CompareFairlyPayroll Software Comparison for US Startups 2026
Our pick : Rippling (92/100) · Cheapest : Rippling · Best value : Rippling
In short
This comparison of 11 payroll software across 12 criteria, including tax filing support, employee self-service, direct deposit, reporting capabilities, HR features, and time tracking integration, shows Rippling as the top performer with 92/100, largely due to its perfect scores in customer support and HR features, and it is also the cheapest option, while Gusto ranks second at 85/100, excelling in ease of use. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Rippling | Gusto | OnPay | ADP RUN | Paychex Flex | QuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Filing Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Employee Self-Service | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Direct Deposit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting Capabilities | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| HR Features | Advanced | Advanced | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Time Tracking Integration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monthly Price (USD) | 8.0 | 40.0 | 40.0 | 40.0 | 39.0 | 45.0 |
| Setup Fee (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Compliance Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customer Support | Premium | Premium | Premium | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Scalability | High | High | High | High | High | Moderate |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best payroll software for US startups in 2026?
Rippling is currently ranked highest with a score of 92/100, followed closely by Gusto, making them top choices for US startups.
How do payroll software options compare for tax filing support?
Our comparison evaluates each software's capabilities in tax filing support, alongside other key features like employee self-service and direct deposit.
Which payroll software offers the best HR features for small businesses?
We assess the HR features of various payroll software, including employee self-service and reporting capabilities, to help you find the best fit for your business needs.
Is your payroll software ranking influenced by payments?
No, our ranking is completely neutral and not influenced by any payments. Each data point is sourced and verified to provide an unbiased comparison.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.