Best Payroll Software for Small Business

Exploring which payroll platforms small businesses trust most especially those that combine ease of use with features like automated tax filings, benefits handling, and support for remote teams.

Here are some of the highest-rated solutions on G2:

1. RUN Powered by ADP: Built specifically for small businesses. Offers payroll, HR, and compliance support—but is the user experience modern enough compared to newer players?
2. Gusto: A favorite for its sleek UI and full-service payroll. Does it handle benefits and multi-state compliance smoothly for smaller teams?
3. Rippling: Combines payroll with device and app management. Is it too feature-heavy for those just looking for a simple payroll solution?
4. Deel: Great for international payroll and EOR needs. How well does it perform for primarily domestic small businesses?
5. Justworks: A PEO offering payroll, compliance, and benefits in one platform. Is the bundled model worth the cost for teams under 50?

Open to thoughts from anyone using these or others especially if you’ve recently made a switch. What’s been reliable, and what surprised you?