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Best SurePayroll Alternatives (2026)

If SurePayroll isn't the right fit, these payroll alternatives offer options from all-in-one Gusto and OnPay to full-service ADP and Paychex or value-focused Wave.

Read our SurePayroll review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.

Quick answer

Who should switch and which alternative fits best.

SurePayroll is ADP's small business payroll brand. Teams look for alternatives when they want more HR features (Gusto, OnPay), full-service at scale (ADP, Paychex), or the lowest cost (Wave). Gusto and OnPay are the most common alternatives with more features and transparent pricing.

Why people look for SurePayroll alternatives

Common reasons teams look for a change.

Features and HR

SurePayroll covers core payroll; teams that want more HR, benefits, or integrations often look at Gusto or OnPay.

Scale and support

For more hand-holding or enterprise features, ADP (parent brand) or Paychex offer full-service options.

Cost

Wave offers free accounting plus payroll add-on for micro businesses; compare total cost at your size.

Top SurePayroll alternatives

Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.

all-in-one payroll and HR

Gusto

4.8

Free Trial

Free Plan

Integrations

Highlights

All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR with transparent pricing and a modern interface. Strong for small businesses and contractors.

Gusto is our top pick for most small businesses and growing teams. It combines payroll, benefits, and HR in one platform with published pricing—no sales call required. Setup is straightforward, tax filing is automatic, and contractor support is built in. If you want a single place to run payroll, offer benefits, and manage onboarding, Gusto is the default choice.

value and flat pricing

OnPay

4.5

Free Trial

Free Plan

Integrations

Highlights

Straightforward payroll with flat pricing and no tier maze. Good for small teams that want simplicity and predictable costs.

OnPay stands out for value and clarity. One main plan, base-plus-per-person pricing you can see upfront, and solid payroll plus benefits without the complexity of tiered plans. It's a strong alternative to Gusto if you want similar ease of use with a simpler pricing structure. Support is included, and it works with any accounting software.

enterprise and full-service

ADP

4.4

Free Trial

Free Plan

Integrations

Highlights

Enterprise-grade payroll and HR that scales. Custom pricing and optional dedicated support for growing and multi-state businesses.

ADP is the pick when you need to scale. It handles large headcounts, multi-state payroll, and optional global payroll. Pricing is custom—you get a quote—and you can get dedicated account management. For very small teams, Gusto or OnPay are often simpler; for growing or midsize businesses that want a full-service provider, ADP is a top option.

micro businesses

Wave Payroll

4.3

Free Trial

Free Plan

Integrations

Highlights

Payroll add-on paired with Wave’s free accounting. Fits solopreneurs and very small teams that want minimal cost and simple pay runs.

Wave pairs free accounting with a payroll add-on, which appeals to micro businesses and solopreneurs who want to keep monthly software cost low. It’s not as deep on HR and benefits as Gusto or Rippling—but for very small teams that already use Wave for books, it’s a practical path to run payroll without switching platforms.

traditional full-service

Paychex

4.3

Free Trial

Free Plan

Integrations

Highlights

Full-service payroll with strong support and advisory. Good for businesses that want a partner for compliance and benefits.

Paychex is the full-service alternative: custom pricing, optional dedicated reps, and a reputation for hands-on support. If you want someone to guide you through compliance, benefits, and setup—rather than running everything yourself—Paychex is a strong choice. Compare with ADP if you're weighing two traditional providers.

Compare alternatives

Side-by-side at a glance.

SoftwareBest forStarting pricePayroll typesStandout featureReview
SurePayroll
small business payrollFrom $49/moW-2, 1099Simple small-business focusRead review
Gusto
all-in-one payroll and HR$49/moTransparent pricing; modern UXRead review
OnPay
value and flat pricing$40/moFlat pricing; one planRead review
ADP
enterprise and full-serviceCustomEnterprise depth; dedicated supportRead review
Wave
micro businessesPayroll add-onFree accounting + payrollRead review
Paychex
traditional full-serviceCustomFull-service; strong supportRead review

Detailed look at each alternative

When to choose each alternative.

Gusto

Best for all-in-one payroll and HR

Gusto offers more HR and benefits features with transparent pricing. Strong alternative if you've outgrown SurePayroll's scope.

Read Gusto review · Compare

OnPay

Best for value and flat pricing

OnPay delivers flat pricing and straightforward payroll with good value. Good for small teams.

Read OnPay review

ADP

Best for enterprise and full-service

ADP is SurePayroll's parent; upgrade path for full-service and scale. Custom pricing.

Read ADP review · Compare

Wave

Best for micro businesses

Wave provides free accounting and a payroll add-on. Best for solopreneurs and very small teams.

Read Wave review

Paychex

Best for traditional full-service

Paychex offers full-service payroll and HR with strong support. For teams that want more hand-holding.

Read Paychex review

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.

FAQs

Quick answers.