SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll: Which Costs Less?
Same per-person price, very different base price. SurePayroll is the cheaper one. QuickBooks Payroll wins if your books already live in QuickBooks.
Prices checked on each company's own pricing page on Oct 30, 2026. They change often, so check before you sign up.
SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll at a glance
| SurePayroll | QuickBooks Payroll | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $29/mo | $50/mo |
| Per person | $7 per worker | $7 per employee |
| Payroll tax filing | Federal and state, filed and deposited. Local taxes cost extra. | Full-service payroll: taxes done for you |
| Contractor payments | Yes. W-2 and 1099 forms are billed once a year: $50 plus $5 per form. | 1099 e-file included |
| Free trial or promo | 6 months free over your first year | No trial shown. 50% off the base price for 3 months. |
| Direct deposit | Free 2-day | Next-day |
What 5 people cost
At list price in one state, SurePayroll is $29 + 5 x $7 = $64 a month. QuickBooks Payroll is $50 + 5 x $7 = $85 a month, or $60 for the first 3 months with its half-off base price.
SurePayroll bills year-end forms once a year ($50 plus $5 per form) and adds $9.99/mo if you pay people in more than one state.
Which one to pick
- SurePayroll if price matters most, you have a small team in one state, or you pay a nanny or other household employee.
- QuickBooks Payroll if you already use QuickBooks for your books, want next-day direct deposit, or want time tracking and HR on a higher plan.
Also see SurePayroll vs Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto and our payroll price chart for 2026.
FAQ
Is SurePayroll cheaper than QuickBooks Payroll?
Yes, by $21 a month on the base price. Both charge $7 per person, but SurePayroll starts at $29/mo and QuickBooks Payroll at $50/mo.
Does SurePayroll work with QuickBooks?
SurePayroll sells an accounting software integration for $4.99/mo that syncs payroll data with popular accounting tools.
Which is better for a nanny or household employee?
SurePayroll. It has a household plan at $39/mo with one employee included, taxes filed for you and a signature-ready Schedule H.
Which one pays employees faster?
QuickBooks Payroll includes next-day direct deposit on its base plan. SurePayroll includes free 2-day direct deposit.
Related deal
Payroll and tax filing for small businesses and household employers. Get a 6-month free trial with our referral link.
