4.8$40/moGusto
Best for: all-in-one payroll and HR
Payroll and HR with more features and transparent pricing.
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.
4.8$40/mo
4.5$40/moOnPay
Best for: value and flat pricing
Flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams.
4.4CustomADP
Best for: enterprise and full-service
ADP (SurePayroll's parent) for scale and full-service. Custom pricing.
4.3Payroll add-onWave
Best for: micro businesses
Free accounting plus payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams.
4.3CustomPaychex
Best for: traditional full-service
Full-service payroll and HR with strong support. Custom pricing.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Payroll types | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurePayroll | small business payroll | From $49/mo | W-2, 1099 | Simple small-business focus | 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 |
| ADP | enterprise and full-service | Custom | — | Enterprise depth; dedicated support | Read review |
| Wave | micro businesses | Payroll add-on | — | Free accounting + payroll | Read review |
| Paychex | traditional full-service | Custom | — | Full-service; strong support | Read 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.
OnPay
Best for value and flat pricing
OnPay delivers flat pricing and straightforward payroll with good value. Good for small teams.
ADP
Best for enterprise and full-service
ADP is SurePayroll's parent; upgrade path for full-service and scale. Custom pricing.
Wave
Best for micro businesses
Wave provides free accounting and a payroll add-on. Best for solopreneurs and very small teams.
Paychex
Best for traditional full-service
Paychex offers full-service payroll and HR with strong support. For teams that want more hand-holding.
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.