4.8$40/moGusto
Best for: payroll and HR without PEO
All-in-one payroll and HR with published pricing. No PEO; more self-serve.

If Justworks isn't the right fit—because you don't need a PEO, want published pricing, or prefer a different platform—these payroll and HR alternatives offer strong options.
Read our Justworks review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
Justworks is a PEO that bundles payroll with benefits and compliance. Teams look for alternatives when they want non-PEO payroll (Gusto, OnPay, Rippling), traditional full-service (ADP, Paychex), or different benefits models. Gusto and Rippling are the most common alternatives with published or clearer pricing.
Common reasons teams look for a change.
PEOs like Justworks bundle benefits and compliance; some teams prefer standalone payroll and HR (Gusto, Rippling) with more control and often published pricing.
Justworks uses custom pricing. Gusto and OnPay offer published base-plus-per-person rates.
Rippling offers payroll plus HR and IT without the PEO model; ADP and Paychex offer full-service without PEO.
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.8$40/moBest for: payroll and HR without PEO
All-in-one payroll and HR with published pricing. No PEO; more self-serve.
4.6CustomBest for: payroll + HR + IT
Unified platform for payroll, HR, and IT. More self-serve than PEO.
4.4CustomBest for: enterprise full-service
Full-service payroll and HR at scale. Custom pricing.
4.3CustomBest for: traditional full-service
Full-service payroll and HR with strong support. Custom pricing.
4.5$40/moBest for: value and flat pricing
Flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams.
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Payroll types | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Justworks | PEO-style benefits and payroll | Custom | W-2, 1099 | PEO benefits; simplified compliance | Read review |
Gusto | payroll and HR without PEO | $40/mo | — | Transparent pricing; modern UX | Read review |
Rippling | payroll + HR + IT | Custom | — | Payroll, HR, and IT in one | Read review |
ADP | enterprise full-service | Custom | — | Enterprise depth; dedicated support | Read review |
Paychex | traditional full-service | Custom | — | Full-service; strong support | Read review |
OnPay | value and flat pricing | $40/mo | — | Flat pricing; one plan | Read review |
When to choose each alternative.
Best for payroll and HR without PEO
Gusto offers all-in-one payroll and HR with published pricing and no PEO. Choose when you want more self-serve and transparency.
Best for payroll + HR + IT
Rippling combines payroll with HR and IT in one platform. More self-serve than a PEO; good for companies that want one system.
Best for enterprise full-service
ADP provides full-service payroll and HR at scale. Traditional alternative without PEO.
Best for traditional full-service
Paychex offers full-service payroll and HR with strong support. Another non-PEO option.
Best for value and flat pricing
OnPay delivers flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams that don't need PEO.
What to look for when comparing options.
Most small businesses need both employees and contractors. Choose a platform that handles both with clear tax treatment and contractor self-service. Confirm 1099 support and e-file if you pay subcontractors.
Prefer published base-plus-per-person pricing when you can budget upfront. Custom-quote providers (e.g. ADP, Paychex) are fine if you want full-service; compare total cost at your headcount.
Full-service payroll should calculate, file, and deposit taxes. Confirm what's included and whether you want self-serve or hands-on support. Some providers charge extra for 1099 e-file.
If you offer health insurance or 401(k), choose a provider that can run benefits and deductions in sync with payroll. Gusto and OnPay bundle this; ADP and Paychex offer it at scale.
Payroll should connect to your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) and optionally time tracking. Native integration avoids manual export. Match the tool to your stack.
Head-to-head comparisons to narrow your choice.
More ways to explore.
Quick answers.