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Payroll software for small business: what it actually costs, and which one fits
For 1 to 20 people, Gusto's published plans run about $55 to $320 a month. The right pick depends mostly on one number: how many people you pay.
For a team your size, Gusto is the simplest fit. Published prices, no long contract, and you set it up yourself online.
At 50 or more people, get a Paylocity quote before you decide. Its HR, time and benefits tools are built for teams your size, and a quote costs nothing.
Monthly totals before add-ons such as benefits, workers' comp or extra state registrations.
The short comparison
| Option | Best for | Pricing | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto | 1 to about 50 people who want payroll running this week | From $49/mo + $6 per person (Simple) | Per-person fees add up; Simple covers one state only |
| Paylocity | About 50+ people who need HR, time and benefits in one place | Quote only | No published prices; longer setup than self-serve tools |
| OnPay | Small teams wanting one simple plan | From $49/mo + $6 per person | One plan, so fewer ways to scale up or down |
| ADP RUN | Owners who want a big, established provider | Quote only | Pricing isn't public |
We earn nothing from OnPay or ADP. They're here because a fair comparison needs them.
Gusto: the default pick for small teams
Who it suits
Businesses paying roughly 1 to 50 people, including owners paying just themselves and a few contractors. You sign up online, connect your bank, and run payroll yourself. Taxes are filed for you.
What it costs
Simple is $49 a month plus $6 per person. Plus is $80 plus $12 per person and adds multi-state payroll, next-day pay and time tracking. Premium is $180 plus $22 per person and adds HR guidance. A 10-person team on Simple pays about $109 a month. Full Gusto pricing breakdown.
Good
- Published prices, no long contract
- Unlimited payroll runs and automatic tax filings on every plan
- Easy for owners without an accountant on staff
Watch out for
- Gusto raised the Simple base fee from $40 to $49 in 2026, so check the current price
- Employees in more than one state means you need Plus
- Priority support is a paid add-on on Simple and Plus
Paylocity: for growing companies
Who it suits
Companies with roughly 50 or more people, or smaller teams growing fast, that want payroll, HR, time tracking and benefits in one system with a dedicated implementation.
What it costs
Paylocity doesn't publish prices. You request a quote based on headcount and the modules you need. Expect a guided setup rather than self-serve.
Good
- Broad HR toolset as you grow
- Implementation help instead of setting it up alone
Watch out for
- You won't know the price until you talk to sales
- More than a very small team needs
Five things to check before you switch payroll
- Your total at your headcount. Base fee plus per-person fee, times your real number of people, contractors included.
- How many states your people work in. Multi-state payroll often needs a higher plan.
- When you switch. Starting at the beginning of a quarter, or a new year, means less year-to-date history to move over.
- Contractors. Make sure 1099 payments and year-end forms are included, not an add-on.
- Support you'll actually get. Check whether phone support is included on the plan you're buying.
Switching mid-year is fine, but you'll need your prior payroll totals for the year so W-2s come out right. Ask the new provider whether they import them for you. Our step-by-step switching guide covers the rest.
Questions
What's the cheapest payroll for one or two people?
For an owner plus one employee, Gusto Simple and OnPay both start at $49 a month plus $6 per person, so about $61 a month.
Do these handle payroll taxes?
Yes. All four calculate, file and pay federal and state payroll taxes. You still need to register with your state, and some providers help with that.
Is there a contract?
Gusto is month to month with no setup fee. Paylocity and ADP set terms in your quote, so ask before signing. Check OnPay's current terms on its site.
How did you compare these?
From each provider's published pricing and plan pages as of November 2026, focused on what a small business owner pays and gets. More on how this site works.