{
  "canary": "71074308f9e65565",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "ease_of_use",
        "label": "Ease of Use",
        "options": [
          "Difficult",
          "Moderate",
          "Easy",
          "Very Easy"
        ],
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "tax_filing_support",
        "label": "Tax Filing Support",
        "options": [
          "None",
          "Basic",
          "Full Service",
          "Integrated"
        ],
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "reporting_capabilities",
        "label": "Reporting Capabilities",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Standard",
          "Advanced"
        ],
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "payroll_processing_frequency",
        "label": "Payroll Processing Frequency",
        "options": [
          "Monthly",
          "Bi-weekly",
          "Weekly",
          "Flexible"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "direct_deposit",
        "label": "Direct Deposit",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "hr_features",
        "label": "HR Features",
        "options": [
          "None",
          "Basic",
          "Advanced"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "time_tracking_integration",
        "label": "Time Tracking Integration",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "mobile_app_availability",
        "label": "Mobile App Availability",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      },
      {
        "group": "Support",
        "key": "customer_support_quality",
        "label": "Customer Support Quality",
        "options": [
          "Poor",
          "Fair",
          "Good",
          "Excellent"
        ],
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "base_monthly_fee",
        "label": "Base Monthly Fee",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "per_employee_fee",
        "label": "Per Employee Fee",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "pricing_model",
        "label": "Pricing Model",
        "options": [
          "Per Employee Per Month",
          "Base Fee + Per Employee",
          "Tiered Pricing"
        ],
        "sens": "neutre",
        "type": "enum"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "Gusto leads our comparison with a score of 71/100, followed closely by ADP RUN, based on key criteria like ease of use and tax filing support.",
        "q": "What are the best payroll providers for small businesses in the US in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Gusto is ranked highest for its comprehensive features and ease of use, while ADP RUN also offers robust payroll processing and HR features suitable for small businesses.",
        "q": "How do Gusto and ADP RUN compare for small business payroll?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Both Gusto and ADP RUN provide strong tax filing support, a crucial factor in our comparison for ensuring compliance and accuracy for small businesses.",
        "q": "Which payroll service offers the best tax filing support for US small businesses?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Yes, our ranking is completely neutral and not influenced by any paid placements; each provider's score is based on objective data and our defined comparison criteria.",
        "q": "Is your ranking of payroll providers for small businesses unbiased?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 3415,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "finance",
      "business-services",
      "payroll-services"
    ],
    "price_key": "base_monthly_fee",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "1-10",
          "11-50",
          "51-100"
        ],
        "q": "Number of employees?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "Basic Payroll",
          "Full Service Payroll",
          "HR & Compliance"
        ],
        "q": "Primary need?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "Small business accounting software comparison",
      "HR software for small businesses",
      "Employee benefits providers US",
      "Small business tax filing services"
    ],
    "synthese": [
      "This comparison evaluates 11 payroll services based on 12 criteria, including ease of use, tax filing support, reporting capabilities, payroll processing frequency, direct deposit, and HR features. Gusto ranks highest with a score of 71/100, largely due to its perfect scores in HR features and mobile app availability. ADP RUN is second with 66/100, excelling in customer support quality. Payroll4Free.com is identified as the most affordable option. Data for 7 out of the 11 services is sourced, with the remaining values being estimates.",
      "The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated."
    ],
    "tier": "gold",
    "title": "Leading Payroll Providers for US Small Businesses",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "US",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 11.9,
    "stale": false,
    "ttl_days": 14
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall"
      ],
      "best_for": "Small to mid-sized businesses that want a modern payroll and HR experience, especially those with multi-state employees needing robust payroll services and automated tax compliance.",
      "cons": [
        "Lacks some features large organizations need",
        "Some reviews mention challenges reaching live support",
        "Level of support depends on payroll tier"
      ],
      "description": "Gusto is rated highly for user experience, with reviewers often saying the software has a “modern” experience, and offers health insurance administration.",
      "link_url": "https://gusto.com/",
      "logo_dom": "gusto.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/gusto.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Gusto",
      "pros": [
        "Health insurance administration",
        "Easy to navigate",
        "Robust integration options"
      ],
      "provider": "Gusto",
      "rating": 4.6,
      "score": 71.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/payroll/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses/",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 35.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 67.0,
        "ease_of_use": 67.0,
        "hr_features": 100.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 14.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 100.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 49,
        "customer_support_quality": "Good",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "hr_features": "Advanced",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 6,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Advanced",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": true
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Businesses that need to scale quickly and need advanced HR compliance infrastructure.",
      "cons": [
        "Lack of transparent pricing",
        "Initial learning curve",
        "Expensive software"
      ],
      "description": "RUN Powered by ADP is a payroll option for businesses wanting payroll, HR, and the ability to scale quickly.",
      "logo_dom": "adp.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/adp.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "ADP RUN",
      "pros": [
        "Strong reporting and recordkeeping tools",
        "Supports enterprise needs",
        "Optional add-ons for HR, benefits administration, and compliance support"
      ],
      "provider": "ADP",
      "rating": 4.7,
      "score": 66.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/payroll/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses/",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 0.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 100.0,
        "ease_of_use": 0.0,
        "hr_features": 100.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 43.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 100.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 75.0,
        "customer_support_quality": "Excellent",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Difficult",
        "hr_features": "Advanced",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 4.0,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Advanced",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": true
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Insperity provides comprehensive HR and payroll solutions, including benefits administration and compliance support.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://insperity.com/",
      "logo_dom": "insperity.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/insperity.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Insperity",
      "provider": "Insperity",
      "score": 66.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.insperity.com/services/payroll/",
      "subscores": {
        "customer_support_quality": 100.0,
        "ease_of_use": 33.0,
        "hr_features": 100.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 100.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": null,
        "customer_support_quality": "Excellent",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "hr_features": "Advanced",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": null,
        "pricing_model": "Tiered Pricing",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Advanced",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": true
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Household employers and small businesses with 1-4 employees seeking automated tax filings.",
      "cons": [
        "Year-end tax services cost extra",
        "No built-in time tracking",
        "Challenges with support, such as inconsistent experiences"
      ],
      "description": "SurePayroll by Paychex is a payroll service for small businesses with one to four employees who want automated tax filings backed by a no-penalty tax filing guarantee.",
      "logo_dom": "paychex.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/paychex.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Paychex Flex",
      "pros": [
        "Ideal for paying nannies, caregivers, and domestic staff",
        "New hire reporting",
        "Affordable base plan"
      ],
      "provider": "Paychex",
      "rating": 4.4,
      "score": 60.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/human-resources/payroll-services-for-small-business",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 61.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 67.0,
        "ease_of_use": 33.0,
        "hr_features": 100.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 0.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 100.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 29,
        "customer_support_quality": "Good",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "hr_features": "Advanced",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 7,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Advanced",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": false
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Businesses already using QuickBooks Online that want tightly integrated payroll and accounting.",
      "cons": [
        "Higher base price and rising per-worker fees",
        "High learning curve for new users",
        "Inconsistent and slow customer support, based on reviews"
      ],
      "description": "QuickBooks Workforce Payroll is a strong candidate for businesses that are already using the Intuit ecosystem, as it seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online (QBO).",
      "logo_dom": "intuit.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/intuit.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "QuickBooks Payroll",
      "pros": [
        "Native integration with QuickBooks Online",
        "Next-day direct deposit",
        "Familiar interface for QBO users"
      ],
      "provider": "Intuit",
      "rating": 4.4,
      "score": 57.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/payroll/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses/",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 33.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 67.0,
        "hr_features": 50.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 0.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 100.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 50,
        "customer_support_quality": "Poor",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "hr_features": "Basic",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 7,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Advanced",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": true
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "best_for": "Small to mid-sized businesses seeking the best value and highly-rated customer support.",
      "cons": [
        "Not for businesses with more than 500 employees",
        "Fewer enterprise-grade integrations",
        "U.S. payroll only"
      ],
      "description": "Patriot Payroll is chosen by business owners for its value, free USA-based support, and easy-to-use interface.",
      "link_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/",
      "logo_dom": "patriot.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/patriot.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Patriot Payroll",
      "pros": [
        "Very low entry price",
        "Strong customer support",
        "Simple, user-friendly interface"
      ],
      "provider": "Patriot Software",
      "rating": 4.8,
      "score": 55.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/payroll/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses/",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 77.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 100.0,
        "ease_of_use": 67.0,
        "hr_features": 50.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 0.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 43.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 0.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 17,
        "customer_support_quality": "Excellent",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "hr_features": "Basic",
        "mobile_app_availability": false,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 4,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Basic",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": false
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Small businesses that are multi-state employers.",
      "cons": [
        "Only one main payroll plan",
        "No mobile app for employees",
        "No native time-tracking tools"
      ],
      "description": "OnPay's transparent pricing, high reviews, and ease of use make it a strong contender for small businesses and niche industries, especially multi-state employers.",
      "link_url": "https://onpay.com/",
      "logo_dom": "onpay.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/onpay.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "OnPay",
      "pros": [
        "Transparent pricing",
        "Multi-state support included",
        "Built-in HR software"
      ],
      "provider": "OnPay",
      "rating": 4.8,
      "score": 53.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.patriotsoftware.com/payroll/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses/",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 35.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 100.0,
        "ease_of_use": 67.0,
        "hr_features": 50.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 0.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 14.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 50.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 49,
        "customer_support_quality": "Excellent",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "hr_features": "Basic",
        "mobile_app_availability": false,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 6,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Standard",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": false
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Square Payroll offers full-service payroll that automatically files federal, state, and local payroll taxes and can handle multistate payroll for no extra charge.",
      "logo_dom": "square.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/square.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Square Payroll",
      "pros": [],
      "provider": "Square",
      "score": 50.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/human-resources/payroll-services-for-small-business",
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 53.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 33.0,
        "ease_of_use": 67.0,
        "hr_features": 0.0,
        "mobile_app_availability": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 100.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 14.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 0.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0,
        "time_tracking_integration": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 35,
        "customer_support_quality": "Fair",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "hr_features": "None",
        "mobile_app_availability": true,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "Flexible",
        "per_employee_fee": 6,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "Basic",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": true
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "Payroll4Free.com",
      "score": 21.0,
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 100.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 0.0,
        "hr_features": 0.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 0.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 100.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 0.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 0,
        "customer_support_quality": "null",
        "direct_deposit": "null",
        "ease_of_use": "null",
        "hr_features": "null",
        "mobile_app_availability": "null",
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "null",
        "per_employee_fee": 0,
        "pricing_model": "null",
        "reporting_capabilities": "null",
        "tax_filing_support": "null",
        "time_tracking_integration": "null"
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://surepayroll.com/",
      "name": "SurePayroll",
      "score": 15.0,
      "subscores": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 61.0,
        "customer_support_quality": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 0.0,
        "hr_features": 0.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 0.0,
        "per_employee_fee": 0.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 0.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 67.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": 29,
        "customer_support_quality": "null",
        "direct_deposit": true,
        "ease_of_use": "null",
        "hr_features": "null",
        "mobile_app_availability": "null",
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "null",
        "per_employee_fee": 7,
        "pricing_model": "Base Fee + Per Employee",
        "reporting_capabilities": "null",
        "tax_filing_support": "Full Service",
        "time_tracking_integration": "null"
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://rippling.com/",
      "name": "Rippling",
      "score": 8.0,
      "subscores": {
        "customer_support_quality": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 0.0,
        "hr_features": 100.0,
        "payroll_processing_frequency": 0.0,
        "reporting_capabilities": 0.0,
        "tax_filing_support": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "base_monthly_fee": null,
        "customer_support_quality": "null",
        "direct_deposit": "null",
        "ease_of_use": "null",
        "hr_features": "Advanced",
        "mobile_app_availability": "null",
        "payroll_processing_frequency": "null",
        "per_employee_fee": null,
        "pricing_model": "null",
        "reporting_capabilities": "null",
        "tax_filing_support": "null",
        "time_tracking_integration": "null"
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/leading-payroll-providers-for-us-small-businesses.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "leading payroll providers for US small business",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Leading Payroll Providers for US Small Businesses",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/leading-payroll-providers-for-us-small-businesses"
}