visit Paycor Official vendor sitePaycor reviewPaycor alternatives