7 Best Full Payroll Services 2024
byLeveraging full payroll services can save you countless hours every week and allow you to finally put the hassle of running your own payroll behind you. The question is, what are the best full payroll services in 2024? Read on to find out.
Before diving in, here are five fast facts about full payroll services that you need to know about:
- Full-service payroll software isn’t just for big companies.
- There are lots of scalable options out there for small businesses.
- Feature-laden solutions with automation tools give you the best bang for your buck.
- Look for add-ons like team messaging and time clock tools to further enhance your ROI.
- The top options integrate with popular accounting tools to provide a holistic view of your payroll expenses.
Table of contents:
Now, here are our picks for the best full payroll services of 2024, which include:
- Key features to look for in full payroll software
- Full payroll software comparison table
- 7 best full payroll software in 2024
Key features to look for in full payroll software
When it comes to full payroll services, it’s all about the features. In other words, what does each tool bring to the table? Look for offerings like:
Real-time labor cost insights
Paper-based payroll practices have many major flaws. One of the biggest is that you can’t gain real-time insights into your labor costs. Instead, you are often dealing with weeks-old information.
Great payroll services fix this problem by offering real-time data. This allows you to find out the current week’s costs and examine historical information.
In-depth reporting
One of the main features to look for is in-depth reporting. Top options let you run custom reports to identify waste and cut costs. Prioritize these types of solutions in your search for payroll services.
Automated overtime calculations
No one wants to waste hours crunching numbers every week. Fortunately, you don’t have to. With an automated payroll solution, you can effortlessly calculate overtime and other expenses. By automating this process, you’ll cut down on errors and make sure everyone’s paid fairly.
Having other features, like an employee time clock
Don’t settle for a basic payroll tool. Instead, find a platform that is loaded with extra features. For instance, When I Work has a built-in time clock. This user-friendly tool tracks employee hours and simplifies recordkeeping.
Full payroll software comparison table
| Software | Price | Features | Free Trial (Y/N) |
| When I Work | Starts at $1.50/user/month | • Time clock • AutomationReporting • Team messaging | Y |
| Square Payroll | $6/user/month plus a $35 monthly base fee | • Simple onboarding • Cash App payment option | N |
| Gusto | $6/user/month plus a $40 monthly base fee | • Direct deposit • Easy recurring payments | N |
| OnPay | $6/user/month plus a $40 monthly base fee | • Integrations • Lots of reporting tools | Y |
| Paychex Flex | $5/user/month plus a $39 monthly base fee | • Online tax filing • Payroll processing • Employee training | N |
| Patriot Payroll | $4/user/month plus a $17 monthly fee | • User-friendly interface • Unlimited payrolls • Electronic W-2s | N |
| SurePayroll | $4/user/month plus a $19.99 monthly fee | • Mobile app • Direct deposits • Customer service | N |
7 best full payroll software in 2024
Now, let’s get into our picks for the best full payroll services in 2024:
1. When I Work
Rating: 4.3/5 on G2
- Team messaging
- Time clock
- Numerous integrations
- Three subscription tiers
- Automation tools
- Much more
When I Work is a true all-in-one full-service payroll tool. It has everything you need to simplify weekly payroll. The platform includes automation tools, customizable pay rates, detailed reports, tax filings, and many more capabilities.
However, it’s not just a payroll app. The platform also serves as a robust scheduling tool. As a result, you can create custom schedules to align with the needs of your business. Once you create roles and input employee data, you can build complete schedules in a flash.
And because all of your scheduling and time tracking data is in the same system as your payroll, you can run it in a single click. There’s no exporting or uploading timesheets needed.
When I Work offers many add-ons, too. You can keep your staff in the loop with its secure messaging features and GPS-enabled time clock, which prevents errors.
Do you want to learn more? Explore the platform’s flexible pricing options and find the tier that makes sense for your business.
2. Square Payroll
- Mobile app
- Importing tool
- Automated tax filings
Square Payroll is a very user-friendly option. It’s popular among small businesses already using Square’s point-of-sale technology. However, the payroll app can sometimes feel like an afterthought rather than the company’s primary offering. That’s because it is.
In terms of pricing, it’s relatively affordable. Full-service payroll costs $35 per month plus $6 per user per month.
3. Gusto
- Custom employee profiles
- Benefits administration
- Onboarding tools
Gusto has quite a few add-on features, including benefits management. On the flip side, the platform can be a bit complex to set up. Even a small mistake can cause payment delays, which will frustrate your team.
Like most options on our list, Gusto charges a recurring base fee. Their fee is $40 per month. They also charge $6 per user per month.
4. OnPay
- Numerous integrations
- Powerful reporting tools
- Customizable templates
OnPay offers an easy setup process. It also provides support if you need to integrate payroll data from an existing application. When necessary, you can also upgrade to a premier tier and access the platform’s built-in HR tools. The only major complaint is that it lacks automatic payroll capabilities.
In terms of price, OnPay charges a base fee of $40 per month. You’ll also pay $6 per user per month.
5. Paychex Flex
- Online tax filing
- 24/7 support
- Training and development tools
Paychex Flex prioritizes customer service and empowerment. They have a lot of tools to help you get more out of the program. You are going to need them, too, because the app has a reputation for being complex to set up.
The platform charges a base monthly fee of $39. They also charge $5 per user per month.
6. Patriot Payroll
- Employee Portal
- Electronic W-2s
- Easy pay rate changes
Patriot prioritizes simplicity. The entire app is extremely user-friendly and easy to set up. However, many of its desirable tax filing services are only available with a premium subscription.
The platform is priced well. While they charge a monthly base fee, it’s just $17 per month. They also charge $4 per employee per month.
7. SurePayroll
- Free direct deposit
- Add-on services
- Mobile apps
SurePayroll’s basic payroll service doesn’t have a large number of features. However, it’s a viable option if you want something simple. It does offer HR services as a premium add-on, but it can be a bit expensive. As for the basic app, you’ll pay a base fee of $19.99 per month, as well as $4 per user per month.
When I Work: One-click payroll, for real
When I Work is the clear winner on our list of the best full payroll services. It’s loaded with features and perks to make your life easier.
Don’t just take our word for it. Sign up for a free 14-day trial and see for yourself.
