Best Payroll for Small Business 2026: Prices Compared
Six popular payroll services, one table, prices straight from each company's own pricing page. No ratings, just what you pay and what you get.
Prices checked on each company's own pricing page on Oct 30, 2026. They change often, so check before you sign up.
Payroll prices compared
| Provider | Base price | Per person | Taxes filed for you | Contractors | Trial or promo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurePayroll | $29/mo | $7 | Federal and state (local costs extra) | Yes, 1099s billed yearly | 6 months free over year one |
| Gusto Simple | $49/mo | $6 | Federal, state and local | Yes, billed only in months paid | None listed |
| QuickBooks Payroll | $50/mo | $7 | Yes, full-service | 1099 e-file included | 50% off base for 3 months |
| Square Payroll | $35/mo | $6 | Federal and state | Contractor-only plan: $6 per person | None listed |
| Patriot Full Service | $37/mo | $5 | Federal, state and local | Yes, paid in payroll | 30 days free, then 50% off for 3 months |
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote only | Quote only | Yes | Not listed on its page | Up to 6 months free (terms apply) |
What 5 people cost per month
List price, one state, before any promo:
- Patriot Full Service: $37 + 5 x $5 = $62
- SurePayroll: $29 + 5 x $7 = $64 (plus year-end forms, $50 + $5 each, once a year)
- Square Payroll: $35 + 5 x $6 = $65
- Gusto Simple: $49 + 5 x $6 = $79
- QuickBooks Payroll: $50 + 5 x $7 = $85
- ADP RUN: quote only
Our picks
- Lowest cost with taxes filed: Patriot Full Service and SurePayroll are within $2 of each other. SurePayroll's 6 free months make it cheaper in year one.
- Nanny or household help: SurePayroll's household plan is $39/mo with one employee. See SurePayroll vs GTM for nanny payroll.
- Already on QuickBooks: QuickBooks Payroll keeps payroll next to your books.
- Using Square at the register: Square Payroll imports timecards from Square POS.
- Benefits and HR in one app: Gusto.
Head to head: SurePayroll vs Gusto, SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto.
FAQ
What is the cheapest payroll service that files taxes?
At list price for 5 people in one state: Patriot Full Service ($62/mo) and SurePayroll ($64/mo), then Square ($65/mo). Promos change the first year: SurePayroll gives 6 free months over your first year and Patriot gives 30 days free plus 3 months at half price.
Which payroll services have a free trial?
Patriot has 30 days free. SurePayroll gives 6 months of free payroll fees spread over your first year, and ADP advertises up to 6 months free. Gusto, QuickBooks and Square pricing pages show no free trial.
What if I only pay contractors?
Square has a contractor-only plan at $6 per person a month. Gusto bills contractors only in months you pay them.
Does ADP publish its prices?
No. ADP's RUN page asks you to request a quote for each package.
Pricing pages: Gusto, Square Payroll, Patriot, ADP RUN. SurePayroll and QuickBooks deals are on our SurePayroll and QuickBooks pages.
