4.8$40/moGusto
Best for: all-in-one payroll and HR
Standalone payroll and HR with published pricing. Best if you're not locked into QuickBooks.
Best QuickBooks Payroll Alternatives (2026)
If QuickBooks Payroll isn't the right fit—because you're not on QuickBooks, want more HR depth, or prefer a different ecosystem—these payroll alternatives offer strong options.
Read our QuickBooks Payroll review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Quick answer
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
QuickBooks Payroll is built for businesses that already use QuickBooks. Teams look for alternatives when they're not in the Intuit ecosystem, want more HR and benefits (Gusto, OnPay), or prefer a different workflow. Gusto is the best all-in-one alternative. OnPay offers similar ease with flat pricing. Square Payroll fits Square users; Wave fits micro businesses; Rippling fits companies that want payroll plus HR and IT.
Why people look for QuickBooks Payroll alternatives
Common reasons teams look for a change.
Not on QuickBooks
If you use Xero, FreshBooks, or another accounting tool, QuickBooks Payroll's main advantage disappears. Gusto and OnPay integrate with multiple accounting systems.
HR and benefits depth
QuickBooks Payroll focuses on pay runs and tax filing; HR and benefits lag behind Gusto and OnPay. Choose Gusto or Rippling for more HR breadth.
Pricing and ecosystem
Lock-in to Intuit can mean rising costs. Teams that want to compare openly often look at Gusto, OnPay, or Square Payroll for published pricing.
Top QuickBooks Payroll alternatives
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.8$40/mo
4.5$40/moOnPay
Best for: value and flat pricing
Flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams without QuickBooks.
4.3$35/moSquare Payroll
Best for: Square ecosystem
Payroll inside Square. For businesses that use Square for payments or POS.
4.6CustomRippling
Best for: payroll + HR + IT
Unified platform for payroll, HR, and IT. For growing companies.
4.3Payroll add-onWave
Best for: micro businesses
Free accounting plus payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Payroll types | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Payroll | businesses already using QuickBooks | $30/mo | W-2, 1099 | Seamless QuickBooks integration | Read review |
| Gusto | all-in-one payroll and HR | $40/mo | — | Transparent pricing; modern UX | Read review |
| OnPay | value and flat pricing | $40/mo | — | Flat pricing; one plan | Read review |
| Square Payroll | Square ecosystem | $35/mo | — | Square integration; simplicity | Read review |
| Rippling | payroll + HR + IT | Custom | — | Payroll, HR, and IT in one | Read review |
| Wave | micro businesses | Payroll add-on | — | Free accounting + payroll | Read review |
Detailed look at each alternative
When to choose each alternative.
Gusto
Best for all-in-one payroll and HR
Gusto offers payroll and HR with published pricing and no accounting lock-in. Strong for teams that want one platform for payroll and benefits.
OnPay
Best for value and flat pricing
OnPay delivers flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams that want predictability without the QuickBooks ecosystem.
Square Payroll
Best for Square ecosystem
Square Payroll fits businesses that use Square for payments or POS. Simpler payroll inside one ecosystem—similar idea to QB Payroll but for Square.
Rippling
Best for payroll + HR + IT
Rippling combines payroll with HR and IT in one platform. For companies that want a single system beyond accounting.
Wave
Best for micro businesses
Wave provides free accounting and a payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams that want low cost.
How to choose the right alternative
What to look for when comparing options.
Payroll types (W-2 / 1099)
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.
Pricing transparency
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.
Tax automation and support
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.
HR and benefits
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.
Integrations
Payroll should connect to your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) and optionally time tracking. Native integration avoids manual export. Match the tool to your stack.
Related comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons to narrow your choice.
Related resources
More ways to explore.
FAQs
Quick answers.