Written by Matt Reed Reviewed by Heleana Neil Updated on December 19, 2025 On this page Gusto ADP Payroll QuickBooks Payroll Deluxe Wave Our Methodology: How Did We Decide on the Best Payroll Software? Expert Verdict Expand Gusto and ADP Payroll are the best cloud-based payroll services for US businesses, thanks to their ease of use, scalability, and full-service tax support. Both automate the heavy lifting of running payroll, calculating deductions, and filing federal, state, and local taxes, so your team gets paid accurately and on time while you stay compliant.Cloud-based payroll software also lets you manage pay runs from anywhere, gives employees secure self-service access to their pay and tax forms, and keeps legislation up to date in the background.Read on as we break down the top providers in detail or, if you’re short on time, use our free comparison tool to get no-obligation quotes from trusted payroll suppliers tailored to your business.Best Cloud-Based Payroll SolutionsHere are the top cloud-based payroll solutions compared, before we dive into the mini-reviews of each provider.Payroll providerBest forStarting price (per month)Value for money*Feature depth*GustoStartups and growing small businessesFrom $49 base fee + $6 per employee (Simple)High – strong features at a mid-range priceAdvanced full-service payroll with benefits and HR add-onsADP Payroll Businesses looking to scaleFrom about $39 base fee + $5 per employee (quote-based)Good – flexible plans that scale, but add-ons increase costAdvanced payroll, compliance, HR, and integrationsQuickBooks PayrollBusinesses already using QuickBooks OnlineFrom $50 base fee + $6.50 per employee (Core)Good – best value when bundled with QuickBooks accountingAdvanced payroll and tax automation with tight accounting syncDeluxeBusinesses needing payroll plus HR and hiring toolsFrom about $39 base fee + $7 per employee (Lite)Medium – higher overall cost but includes HR and hiring toolsAdvanced HR, onboarding, and recruiting features alongside payrollWaveVery small businesses already using Wave$40 base fee + $6 per active employee or contractorHigh for small teams in supported statesBasic – solid payroll and tax tools, fewer HR extras*“Value for money” and “Feature depth” are relative assessments based on our latest research into pricing, features, and support for each provider in this comparison.All prices are in USD and exclude taxes, promotions, and optional add-ons. Pricing is correct to the best of our knowledge as of December 2025; always check the provider’s site for the latest figures. 1. Gusto: Best for Startups Gusto is a cloud-based, full-service payroll platform that’s ideal for startups and growing small businesses that want simple payroll, automated taxes, and built-in HR tools in one place. Gusto Payroll 4.3 Pricing From $49/month Compare Quotes Strengths Very user-friendly, modern interface that’s easy for small teams to learn without an in-house HR/payroll specialist Full-service payroll in most states, with automated federal, state, and local tax filing plus year-end forms (W-2/1099) Strong small-business HR stack on higher tiers (benefits, PTO, org charts, performance basics) with good employee self-service Weaknesses Can get expensive as headcount grows, especially on Plus/Premium tiers with add-on benefits Less suited to very large or highly complex, multi-entity enterprises than ADP or similar legacy providers Support quality and response times can be inconsistent, especially at lower pricing tiers Pricing See more See less Monthly Simple $49/month, plus $6/employee Plus $80/month, plus $12/employee Premium $180/month, plus $22/employee Contractor Only $35/month, plus $6/contractor How much does Gusto cost?Let’s talk numbers. Here are Gusto’s current pricing plans:Simple: $49 per month, plus $6 per employeePlus: $80 per month, plus $12 per employeePremium: Often treated as custom-priced, but Gusto marketing content and recent reviews on Gusto’s own domain reference list pricing around $180 per month, plus $22 per employee for full HR + payroll.Contractor Only: $35 per month, plus $6 per contractor (US contractors only).What are Gusto’s key features?Payroll control: Full-service payroll with unlimited runs, multiple pay schedules, direct deposit, and support for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.Taxes and compliance: Automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes, and handles year-end forms like W-2s and 1099s to help keep you compliant.Security and data protection: Cloud-based platform with bank-grade encryption and access controls to help safeguard sensitive payroll and employee information.Scalability and HR tools: Tiered plans that add multi-state payroll, time tracking, benefits administration, and basic HR tools as your headcount grows.Support and mobile access: Online support and a self-service employee experience, with web access from most devices and a mobile app for employees to view pay and benefits on the go.Here's a look at a payroll run on Gusto's software. As you can see, you can run different payroll for different employees. Source: GustoHow does Gusto compare with other cloud-based payroll solutions?We think Gusto is one of the best fits for small US businesses that want full-service payroll, HR and benefits in a single, modern platform. It combines unlimited pay runs, automated federal, state and local tax filing, built-in benefits administration, and a clean employee self-service portal, all available via web and mobile app.Compared with ADP and QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto usually feels easier to roll out without an HR team. ADP reaches further into enterprise-grade HR outsourcing and complex compliance, while QuickBooks Payroll wins on tight general-ledger integration for firms already using QuickBooks Online.Gusto sits in the middle: more HR and people-ops tools than QuickBooks, but less heavy-duty than ADP, which makes it particularly attractive to startups and growing small businesses.Cheaper options, like Wave or entry-level Deluxe plans, can undercut Gusto on price, especially if you only need basic pay runs. But Wave only offers full-service tax filing in a limited number of states and has minimal HR features, while Deluxe is more focused on combining payroll with hiring and onboarding, rather than on employee-friendly perks and benefits.We think Gusto justifies its higher cost for most small employers by delivering a more rounded mix of payroll, HR and benefits in one interface. 2. ADP Payroll: Best for Businesses Looking to ScaleA scalable payroll and HR solution designed for businesses that expect to grow, ADP Payroll offers flexible plans, strong compliance support and a wide ecosystem of add-on services. ADP Payroll Pricing Bespoke Compare Quotes Strengths Highly scalable payroll engine that supports complex pay rules, multiple locations, garnishments and more advanced compliance scenarios Deep HR, time-tracking and benefits ecosystem, plus optional PEO/outsourcing for businesses that want to hand off more admin Strong brand recognition and long track record in payroll, which appeals to more risk-averse or regulated organizations Weaknesses Pricing is quote-based and can be opaque; add-ons and per-employee charges stack up quickly Interface and setup feel heavier and more complex for very small businesses compared with Gusto or Wave Admin experience and customization options can be overwhelming without dedicated HR/payroll staff Pricing See more See less Custom pricing Contact ADP for a quote How much does ADP Payroll cost?For specific pricing information, you’ll need to contact ADP directly and ask for a quote, as it does not publish a standard, transparent pricing list.What are ADP’s key features?Payroll control: Robust engine for hourly and salaried staff, contractors, multiple pay frequencies, garnishments and off-cycle payrolls.Taxes and compliance: Automates calculation, filing, and payment of federal, state and local payroll taxes, plus year-end forms, with regular legislative updates built in.Security and data protection: Enterprise-grade security controls and encrypted data handling backed by ADP’s long history as a large-scale payroll processor.Scalability and HR tools: Plans that start with small business payroll and expand into time tracking, benefits, and broader HR and talent tools as your workforce grows.Support and mobile access: Phone and online support, plus employer and employee mobile apps so you can manage payroll and staff can access pay and tax information from anywhere.ADP's interface has a clean modern look, presenting payroll data in easily readable rows. Source: ADPHow does ADP Payroll compare with other cloud-based payroll solutions?ADP Payroll, particularly RUN Powered by ADP for small businesses, is best for employers that expect to grow and want scalable payroll, plus serious HR, time-tracking and compliance tools. It offers full-service payroll across the US, strong reporting, and options to bundle in benefits, recruiting and HR advisory services.Against Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll, ADP typically feels more configurable but also more complex. Gusto is usually quicker for a very small team to self-implement and focuses on a modern, all-in-one small-business experience, while QuickBooks Payroll is the obvious choice if your main concern is syncing payroll tightly to QuickBooks Online and relying on tax-penalty protection at the top tier.ADP becomes more compelling once you need multilocation workforce management, richer HR workflows or outsourced compliance support.Compared with Deluxe and Wave, ADP sits firmly at the more advanced end of the market. Deluxe also bundles payroll with recruiting and onboarding but remains more SMB-centric. Wave focuses on very small firms with simple payroll plus free accounting.ADP usually costs more than both, but we think it offers better long-term headroom for employers that expect to add locations, benefits, and more complex HR structures over time. 3. QuickBooks Payroll: Best for Businesses Looking for a Full Tax ServiceQuickBooks Payroll is best for US businesses already using QuickBooks Online as their accounting software, tightly integrating payroll with accounting so your books, tax filings and reports stay in sync automatically. QuickBooks Payroll Pricing From $50/month Compare Quotes Strengths Tight integration with QuickBooks Online means payroll data flows directly into accounting, reporting and year-end books Automated tax calculations and filings, with tax-penalty protection on Elite (up to $25,000) for qualifying errors Simple for existing QuickBooks users to add on, with one vendor for both accounting and payroll Weaknesses Less compelling if you don’t already use QuickBooks Online (you lose the main integration advantage) Higher-tier plans can be pricey for very small teams compared with bare-bones alternatives HR features and benefits tools are not as comprehensive as those from Gusto or ADP’s broader HR suite Pricing See more See less Monthly Core $50/month, plus $6.50/employee Premium $88/month, plus $10/employee Elite $134/month, plus $12/employee How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?Price-wise, there are three QuickBooks pricing plans available for its payroll-only solutions: Core: $50 per month, plus $6.50 per employeePremium: $88 per month, plus $10 per employeeElite: $134 per month, plus $12 per employeeIt’s worth noting that QuickBooks consistently runs discounts on its products, as well as offering bundled pricing with its accounting plans, so you may find there are alternative deals to these at the time of purchase.What are QuickBooks Payroll’s key features?Payroll control inside QuickBooks: Runs directly within QuickBooks Online, so hours, pay and deductions flow straight into your accounting and reporting, reducing manual data entry.Taxes and compliance: Can automatically calculate, pay, and file federal, state and local payroll taxes and forms — including 940, 941 and other returns — helping you stay compliant with less admin.Security and data protection: Uses AES-256 encryption and SOC 2–audited controls to help protect financial and payroll data stored in the cloud.Scalability and plan options: Three tiers (Core, Premium, Elite) that add features like same-day or next-day direct deposit, time tracking and tax penalty protection of up to $25,000 for qualifying errors as you grow.Support and mobile access: Knowledge base and support channels for admins, plus the QuickBooks Online and Workforce mobile apps, so employees can view pay and tax forms, and managers can review payroll, from a browser on most devices.QuickBooks has payroll summary reports, which look like this. Source: QuickBooksHow does QuickBooks Payroll compare with other cloud-based payroll solutions?QuickBooks Online Payroll is strongest when your business already runs on QuickBooks Online and you want payroll that feeds cleanly into your accounting and reporting. It offers automated tax calculations and filings, same-day or next-day direct deposit on higher tiers, and tax-penalty protection up to $25,000 per year for eligible Elite customers.Compared with Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll is less focused on HR and benefits but better at keeping your books in sync automatically. Gusto provides richer people-ops tooling and a more modern employee experience; QuickBooks focuses on accurate pay runs, automated taxes and accountant-friendly workflows.Against ADP, QuickBooks stays closer to owner-managed small businesses, while ADP stretches further into larger and more complex organisations with deeper HR and compliance services.Deluxe and Wave compete more on price or packaged HR features. Deluxe brings in hiring and onboarding tools that QuickBooks doesn’t replicate natively, whereas Wave ties simple payroll into its free accounting and invoicing but limits full-service tax filing to specific states.We think QuickBooks Payroll sits in the sweet spot for small US businesses that prioritise clean books and integrated financials over built-in recruiting or the lowest possible price. 4. Deluxe: Best for Businesses Looking for Payroll and HR ServicesDeluxe combines full-service payroll with hiring, onboarding, and HR features, making it a good fit for companies that want to manage more of the employee lifecycle in one platform. Deluxe Pricing Bespoke (previously $39 per month) Compare Quotes Strengths Combines full-service payroll with HR tools like recruiting, “Text to Apply,” onboarding forms and basic time-off management Supports payroll tax filing in all 50 states, making it viable for distributed US teams One platform to manage much of the employee lifecycle from hiring through pay and basic HR administration Weaknesses Pricing is relatively high once you factor in per-employee fees, especially if you only need straightforward payroll Customization and advanced configuration options are more limited than some larger HRIS or payroll suites User feedback highlights occasional glitches or features that don’t always behave exactly as advertised, which may frustrate power users Pricing See more See less Custom pricing Contact Deluxe for a quote How much does Deluxe cost?Deluxe’s own site currently does not publish a simple public pricing table for its payroll and HR platform.However, it does say that pricing starts from $39 per month and when it did have public pricing a couple of years ago, these were split into three tiers of similar cost:Lite: $39 per month, plus $7 per employee — payroll services with HR features Blended: $49 per month, plus $7 per employee, per month — HR platform with no payroll or tax services All-Access: $39 per month, plus $12 per employee, per month — everything in Lite and Blended Again, we can’t confirm these are still correct today, but the suggestion of pricing starting from $39 per month suggests they may be. To confirm, get a quote for your business.What are Deluxe’s key features?Payroll control: Full-service payroll for employees and contractors, with options for direct deposit, automated deductions and flexible pay schedules.Taxes and compliance: Supports federal, state and local tax calculations and filings, and helps you manage core payroll compliance tasks from one system.Security and data protection: Cloud-based platform with encrypted connections and role-based access, designed to keep payroll and HR records secure.Scalability and HR features: Adds applicant tracking, digital onboarding, time-off tracking and other HR tools, so payroll, hiring and HR workflows can scale together.Support and mobile access: Web dashboard accessible from desktop or mobile browser, plus customer support and onboarding assistance to help new teams get set up smoothly.Inside Deluxe, you can see exactly when your employees have worked in its Schedule tool, aligning pay with hours worked. Source: DeluxeHow does Deluxe compare with other cloud-based payroll solutions?Deluxe is best for small and mid-sized businesses that want full-service payroll in all 50 states plus integrated HR, hiring and onboarding tools in one platform. Its People Platform combines payroll with features like time tracking, digital new-hire paperwork and “Text to Apply,” so you can handle much of the employee lifecycle in a single system.Against Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll, Deluxe leans more into recruiting and HR workflows. Gusto is stronger on benefits administration and modern employee-friendly features, while QuickBooks Payroll focuses on accounting integration and tax-penalty protection.Deluxe doesn’t aim to replace your accounting software, but it can reduce HR admin by keeping hiring, onboarding and payroll tightly linked.Compared with ADP, Deluxe is more SMB-oriented and less focused on enterprise-grade outsourcing.Compared with Wave, it offers far deeper HR and compliance support but at a higher monthly cost. Wave’s flat-fee pricing suits micro-businesses with simple needs, while Deluxe is better suited to employers that are actively hiring, onboarding, and managing staff in multiple states and want that supported inside their payroll system. 5. Wave: Best for Businesses Already Using Wave ProductsA more straightforward, budget-friendly payroll option for very small businesses is Wave. We found it is especially suitable for those already using Wave’s free accounting and invoicing tools. Wave Pricing From $40/month Compare Quotes Strengths Very simple and affordable for freelancers and very small businesses, especially when paired with Wave’s free accounting and invoicing Clean, easy-to-understand interface with straightforward pay runs and basic employee/contractor management Flat pricing model is predictable and usually cheaper than full-service competitors for tiny teams Weaknesses Minimal HR functionality — no real benefits administration, performance tools or advanced onboarding Customer support and responsiveness are weaker than larger providers; fewer channels and slower resolution can be an issue if something breaks near payday How much does Wave cost?Wave splits its pricing into a full-service tax package and a self-service package:Full-Service (tax service states): $40 per month, plus $6 per employee or contractorWhat are Wave’s key features?Payroll control for very small teams: Straightforward setup for salaried and hourly workers, with basic scheduling, direct deposit and simple pay runs.Taxes and compliance: Offers full-service tax calculation, filing and payments in a limited set of US states, and guided self-service tools in others, to help you handle payroll taxes correctly.Security and data protection: Uses 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI-DSS–compliant payment processing to help protect stored payroll and banking data.Fit with Wave ecosystem: Integrates closely with Wave’s free accounting and invoicing tools, so payroll, expenses and income are managed in a single small-business platform.Support and mobile access: Cloud-based dashboard plus Payroll by Wave mobile apps that let business owners and employees view key payroll information from their phones.When you are about to run your payroll inside Wave, you'll see a dashboard page like this. Source: WaveHow does Wave compare with other cloud-based payroll solutions?Wave Payroll is designed for very small businesses that want a straightforward, low-cost way to pay employees and contractors, especially if they already use Wave’s free accounting and invoicing tools. It offers automatic payroll journal entries, direct deposit and employee self-service, plus full-service tax filing in a limited list of states and self-service tax calculations elsewhere.Compared with Gusto, ADP and QuickBooks Payroll, Wave’s main advantage is price and simplicity. Its single pricing structure is usually cheaper than the full-service tiers of larger providers.The trade-off is capability: HR features are minimal, there is no broad benefits stack and full-service tax filing is not nationwide. The bigger players cost more but deliver richer automation, deeper compliance support and stronger ecosystems of HR, benefits or accounting tools.Against Deluxe and other HR-heavy platforms, Wave takes a very different approach: it doesn’t try to handle hiring, onboarding or complex HR workflows, but instead keeps pay runs and basic compliance as simple as possible.We think Wave works best as a starter solution for freelancers and micro-businesses. Once headcount, locations or HR requirements grow, most employers will outgrow Wave and be better served by Gusto, QuickBooks, ADP or Deluxe. Our Methodology: How Did We Decide on the Best Payroll Software?Five researchers carried out in-depth research into payroll software platforms according to a comparison framework designed by our research team leader. For each provider we’ve asked these questions:How much control does it give you over your payroll process?How secure is it? What security measures does it take to protect your data?How much help and expertise does it offer when it comes to taxes and compliance?How scalable is the product? Can it grow alongside your company?How helpful is its customer support offering?We’ve factored all these questions into our rating system and come out with a ranking of the best payroll software platforms. Expert Verdict: Which cloud-based payroll solution is right for your business?Gusto and ADP Payroll are the strongest all-round cloud-based payroll solutions we recommend.Gusto is best for startups and growing small businesses that want a modern, full-service platform with built-in HR tools and an employee-friendly experience. ADP Payroll is better suited to employers that expect to scale, or already have more complex payroll and compliance needs, thanks to its flexible plans and deeper HR ecosystem.QuickBooks Payroll is the best fit if your business already runs on QuickBooks Online and you care most about keeping your books and payroll tightly in sync.Deluxe is a solid option when you want payroll, hiring and onboarding tools in one place, while Wave works best for very small teams that need simple, affordable payroll, especially if you already use Wave’s free accounting and invoicing software.If you’re still unsure, use our free quote comparison tool to share a few details about your business. We’ll match you with trusted payroll providers and no-obligation quotes, so you can compare costs and features side by side before you commit. Written by: Matt Reed Senior Communications and Logistics Expert Matt Reed is a Senior Communications and Logistics Expert at Expert Market. Adept at evaluating products, he focuses mainly on assessing fleet management and business communication software. Matt began his career in technology publishing with Expert Reviews, where he spent several years putting the latest audio-related products and releases through their paces, revealing his findings in transparent, in-depth articles and guides. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism from City, University of London, Matt is no stranger to diving into challenging topics and summarising them into practical, helpful information. Reviewed by: Heleana Neil Business Services Editor Heleana Neil specialises in Business Services, managing the strategy and production of content for SMBs, helping businesses with the challenges and opportunities they face today. Covering everything from payroll to payment processing, Heleana uses her expertise to help business owners make better, informed decisions and grow their companies.