We selected these HR platforms based on their ability to tackle the real-world challenges that startups and small businesses face. Factors like affordability, ease of use, scalability, and customer support were at the core of our decisions. A solution like Deel is particularly well suited to handle paying employees and contractors, especially noting its ability to integrate with Square’s point of sale system. We dig into the best payroll software options for startups in this post and how Graphite Financial can help advise your selection. If you employ a remote team scattered across state lines, you shouldn’t have issues running their benefits and insurance. It also familiarizes you with the intricacies of federal taxes to lower the risk of fines.

It offers a basic HRIS and features like global payroll, but its “all-in-one” HR platform just isn’t as complete as other solutions out there (like Rippling). SurePayroll can help you simplify complex tasks like calculating and paying federal, state, and local payroll taxes, freeing you to spend more time growing your business. Backed by industry leader Paychex—which pays 1 in 12 private sector employees—SurePayroll can provide you with payroll, benefits, and HR services. That means SurePayroll will be there as your business grows and as you need additional services.

TriNet

Investing in the right payroll system early on sets a strong foundation — allowing you to focus more on building your product, your team, and your vision. For startups already using QuickBooks for accounting, QuickBooks Payroll is a natural extension. It allows founders and finance leads to keep payroll and bookkeeping tightly integrated. You can run payroll with same-day direct deposit, automatically calculate and file taxes, and sync all payroll expenses directly into your QuickBooks ledger. Startups should prioritize automation, scalability, compliance management, integration with other tools, employee benefits management, and responsive customer support.

• ADP is a payroll processing service that manages to pack a wealth of features into a platform that is surprisingly easy to use.
• Under the FLSA, nonexempt employees are entitled to at least minimum wage and overtime pay when working more than 40 hours in a workweek.
• Payroll and HR are two fundamental business processes that go together like peanut butter and jelly.
• These companies offer a broad set of various features and tools, are easy to use, have good customer service, and are reliable.

Can I Do Payroll Myself for My Small Business?

• Payroll software helps startups simplify payments, automate tax filings, and stay compliant with local laws.
• Employment Hero is a complete HR and payroll solution that can help simplify compliance and reduce admin overhead for startups.
• The expert Customer Success team provides dedicated support, making it a preferred solution for businesses like Pleo, Beamery, PensionBee, Primer, and Cleo.
• The price starts from $8 per month, as stated on the website, but if you want to know more details, you need to contact the company directly.
• This means you can easily pick Gusto if you want an all-in-one solution to handle multiple aspects of HR.

However, the platform does lack integrated background checks, an IT systems management feature, and does not register for benefits in all states (see the whole list here). SurePayroll is an affordable and straightforward payroll service for startups designed to simplify payroll processes. With its easy-to-use platform and mobile app, SurePayroll ensures that startups can manage payroll anytime, anywhere. Its automated tax filings and employee self-service options make it one of the most accessible solutions for small and budget-conscious teams. Protime offers expert Payroll Processing solutions that seamlessly integrate with various payroll systems. While not a payroll provider, Protime streamlines the time-to-money process by efficiently managing employee data and schedules.

RUN Powered by ADP

It co-employs a business’s workforce, allowing it to fully take over and/or automate all payroll and HR-related tasks. The other major benefit of using a PEO is that it can help you access robust employee benefits. PEOs typically co-employ workforces from many different companies at once, giving them the bargaining power to access large-group benefits at reduced costs, helping startups attract and retain top talent. By evaluating factors like budget, ease of use, compliance support, scalability, and customer service, you can confidently select the best payroll service for startups to suit your business needs. The right payroll solution will streamline operations and help set the foundation for your business to grow efficiently. Your payroll software should automatically calculate, withhold, and file federal, state, and local taxes.

Intuit QuickBooks

This software has all the basic features you may need for an affordable price. If you already use QuickBooks for accounting, QuickBooks payroll for startups can be your next step. This software is a good option for those who want to keep all their finances under one roof. Whether you’re a budding startup or you’re anticipating huge growth, Rippling has the tools you need to effortlessly manage and pay your workforce. The PEOs we’ve reviewed above, and Gusto, want you to use their off-the-shelf benefits options, such as health insurance, employee life insurance, 401(k) plans, etc. Busy founders can save serious time avoiding HR busywork if they choose to work with the right PEO.

Oyster provides cloud-based global employment solutions for businesses with remote or distributed teams. It’s ideal for startups that want to compete for top talent by offering strong benefits but don’t have the time or resources to manage everything in-house. Justworks also provides dedicated support, helping founders stay compliant with labor laws and best practices. For fast-growing startups that want a “done-for-you” solution covering payroll, HR, and benefits, Justworks is a top contender.

If you want to have a full-service package (with tax filling), you’ll need to pay $37 per month + $5 per person. The company may offer discounts, so it’s better to check the information on the website. In 2021, Gusto added the ability payroll software for startups for startups to bring in their own, independent insurance brokers.

Its mobile interface integrates seamlessly with accounting and time-tracking software. The autopilot feature ensures your employees are always paid on time, but it also allows you to customize pay schedules whenever you’d like. ADP is a global HR and payroll platform known for reliability, compliance, and depth of features. Startups benefit from ADP’s expertise in tax filings, time tracking, benefits management, and reporting.

Employment Hero is a complete HR and payroll solution that can help simplify compliance and reduce admin overhead for startups. Its automated payroll processing ensures accuracy, while its compliance tools help you meet local labour laws effortlessly. Zalaris offers advanced Cloud Payroll Software tailored for UK businesses, delivering cutting-edge technology, accurate billing, robust reporting, and seamless integration with core HR systems. With 20+ years of global payroll expertise, Zalaris ensures compliance, security, and a user-friendly interface. Simplify your payroll process and explore award-winning solutions trusted by top-tier companies globally.

We’ll also dive into the top benefits that come from using HR services for startups. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to choose the best HR software for small companies—and how it can help manage HR tasks from recruiting to performance management. This guide examines the seven best payroll software options for startups in 2025, exploring their key features, pricing structures, and standout benefits. Rippling was founded in 2016 and offers payroll, payroll tax, HR, and benefits management services through its cloud-based software. With its employee management platform, you can manage all your employee data and operations—onboarding, offboarding, and everything in between.