5 Best Payroll Apps

Payroll is a pain point for both employers and employees. This article will discuss the five best apps to help you manage your payroll from start to finish, regardless of size or industry.

The “payroll apps free” is a list of the 5 best payroll apps that are available for free. These apps can help you manage your personal finances and make sure you get paid on time.

5 Best Payroll Apps

Employers can handle payroll straight from their smartphones or tablets with the finest payroll applications. The majority are free to download, but you must pay membership fees to utilize the program. Some mobile payroll programs don’t allow you to e-file payroll taxes, while others provide full-service capabilities, allowing you to administer payroll, pay workers and taxes, and approve time all via the app.

To identify the best payroll applications for small companies, we looked at 11 different options before narrowing it down to our top five picks.

  • Payroll in QuickBooks is the best small company payroll software.
  • Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay is ideal for restaurants and retail stores that use Square POS and need to pay employees quickly.
  • Paychex is the best option for solopreneurs and small enterprises who want flexible plans and professional payroll assistance.
  • ADP’s Roll is the best option for tech-savvy small company owners looking for a low-cost, chat-based mobile payroll application.
  • SurePayroll is ideal for small businesses with basic payroll needs (no major reporting or customization requirements)

Would you prefer utilize a payroll solution with a mobile-responsive platform than download an app? Gusto is an excellent alternative since you can use the web browsers on iOS and Android smartphones to access the software (and pay workers). It has comparable features to the most of the payroll systems on our list, but your employees receive free access to the Gusto Wallet app, a financial wellness tool that helps your employees better manage their finances and gives them access to their money as they earn it.

Payroll in QuickBooks

5-Best-Credit-Card-Readers-for-Android-in-2021

7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 PROS

  • You may use a mobile app to run payroll and e-file payroll taxes.
  • Plans with unlimited and automatic pay runs at a reasonable price
  • Direct deposits are available the same day and the following day.
  • QuickBooks and QuickBooks Desktop are seamlessly integrated.

1633365214_511_7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 CONS

  • Employees do not have access to the applications; only the online self-service site provides information on salary and benefits.
  • Occasionally, there are issues with mobile apps.
  • Customer service that is inconsistent in quality

Total Points

4.13

OUT OF

5

CRITERIA FOR RATING Features exclusive to mobile apps 3.75 OUT OF 5
Features of Payroll 4.25 OUT OF 5
Pricing 5.00 OUT OF 5
User-friendliness 4.63 OUT OF 5
HR characteristics 4.38 OUT OF 5
Reporting 5.00 OUT OF 5
Popularity 3.75 OUT OF 5

The Payroll in QuickBooks app is ideal for small businesses, especially those that are existing QuickBooks users. With one click, you can access its payroll module directly through the QuickBooks accounting system—a favorite of many small businesses. This means that you don’t have to spend extra time importing and setting up your chart of accounts as you do with outside providers.

Scoring 4.13 out of 5 in our evaluation, Payroll in QuickBooks earned ratings of 4 and up in nearly all of the criteria but scored the lowest (3.75) in popularity since its user reviews on third-party sites like G2 and Capterra average below 1,000. And, despite it having robust mobile payroll tools with e-payroll tax filing capabilities, it posted a 3.75 score in our mobile app functionalities criteria because of its app glitches and inconsistent in-app tech support. However, many users still find its mobile apps for iOS and Android devices easy and convenient to use, although there are a few reviewers who complained about having experienced poor customer support and App issues occur from time to time..

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With Payroll in QuickBooks, you can pay and file payroll taxes while on the go.

Payroll in QuickBooks offers solid payroll solutions for managing both employee and contractor payments. Check out our Payroll in QuickBooks review to learn more about its functionalities.

Payroll in QuickBooks Pricing

  • Mobile app: The app is free to download, but you have to sign up for a Payroll in QuickBooks plan to use it.
  • Software subscription fees: Payroll in QuickBooks has a Core plan ($45 plus $4 per employee monthly) that includes full-service payroll with automated federal and state tax calculations, payments, and filings. It also offers a Premium tier ($75 plus $8 per employee monthly) and an Elite package ($125 plus $10 per employee monthly) that comes with additional features, such as same-day direct deposits, time tracking, and workers’ compensation administration.
  • Additional costs: Using QuickBooks Accounting to integrate your payroll data might cost anything from $25 to $70 per month. Subscribers to the Core and Premium plans who need to file payroll taxes in more than one state must pay an extra $12 per month for each additional state. However, Elite plan members are exempt from the extra state filing fees.

Payroll in QuickBooks Standout Features

  • Mobile payroll processing made simple: Create, review, update, and perform limitless payrolls from your Android or iOS smartphone. You may even set up payroll to run automatically if all of your workers are paid by direct deposit and your first QuickBooks payroll went well.
  • Fast direct deposits: While the Core plan enables you to send employee compensation through Direct deposits the next day, the Premium and Elite levels provide same-day direct deposits. Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay is another option, particularly if you already have a Square Payments account, since it offers same-day direct transfers.
  • Complete tax compliance: Aside from automated federal and state tax calculations and year-end forms, you can electronically pay and file taxes directly from Payroll in QuickBooks’s mobile app. However, it doesn’t handle local tax payments and filings unless you subscribe to at least its Premium plan. If you want tax filing services that cover federal, state, and local taxes, then the other providers in this list are good alternatives.
  • Employee benefits: Small businesses can purchase medical, dental, and vision insurance through Payroll in QuickBooks’s partner, SimplyInsured. Flexible workers’ compensation is also available, including three 401(k) retirement plans (with monthly fees that start at $49 plus $8 per employee). For those looking for a financial wellness program, Paychex is a good option.
  • Payroll reports: Apart from the current pay period’s register, you can generate reports on past pay runs (up to one year’s worth of paycheck history) directly from the Payroll in QuickBooks app, including past and upcoming payroll tax details.
  • Expert support: For new users who require assistance getting Payroll in QuickBooks up and running, the provider has a guided payroll setup and experts who can help you stay compliant. It also offers 24/7 chat support and US-based phone support Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific time. However, if you need a dedicated payroll specialist, consider Paychex, as it assigns a payroll expert to act as a single point of contact to each of its clients.

Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay

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Best for Square POS-enabled retail stores and restaurants that need quick employee payments.

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  • Full-service payroll at an affordable price with unlimited pay runs
  • Direct deposits the next day and rapid payment alternatives are available.
  • The mobile app includes capabilities for managing timecards.
  • Square POS connection is seamless.

1633365214_511_7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 CONS

  • A Square Payments account is required for Direct deposits the next day and fast payments.
  • It takes four days to get a standard direct deposit (if without a Square Payments account)
  • Employers only; workers must download a separate app to see pay stubs and handle employee information.
  • App issues occur from time to time.

Total Points

3.91

OUT OF

5

CRITERIA FOR RATING Features exclusive to mobile apps 4.13 OUT OF 5
Features of Payroll 4.50 OUT OF 5
Pricing 4.00 OUT OF 5
User-friendliness 3.75 OUT OF 5
HR characteristics 3.75 OUT OF 5
Reporting 1.75 OUT OF 5
Popularity 2.50 OUT OF 5

The seamless integration between Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay and Square POS makes it easy for retail shops and restaurants to accept payments and track employees’ work hours from mobile devices. Those data are transferred directly to its payroll system that can even handle tip reporting. This is much simpler than signing up with a provider like Payroll in QuickBooks and having to research and install POS systems that manually integrate with it.

Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay earned an Total Points of 3.91 out of 5 in our evaluation. It got ratings of 3 and higher in nearly all of our criteria given its affordability, User-friendliness, efficient payroll tools, instant payment options (if you have a Square Payments account), and helpful HR characteristics (that include benefits and basic timekeeping). The criteria that it posted low scores on (2.5 and below) are reporting (standard reports are fewer than 60) and popularity (average user reviews online is below 500).

Note, also, that the Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay app is available only for employers. Your employees will have to download the Square Team App to check their pay stubs, view their hours worked, and access tax forms (W-2s and 1099s). This is unlike Follow ADP’s lead. and Paychex that offer a single app for both employers and employees. However, many users still appreciate its straightforward interface that makes mobile pay processing quick and easy. On the other hand, some users said that its app is glitchy and that its customer support isn’t always responsive.

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With just a click of a button, you can easily pay employees via the Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay app.

If you’re wondering whether Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay has all the pay processing tools you need, read our Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay review to help you gauge whether or not it fits your business’s requirements.

Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay Pricing

  • Mobile app: The Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay app is free to download, but you have to pay software subscription fees in order to use its features.
  • Software subscription fees: If you’re paying both employees and contractors, Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay’s pricing is $35 plus $5 per employee monthly. This includes full-service payroll, tax filings and payments, time tracking, and multiple pay options. However, if you’re only paying contractors, the rate is $5 per person monthly.

Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay Standout Features

  • Affordability: Compared to the other payroll app providers that we reviewed, Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay (behind Follow ADP’s lead.) has one of the cheapest plans at only $35 plus $5 per employee monthly.
  • Mobile payroll processing: Pay hourly and salaried employees, including contractors, via Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay’s mobile app (for Android and iOS). While you can run payroll as many times as you need, you can’t electronically file payroll taxes through the app like with Payroll in QuickBooks.
  • Multiple pay options with instant payments: Apart from manual checks (this requires a printer) and four-day direct deposits, you can pay employees instantly through Square’s Cash App or the next day via direct deposit—provided you have a Square Payments account. If you’re not a Square Payments user but want fast direct deposits, we recommend either Payroll in QuickBooks or Follow ADP’s lead. since both offer Direct deposits the next day as their standard timelines.
  • Complete tax compliance: Unlike Payroll in QuickBooks, Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay handles all payroll tax payments and filings for you. It also provides quarterly and annual tax forms, such as W-2s and 1099s.
  • Time tracking: With Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay’s time tracking feature, employees can clock in/out through the Square POS or the Square Team mobile app. Then, you can view and edit digital timecards through your Square dashboard. Other providers will require you to pay extra for time clock integrations (like SurePayroll) and time tracking tools (like Payroll in QuickBooks, but only for Core subscribers).
  • Employee benefit plans: The Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay app provides easy access to employee health insurance and retirement plans, including workers’ compensation. However, it lacks the financial wellness services that Paychex offers.
  • Square provides payroll knowledge to new subscribers who have switched payroll providers. A payroll professional can help you set up your system. You may also reach Square’s customer service staff via phone and email from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time on weekdays, and by live chat from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time on weekends.

Paychex

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Best for Solopreneurs and Growing Businesses Who Need Dedicated Payroll Support and Flexible Plans

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  • Payroll and HR plans that are flexible, including one for solopreneurs
  • For higher levels, there is a dedicated payroll professional who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • There are many payment methods available (i.e., paper checks, direct deposits, pay on-demand, and pay cards)

1633365214_511_7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 CONS

  • Pricing isn’t always straightforward.
  • The in-app tech assistance isn’t very helpful.
  • There is a little learning curve (due to robust features)

Total Points

3.69

OUT OF

5

CRITERIA FOR RATING Features exclusive to mobile apps 3.50 OUT OF 5
Features of Payroll 4.50 OUT OF 5
Pricing 2.00 OUT OF 5
User-friendliness 4.38 OUT OF 5
HR characteristics 5.00 OUT OF 5
Reporting 5.00 OUT OF 5
Popularity 2.50 OUT OF 5

Paychex’s flexible payroll and HR solutions are ideal for solopreneurs and growing organizations. If you need to provide competitive benefits or wish to outsource more of the HR and compliance function to a team rather than handling it yourself, you may start with Paychex Solo (for solopreneurs) and later migrate to Paychex Flex (and perhaps its PEO option).

Paychex’s mobile app is for its Paychex Flex product, and it provides functionality for both employers and workers, unlike the other suppliers on this list (excluding Follow ADP’s lead.). Employers may utilize the mobile app to view employee profiles, payslips, tax papers, and health insurance enrollment information in addition to handling payroll. Employees, on the other hand, may access their pay stubs, W-2s, PTO balances, health insurance benefit information, and more.

Paychex earned a 3.69 out of 5 on practically every criterion, with flawless grades in HR and reporting features (it has more than 60 canned reports). Because of its non-transparent costs and low number of average user evaluations online, it obtained the lowest marks in price and popularity. User response on its mobile applications is equally mixed—some reviewers stated it is easy to use, while others noted it is glitchy, crashes often, and loads slowly at times.

5-Best-Payroll-Apps

You can conduct payroll and provide workers access to benefits, payslips, and PTO information with the Paychex app.

Check out our evaluation of Paychex Flex, the company’s solution for companies with 10 to 49 workers, to learn more about Paychex’s features.

Paychex Charges

  • The Paychex mobile app is available for free download, but it needs a Paychex software subscription.
  • Paychex provides three full-service payroll solutions: Paychex Go ($39 + $5 per employee per month), Paychex Flex Select (custom-priced), and Paychex Flex Enterprise (custom-priced) (custom priced).
  • Payroll tax administration, Paychex’s time and attendance module, and accounting software connections are all additional charges. To get price information, you must contact the supplier.

Paychex’s Unique Selling Points

  • Paychex Flex is a mobile software for Android and iOS smartphones that allows you to review, adjust, and submit payroll for workers and contractors. You may simply restart payroll processing on your cellphones and tablets, even if you began on a desktop computer. This feature is not available in any of the payroll applications in this tutorial.
  • Paychex provides paper checks with check signature and stuffing services in addition to direct deposits and pay cards. It also offers a pay-on-demand function, which allows workers to receive their earned income prior to the next payment day.
  • Paychex’s payroll tax computations, payments, and filings for federal, state, and most local taxes are precise and efficient. It also generates W-2s and 1099s for your employees automatically. Paychex, unlike the other providers we looked at, can assist you in claiming tax credit incentives if your company qualifies.
  • Self-service tool for employees: Paychex Flex’s app has different permission settings for employees. This allows them to use the same mobile program to access and view their employee profiles, benefits information, retirement balances and contributions, pay stubs, and W-2s. Other providers (like SurePayroll and Payroll in QuickBooks) will require your employees to download a separate app to access this information.
  • Paychex is the only company in our list that offers more than 60 reports for analyzing your payroll data. The reports may also be customized.
  • Personal payroll support: Paychex’s higher levels provide you with a dedicated payroll specialist who can assist you with all of your tax and payroll processing requirements. You may also reach Paychex’s customer care staff via phone or through its live chat service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

Follow ADP’s lead.

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Best for tech-savvy business owners looking for a low-cost, chat-based payroll solution

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  • Unlimited pay runs and live chat assistance are included in this low-cost subscription.
  • Direct deposits the next day
  • A virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI) walks you through the payroll process and checks for errors in real time.
  • Free trial for three months

1633365214_511_7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 CONS

  • A slight learning curve is present (due to its chat-based commands)
  • Options for no benefits, accounting integrations, automatic 1099 tax filings, and live phone help are all available.
  • Reporting is restricted.
  • Wait times for chat assistance might be rather lengthy.

Total Points

3.30

OUT OF

5

CRITERIA FOR RATING Features exclusive to mobile apps 4.00 OUT OF 5
Features of Payroll 3.50 OUT OF 5
Pricing 4.00 OUT OF 5
User-friendliness 1.38 OUT OF 5
HR characteristics 2.25 OUT OF 5
Reporting 0.00 OUT OF 5
Popularity 2.50 OUT OF 5

Follow ADP’s lead. is the only mobile app in this guide that lets you run payroll and set up staff profiles online through chat commands. While its chat-based mobile system may take some getting used to, its smart in-app assistant can help guide you through its functionalities in addition to running error checks and sending proactive alerts. Plus it offers an affordably priced plan (cheapest on our list) that costs $17 per month + $5 per employee monthly. This makes it a good option for small businesses that require low-cost yet smart mobile payroll tools without all the bells and whistles of a cloud-based payroll software.

With an Total Points of 3.30 out of 5, Follow ADP’s lead. earned ratings of 3.5 and above in pricing, payroll tools, and mobile-app functionalities. It scored the lowest in reporting and User-friendliness because it has limited reports and customization options, lacks phone support and employee benefits plans, and doesn’t integrate with third-party solutions (as of this writing). You may need time adjusting to using its chat commands.

In terms of user feedback, those who left reviews on Google Play and the App Store said they appreciate its affordability and fast payroll runs. However, several are unhappy about the App issues occur from time to time. and long wait times for chat support.

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With Follow ADP’s lead., you simply need to type the chat command to run and submit your payroll.

Follow ADP’s lead. Pricing

  • Mobile app: The app is free to download, but you need a paid Follow ADP’s lead. subscription to use its payroll tools.
  • Subscription fees for software are $17 per month plus $5 per employee.

Follow ADP’s lead. Standout Features

  • Chat-based mobile payroll app: Follow ADP’s lead. is the first of its kind—you can set up employee profiles, add deductions, run payroll, and pay employees through direct deposits by using only chat commands on your mobile iOS and Android devices. It even has a scanner icon that lets you view its mobile platform on computer desktops and laptops.
  • Affordably-priced plan: For $17 per month + $5 per employee monthly, you get full service payroll with unlimited pay runs. If you need employee benefits, tip reporting, and integration options with QuickBooks Online and time tracking solutions, we recommend Square since Follow ADP’s lead. has none of these.
  • Next-day payments: What’s great about Follow ADP’s lead. is that it automatically provides Direct deposits the next day to its clients (even a same-day option if via manual check). This is comparable to Payroll in QuickBooks although QuickBooks’ same-day option includes direct deposit; you also have to subscribe to a premium plan to access it whereas Follow ADP’s lead. includes it under its one plan.
  • AI-powered assistant: Paychex may offer the services of a dedicated payroll specialist, but with Follow ADP’s lead., you get a smart in-app assistant that learns how you do payroll and automatically lines up your to-dos in advance. It sends automated alerts and even conducts error checks to make sure that your payroll is in line with your normal pay runs. In case you need to consult with a customer representative, Follow ADP’s lead. provides unlimited live chat support.

SurePayroll

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Small business owners with simple payroll needs will benefit the most from this software.

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  • Pricing that is both affordable and clear
  • The free trial period is two months long.
  • Support is available later in the week and on weekends.

1633365214_511_7-Best-Business-Security-Systems-in-2021 CONS

  • Fees for submitting various state taxes and software integrations (with limited options)
  • Employers and workers have their own applications.
  • The mobile app is buggy (freezes and crashes frequently)

Total Points

3.00

OUT OF

5

CRITERIA FOR RATING Features exclusive to mobile apps 2.63 OUT OF 5
Features of Payroll 4.25 OUT OF 5
Pricing 4.00 OUT OF 5
User-friendliness 3.63 OUT OF 5
HR characteristics 2.75 OUT OF 5
Reporting 1.75 OUT OF 5
Popularity 1.25 OUT OF 5

The SurePayroll app is designed for small businesses that need to run payroll without all of the extra features that Payroll in QuickBooks, Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay, and Paychex provide. It is also an affordable full-service provider, meaning it calculates and files your payroll taxes plus pays employees, but it charges extra if your business grows and expands to additional states. It even offers small businesses two months of free payroll service as of this writing, making it easy for you to try it out risk-free.

However, your staff will have to download an employee-specific SurePayroll app for viewing payslips, PTO balances, retirement deductions and contribution rates, and tax forms. If you prefer having only one app for both employers and employees, then try either Follow ADP’s lead. or Paychex.

In our evaluation of the best payroll apps, SurePayroll earned an Total Points of 3 out of 5. It posted ratings of 4 and up in pricing and payroll functionalities but received ratings of below 2 in reporting and popularity given its limited report options and the low number of average user reviews online (fewer than 500). Several users also complained about its “clunky” app that crashes most of the time. Other reviewers, on the other hand, like its user-friendly and intuitive interface.

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You may evaluate and submit payroll summaries for approval while on the move with SurePayroll.

Read our SurePayroll review to discover more about the DIY option and full-service payroll tier.

Pricing for SurePayroll

  • Mobile app: You can download the app for free, but you’ll need a SurePayroll software subscription to access the payroll features.
  • SurePayroll’s self-service option, which allows you to pay and submit federal and state payroll taxes on your own, costs $19.99 + $4 per employee every month. Meanwhile, the company’s full-service payroll option costs $29.99 a month plus $5 per employee.
  • Additional fees: Multistate filing ($9.99 per month), Ohio and/or Pennsylvania local service tax filing ($9.99 per month), accounting software integration ($4.99 per payroll), and time clock software integration ($9.99 per month) are all available for an additional fee.

Features that Set SurePayroll Apart

  • Payroll processing on the go: SurePayroll created a mobile app (for Android and iOS smartphones) with the same features as its web software. To handle pay for workers and contractors, you may set up an infinite number of automated pay runs. Actual hours worked, earnings, deductions, and hours for vacation and sick leave may all be entered straight into the app.
  • Flexible direct deposit pay options: SurePayroll’s full-service option allows you to pay workers by direct deposit the following or same day. If you fulfill SurePayroll’s submission requirements of 10:30 a.m. Central time for same-day direct deposits and 3 p.m. Central time the preceding business day for next-day payrolls, you may pick your payment timeframes.
  • Tax compliance: SurePayroll calculates payroll taxes automatically. If you get its full-service payroll plan, the provider also pays and files payroll taxes on your behalf—but you have to pay for Ohio and/or Pennsylvania local tax filings ($9.99 per month). For a more budget-friendly option, consider Paychex, Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay, and Follow ADP’s lead. since all three don’t charge extra for this.
  • Live customer support: SurePayroll has a US-based support team that you can contact six days a week (with extended weekday evening hours) either through email, phone, or live chat. However, it doesn’t have a smart in-app assistant that Follow ADP’s lead. does or the dedicated payroll specialist that Paychex provides.

App for Alternative Payroll

The five payroll applications we suggested may give you with all of the necessary features to handle employee pay on the move. Payroll Guru, on the other hand, is the app for employers that need to calculate the salary of a small workforce.

Payroll Guru, unlike the other mobile solutions listed in this tutorial, includes a free app called Paycheck Free. To utilize its online payroll and payroll tax calculation capabilities, you don’t need to buy a software subscription. It doesn’t manage payroll; it just calculates it, so if you need extra features (such hourly computations, pre- and post-tax deductions, numerous employee payroll profiles, and no in-app adverts), try the $4.99 Payroll Guru app.

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You may input the state where you work, and Payroll Guru will calculate the relevant income tax rates and limitations.

Payroll Guru’s free and subscription applications do not allow you to perform payroll directly. You may only use it to calculate your estimated compensation and payroll tax deductions. Many customers who submitted feedback on the App Store and Google Play said that they use the app mostly to estimate their take-home money.

Employers, on the other hand, may use the app’s features to compute payroll amounts if they don’t have a more efficient method. It’s advisable to utilize it just if you have less than five people, since it merely provides computations, which might be boring if you have a large staff.

Payroll Guru is a website dedicated to payroll management.

How We Selected the Most Effective Payroll Apps

We looked at pricing (software subscription fees and whether the app is free), User-friendliness, payroll functionalities, and HR characteristics—such as online onboarding, new hire reporting, and benefits administration. We rated each function on a 5-star scale designed to assess payroll apps.

Based on our evaluation criteria, Payroll in QuickBooks has the best payroll app for small employers. The software and its mobile app scored the highest according to our grading system, having received an Total Points of 4.13 out of 5. In addition to running payroll, you can remit staff wages via direct deposits and electronically pay and file payroll taxes (in all 50 states)—all from your mobile device.

Click through the sections in the box below to discover our complete assessment criteria for the top payroll applications.

50%

Features exclusive to mobile apps

50% of Total Points

Mobile solutions that allow employers to run payroll and e-file payroll taxes, including those that offer in-app tech support, received high marks. Extra points are also given to those that are free to download, can be accessed by both employers and employees, have positive mobile app reviews (average of 4+ stars), and provide paid-time-off (PTO) management and self-service tools—such as viewing payslips and managing employee data. Payroll in QuickBooks is great if you want payroll e-filing capabilities, while Follow ADP’s lead. is ideal for those who are comfortable using chat commands to run payroll.

15% of Total Points

Automatic payroll runs, payroll tax filing, 1099 form preparation, manual check capabilities, and two-day direct deposits are just some of the features that we looked for. Providers also get points if they can handle both employee and contractor payroll and offer manual checks, pay cards, and pay on-demand options. While all of the software we reviewed scored well here, we recommend Paychex if you want to provide employees with early access to earned wages and Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay for those that need multiple pay options with instant payments (through Square Payments and its Cash App).

10% of Total Points

Payroll providers that offer a plan that’s priced at less than $50 for one employee are rated more favorably. We also looked at whether or not each provider has transparent pricing, multiple plan options, and unlimited pay runs. Additional points were also given to those that don’t charge setup fees. Square Payroll is a payroll service that allows you to pay and Follow ADP’s lead. offer the lowest rates ($29 plus $5 per employee monthly), followed by SurePayroll ($29.99 plus $5 per employee monthly for its full-service option).

10% of Total Points

Aside from having a user-friendly, intuitive, and customizable platform, payroll software that integrates with common third-party systems (like QuickBooks, Homebase, and TSheets) are awarded extra points. We also prioritized providers that offer quick problem resolutions and live phone support. The only provider that posted a score of below 2 here is Follow ADP’s lead., mainly because it lacks live phone support, third-party software integrations, and customization options.

5% of Total Points

Having access to a professional who can provide expert advice on compliance issues is one of the top criteria, including new hire state reporting. Following closely behind these is the capability to provide online onboarding and employee benefits (like health insurance and workers’ compensation) that are available in all 50 states. Follow ADP’s lead. scored poorly here since it lacks benefits options, whereas SurePayroll got low marks because it doesn’t offer online onboarding tools.

5% of Total Points

Aside from having access to customizable reports, providers that have a robust selection of canned reports (more than 60) were rated favorably. Payroll in QuickBooks and Paychex received perfect marks here, while Follow ADP’s lead. posted the lowest score due to its Reporting is restricted. capabilities.

5% of Total Points

We considered online user reviews—including those of our competitors like G2 and Capterra—based on a 5-star scale, wherein any option with an average of 4+ stars is ideal. Also, software with 1,000 or more reviews on third-party sites is preferred. Compared with the other software in this list, Payroll in QuickBooks is more popular with an average user rating of 3.75 out of 5.

*Percentages of Total Points

Conclusion

For many company owners, using mobile applications to handle payroll while away from the office is a must. Those that are deemed excellent are meant to offer payroll services that assist companies in paying their employees promptly and on time while also avoiding possible tax fines. The best payroll applications for your company will also be determined by the sort of workers you hire (employees vs. contractors), your compliance requirements, and whether or not you have in-house payroll or HR support personnel to manage employee pay processing.

Our recommendation for the best payroll app is Payroll in QuickBooks. It lets you run payroll, electronically file and pay payroll taxes, and remit employee wages via direct deposits all from your mobile device. Moreover, it’s easy to use and integrates with QuickBooks seamlessly—a plus for existing users of the provider’s accounting software. Sign up for its 30-day free trial today.

Visit Payroll in QuickBooks

The “best payroll for small business” is a topic that has been discussed many times. There are five different apps that I have found to be the best ones.

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  • payroll software
  • best payroll app free
  • best payroll app for small business
  • payroll companies
  • square payroll
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