Best US payroll for small business (October 2026)
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The best US payroll and HR services for small US businesses running payroll for a few employees: 4 options from our ranking.
How we picked. We started from our ranking of 4 US payroll and HR services, and ordered them by cost: products with a free plan first, then by cheapest paid plan. Prices come from each vendor's own pricing page.
Our picks
- 1
Gusto
Lowest entry priceFull-service US payroll with automatic tax filing, benefits and HR tools for small businesses.
Contractor paymentsBenefits administrationHR tools80/100From USD 49 per month + USD 6 per person - 2
OnPay
Lowest entry priceSimple US payroll with one plan, free benefits integration and optional HR tools.
77/100From USD 49 per month + USD 6 per worker - 3
Justworks
Most complete feature setUS payroll or full PEO with access to large-company health benefits for small teams.
Contractor paymentsBenefits administrationHR tools80/100From USD 50 per month + USD 8 per employee - 4
Rippling
Best for custom or high-volume needsHR, payroll, IT and finance platform where you buy only the modules you need.
25/100Price on request
Tips for small US businesses running payroll for a few employees
- Most charge a base fee plus a fee per person: price it for your headcount.
- Check multi-state payroll if your staff live in different states.
- Contractors are often billed only in months you pay them.