Payroll software program helps you automate payroll in an organization whereas making certain compliance and numerous different components. However once you begin buying round, you’ll seemingly be puzzled by the pricing.
Some platforms supply payroll as part of extra complete HR software program, whereas others promote it as a standalone payroll product. There’s a distinction in pricing based mostly on how the merchandise are packaged.
Relying in your use case, the dimensions of the implementation, and the kind of customizations you want within the product, you would possibly encounter a couple of further prices.
Wish to skip straight to the comparisons? Take a look at our pricing insights for prime payroll software program.
This text takes a deep dive into payroll software program value and weighs the most effective payroll options in the marketplace on a pricing scale. The intent is to create a information for patrons to assist them confidently navigate vendor discussions and negotiations. Let’s brush up on the fundamentals first!
What are the components that affect payroll software program prices?
A number of components affect payroll software program prices, together with:
- Variety of staff: Extra staff improve the month-to-month value.
- Pay frequency: Frequent payroll runs can imply increased charges.
- Options: Superior instruments (tax submitting, advantages, time monitoring) elevate the value.
- Tax compliance: Multi-state or worldwide filings add further prices.
- Buyer assist: Premium assist (24/7 or telephone assist) might value extra.
- Integrations: Connecting with accounting, HR, or time-tracking methods might have charges.
- Areas: Working payroll in a number of states or international locations prices extra.
- Setup charges: Knowledge migration and onboarding can have one-time prices.
- Contract size: Annual plans are cheaper; month-to-month plans are extra versatile however might value extra.
- Add-ons: Extras like reporting, recruiting, or efficiency instruments improve prices.
Payroll software program pricing fashions
Relying on the choices you’re contemplating, you’ll discover payroll software program in numerous pricing fashions, for instance:
- Per-employee pricing
- Tiered pricing
- Flat charge pricing
- Utilization-based pricing
- Modular or add-on pricing
- Freemium
On this article, we’ve got analyzed the pricing of the most effective payroll software program in the marketplace, in accordance with the G2 Winter 2025 Grid® Report. These software program primarily fall within the mounted plus per-employee pricing mannequin.
Payroll software program pricing mannequin and prices
Software program |
Pricing Mannequin |
Price |
Gusto |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins from $49/month. |
Run powered by ADP |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $79/month. |
Rippling |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $21/worker/month. |
Deel |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $19/worker/month. |
UKG Prepared |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Beginning From $21. |
Paylocity |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $22/worker/month. |
Distant |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Prices are between $29 and $599. |
Justworks |
Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins from $8/worker/month with a $50 base price. |
How clear is payroll software program value, and what are their implementation prices?
The transparency of payroll software program value depends upon the seller. Some convey it on their web site (excessive transparency degree), whereas others give a quote after understanding totally different characteristic necessities (low transparency degree). Relying on the complexity of implementation, a vendor would possibly cost totally different further prices whereas onboarding you.
Right here’s a fast breakdown of what to anticipate whereas contemplating the software program product.
Software program |
Transparency degree |
Implementation prices* |
Gusto |
Excessive transparency |
There’s no implementation price talked about on the pricing web page. |
Run powered by ADP |
Low transparency |
No single, mounted implementation value. Contact gross sales to know extra. |
Rippling |
Low transparency |
5-15% of the annual software program charges for implementation charges (i.e., $5-15K implementation price on a $100K annual buy) |
Deel |
Excessive transparency |
None discovered |
UKG Prepared |
Low transparency |
40-70% of the yearly software program charges |
Paylocity |
Low transparency |
10-20% of the annual software program charges |
Distant |
Excessive transparency |
|
Justworks |
Excessive transparency |
*Implementation prices are bills incurred when introducing a brand new system, coverage, or course of into the enterprise. The estimates have been sourced from OutSail, a Human Useful resource Data System (HRIS) comparability platform.
Payroll software program value insights: components, sudden prices, and reductions
The common value of HR software program with payroll is between $15 and $25/worker/month. The charges depend upon options, seasonality or quantity reductions, and different components. Let’s examine them out!
1. Gusto
- G2 ranking: 4.5/5 based mostly on 2,299 critiques.
- Pricing plan: The price is $49 per 30 days mounted plus $6/particular person/month.
- High options embody payroll and advantages administration, multi-state payroll and superior HR instruments, complete payroll, and devoted assist.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons like staff’ compensation, well being financial savings accounts (HSAs) and versatile spending accounts (FSAs), life and incapacity insurance coverage, worldwide contractor funds, and state tax registration value further.
- Surprising prices: There generally is a value related to information migration.
- Advantages: It organizes staff in an organizational construction that can be utilized all through the applying for reporting, permissions, and so forth. It tracks time, attendance, paid day off (PTO), sick time, schedules, and different workforce-related info.
Insights on Gusto based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 86 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Gusto between December 2, 2024, and March 16, 2025.
- Pricing: On the subject of pricing, Gusto doesn’t spark sturdy reactions — solely 3.49% of customers reward its affordability, whereas 1.16% discover it costly or not solely justified. This means that almost all customers see Gusto’s pricing as affordable or secondary to its different options.
- Who makes use of it? Gusto is a small enterprise favourite, with 89.41% of customers coming from firms with 1-50 staff. Mid-sized companies (51-500 staff) account for 10.59% of customers, and there’s no illustration from massive firms (over 500 staff), reinforcing that Gusto thrives as a go-to answer for startups and small groups.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 55.81% of customers rave about its intuitive and user-friendly design. Efficiency will get a constructive nod from 10.47% of customers, highlighting pace and effectivity, whereas reliability is talked about by 2.33%, suggesting it’s steady sufficient that customers don’t usually really feel the necessity to name it out.
What G2 customers take into consideration Gusto pricing:
“Gusto’s pricing generally is a bit off-putting to small companies at first look, however after we contemplate the entire weight we’re getting taken off of our shoulders, that thought shortly leaves our thoughts.”
– Gusto Evaluate, Jake T.
Gusto’s pricing is barely above the common value of HR software program with payroll capabilities. Nonetheless, its transparency and lack of implementation prices make it a most popular alternative for patrons.
2. RUN Powered by ADP
- G2 ranking: 4.5/5 based mostly on 1,668 critiques.
- Pricing plan: The bottom plan is $79 + $4 per 30 days per worker. Different plan pricing is on the market on the quote. A limited-time 6-month trial is on the market. All plans have 3 months free.
- High options: It provides highly effective capabilities to payrolls, akin to garnishment cost service, state unemployment insurance coverage (SUI) administration, background checks, and job posting by means of ZipRecruiter®1.
- Components influencing pricing: Employees’ compensation and worker advantages plans are add-on options that improve the software program’s value.
- Surprising prices: To get superior assist, you would possibly must transition into a sophisticated plan, which is able to come at a further value.
- Advantages: RUN robotically information your federal, state, and native payroll taxes whereas serving to you keep organized with a personalised dashboard of key dates, duties, and alerts. AI-powered error detection allows you to keep away from pricey errors.
Insights on RUN Powered by ADP based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 154 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for RUN Powered by ADP between December 1, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Pricing sentiment for RUN Powered by ADP is evenly cut up, with 2.60% of customers praising its affordability whereas 2.60% categorical issues about value. The vast majority of customers don’t emphasize pricing as a defining issue, suggesting it’s typically consistent with expectations.
- Who makes use of it? RUN Powered by ADP is constructed for small companies, with 96.75% of customers coming from firms with 1-50 staff. Solely 3.25% of customers come from mid-sized companies (51-200 staff), with no illustration from bigger firms — highlighting its candy spot as a small-business payroll answer.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Ease of use is RUN’s largest power, liked by 64.94% of customers. Pace and effectivity get 7.79% of mentions, whereas reliability (0.65%) flies underneath the radar.
What G2 customers take into consideration RUN Powered by ADP pricing:
“ADP was straightforward and environment friendly to work with to arrange payroll. Their platform may be very user-friendly. And the upfront pricing is nice for small companies and corporations seeking to scale their operation.”
– RUN powered by ADP assessment, Verified Consumer
RUN Powered by ADP additionally prices greater than the common payroll system. Nonetheless, small companies like its upfront pricing.
3. Rippling
- G2 ranking: 4.8/5 based mostly on 6,741 critiques.
- Pricing plan: Relying in your plan and the options you need, you’ll pay between $21 and $29/particular person/month. The platform additionally provides IT administration options as add-ons, which value $5 to $20 per particular person per 30 days.
- High options: Utility programming interface (APIs) to attach with the enterprise ecosystem, internationalization, consumer position and entry administration, and day off accrual.
- Components influencing pricing: Entry to Rippling API, Webhooks, limitless formulation fields, superior experiences, and workflows might need some affect on the software program value.
- Surprising prices: Some fines could also be incurred as a result of non-compliance with tax company rules. Moreover, inaccurate license distribution can add further prices.
- Advantages: Helps paperless PAYE types and new joiner filings, time monitoring, job costing, and a number of pay charges.
Insights on Rippling based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 2,627 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Rippling between December 1, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Pricing isn’t a serious dialogue level for Rippling, with solely 0.38% praising affordability and 0.69% citing excessive prices. Most customers deal with options over worth, although some recognize the worth, whereas others really feel it’s pricey for smaller companies.
- Who makes use of it? Rippling is a best choice for mid-sized companies, with 57.46% of customers coming from firms with 51-500 staff. Small companies (1-50 staff) make up 28.71%, whereas massive firms (501-1000 staff) account for 8.57%, and enterprises (over 1001 staff) make up 5.26%.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Rippling makes usability a precedence, with 69.98% of customers praising its simplicity. Efficiency is praised by 6.63%, whereas reliability (1.10%) isn’t a serious speaking level, suggesting stability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Rippling pricing:
“The pricing construction generally is a bit increased than primary HR instruments, notably in the event you’re including a number of modules past the core HR capabilities.”
– Rippling Evaluate, Claudia E.
For those who examine Rippling’s pricing with the common payroll system’s pricing, it’s nearer to the common value, with a pricing of $21 to $29/worker/month.
4. Deel
- G2 ranking: 4.8/5 based mostly on 6,881 critiques.
- Pricing plan: Deel provides 5 pricing editions, from $19 to $599, and a free trial plan.
- High options: Payroll entry, day off accrual, direct deposit, and expense reimbursement.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-on options embody immediate tax and wage calculations, registration assist in all 50 states, and automatic federal, state, and native tax filings. It lets companies simply handle W-2, W-4, 1099, and new rent types with knowledgeable payroll compliance assist and 20+ accounting integrations. You get entry to 24/7 assist and a devoted CSM. Nonetheless, as you improve the necessities and the necessity for personalization, the costs will rise accordingly.
- Surprising prices: International alternate and conversion charges would possibly apply. EOR plans can embody country-specific bills like social safety and obligatory pension contributions.
- Advantages: Entry to compensation, OKRs, and fairness reporting in a single system. You get devoted assist with a single level of contact and quick response occasions.
Insights on Deel based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 1,780 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Deel between December 2, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Deel’s pricing will get combined critiques. Whereas 1.18% of customers recognize its affordability, 2.3% discover it costly. The price isn’t a serious level of dialogue, however those that point out it are likely to lean barely towards dissatisfaction.
- Who makes use of it? Deel is broadly utilized by freelancers and small companies, with 24.8% of customers being unbiased professionals and 37% from firms with 11-200 staff. Companies with 201-1000 staff make up 17%, whereas massive enterprises (over 1001 staff) account for 12%.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Deel shines in usability, with 53.2% of customers loving its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Efficiency is one other sturdy swimsuit, praised by 15.7% for pace and effectivity. Nonetheless, reliability isn’t a standout subject, with solely 2.9% mentioning stability, suggesting it’s not a serious concern but additionally not a key promoting level.
What G2 customers take into consideration Deel pricing:
“The one problem can be that the pricing may very well be somewhat excessive for startups or small companies. Yet another factor I would like is for the assist response to the extra sophisticated compliance inquiries to be faster.
– Deel Evaluate, Mohamed E.
Deel’s low-tier plans are throughout the common value vary of payroll software program. Nonetheless, its top-tier plans are pricey.
5. UKG Prepared
- G2 ranking: 4.3/5 based mostly on 1,832 critiques.
- Pricing plan: The platform provides a number of pricing tiers ranging from $21, every with a complete set of options, together with HR, payroll, expertise administration, and repair supply options.
- High options: Workforce analytics, worker improvement, and timekeeping.
- Components influencing pricing: Pricing relies upon on the variety of customers, with prices rising as the worker depend grows. Extra modules, options, and customized options might add to the value.
- Surprising prices: These are prices for updates and upkeep to make sure the system runs easily.
Insights on UKG Prepared based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 323 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for UKG Prepared between January 8, 2025, and February 10, 2025.
- Pricing: Customers barely point out pricing. 0.62% of reviewers recognize the associated fee, whereas an equal 0.62% discover it costly. This means that pricing will not be a significant factor in consumer discussions, neither a big benefit nor a serious concern.
- Who makes use of it? UKG Prepared is particularly common amongst mid-sized companies, with 28.2% of customers from firms with 51-200 staff and 21.4% from 201-500 staff. Smaller firms (2-50 staff) make up 17.3%, whereas massive enterprises (over 1001 staff) account for 19.5%.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 57% of customers highlighted its intuitive and user-friendly design. Efficiency will get reasonable reward, as 7.7% of reviewers point out its pace and effectivity. Reliability, then again, is never a subject of dialogue — solely 0.3% of customers name it a standout characteristic, suggesting that whereas stability isn’t a frequent concern, it’s additionally not a serious promoting level.
What G2 customers take into consideration UKG Prepared pricing:
“We just like the pricing construction with Kronos WFR. We pay by worker no matter their pay frequency. This permits us to make choices based mostly on enhancing the corporate with out worrying about how a lot it can value us. If we need to pay all our staff a bonus, we will do this with a minimal value flat price, in contrast to some opponents who cost for every pay assertion within the payroll.”
– UKG Prepared Evaluate, Verified Consumer in Medical Gadgets
The fundamental UKG Prepared plan is obtainable at a charge near the common value of payroll software program. Nonetheless, it’s much less clear how top-tier plans examine with the common software program value.
6. Paylocity
- G2 ranking: 4.4/5 based mostly on 2,791 critiques.
- Pricing plan: A Paylocity subscription can value wherever between $22-$32 per worker per 30 days.
- High options: Customizable payroll with versatile examine sorts, time-off accruals, and reporting.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons like Paylocity payroll expense administration, tax providers, or on-demand funds would possibly add some further value.
- Surprising prices: The corporate prices a one-time implementation price, which is 10% to twenty% of the software program’s annual value.
- Advantages: It improves compliance with state and federal legal guidelines and reduces the danger of pricey errors. Staff can simply entry pay stubs, W-2s, and different key paperwork by means of self-service portals, releasing time for extra strategic work.
Insights on Paylocity based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 72 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Paylocity between December 11, 2024, and March 12, 2025.
- Pricing: Pricing isn’t a serious speaking level, however 2.78% of customers reward Paylocity for being cost-effective, whereas 1.39% point out it as a downside, citing sudden charges or affordability issues. General, sentiment leans barely constructive, however most customers don’t touch upon pricing.
- Who makes use of it? Paylocity is used primarily by enterprises (over 1000 staff), making up 50% of customers, and small companies ( lower than 50 staff), accounting for 25%. Mid-sized (50-500) or massive (500-1000) firms make up a really small section, suggesting decrease adoption in these segments.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Described as intuitive and user-friendly, ease of use is a spotlight for 40.28% of customers. No efficiency suggestions is famous, however 1.39% share reliability issues as a result of occasional system crashes or downtime.
What G2 customers take into consideration Paylocity pricing:
“Their pricing is nice, and operating payroll is fairly seamless if there are not any adjustments from payroll to payroll.”
– Paylocity Evaluate, Ron S.
Paylocity’s pricing compares properly with the common value of HR software program with payroll capabilities.
7. Distant
- G2 ranking: 4.6/5 based mostly on 2,546 critiques.
- Pricing plan: A number of plans vary from $29 to $599. It additionally provides a free plan.
- High options: Net portal, advantages supervisor, payroll entry, and day off accrual.
- Components influencing pricing: Some options, like fairness incentives with tax help, can be found solely on higher-tier plans.
- Surprising prices: Foreign money conversion and overseas alternate charges would possibly transfer the value up or down.
- Advantages: One centralized platform helps automate bills and generate experiences.
Insights on Distant based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 470 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Distant between December 2, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Suggestions on pricing is combined. Whereas 1.28% of customers discover Distant to be inexpensive or supply good worth, 2.77% categorical issues about excessive prices or sudden charges. General, detrimental mentions barely exceed constructive ones, although pricing will not be a major focus in most critiques.
- Who makes use of it? Distant is especially utilized by enterprises (over 1,000 staff), representing 65.5% of the consumer base, and small companies (fewer than 50 staff), which account for 34.5%.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 52.34% of customers point out the platform’s intuitive and user-friendly design. Moreover, 10% spotlight efficiency advantages akin to pace and effectivity. 4.26% of customers elevate reliability points, together with occasional crashes or downtime.
What G2 customers take into consideration Distant pricing:
“One draw back is that the pricing generally is a bit excessive for small companies or startups. Generally, there will be delays in processing funds or onboarding, relying on the nation. Additionally, since all the things is managed by means of a 3rd social gathering, firms have much less direct management over sure features of hiring and payroll.”
– Distant Evaluate, Christian L.
Distant’s low-tier plan begins at $29, barely above the common value of payroll software program.
8. Justworks
- G2 ranking: 4.6/5 based mostly on 1,002 critiques.
- Pricing plan: Justworks has 4 pricing editions, starting from $8 to $599 per worker per 30 days, together with a $50 base price.
- High options: Payroll for all staff, simplified compliance, HR Consulting and instruments, 24/7 Help, and 401(ok).
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons like Justworks time monitoring, worldwide contractor funds, and medical health insurance can come at an further value.
- Surprising prices: The pricing is especially clear.
- Advantages: Simple pricing, tax submitting administration, and 24/7 buyer assist.
Insights on Justworks based mostly on G2 critiques:
These insights are based mostly on 151 critiques submitted by the G2 consumer group for Justworks between December 11, 2024, and March 12, 2025.
- Pricing: 3.31% of customers recognize Justworks’ pricing, whereas 5.96% point out issues about value. Whereas some customers discover the pricing honest for the worth it offers, others really feel it could not match each finances.
- Who makes use of it? Justworks is predominantly utilized by small companies (1-50 staff: 63.89%), adopted by mid-sized companies (50-500 staff: 34.26%), making it a powerful alternative for firms with fewer than 500 staff. Adoption amongst massive firms (500-1000 staff: 0.93%) and enterprises (greater than 1000 staff: 0.93%) is considerably decrease, indicating that Justworks is primarily tailor-made to the wants of smaller groups and rising organizations.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 59.60% of customers reward Justworks for its ease of use, whereas 26.49% spotlight sturdy efficiency for its pace and effectivity. Only one.32% point out reliability, indicating that usability and efficiency are the platform’s standout strengths.
What G2 customers take into consideration Justworks pricing:
“Pricing is rather more clear than most PEO suppliers.”
– Justworks Evaluate, Kate N.
Justworks provides extra inexpensive pricing plans with higher transparency. It’s more cost effective than the common worth of payroll software program.
Payroll software program value: How do prime options examine general?
This comparability is past pricing and appears into how quickly you get worth from the software program after implementing it in your online business. These insights are from consumer critiques on G2 and are grouped to derive an general consumer sentiment.
Payroll software program |
Common time to implement |
Estimated ROI (payback interval) |
Ease of setup |
Gusto |
0.7 months |
11 months |
93% |
RUN Powered by ADP |
1.4 months |
15 months |
89% |
Rippling |
1.4 months |
10 months |
92% |
Deel |
1.1 months |
19 months |
95% |
UKG Prepared |
5.5 months |
20 months |
82% |
Paylocity |
2.5 months |
16 months |
83% |
Distant |
0.7 months |
9 months |
93% |
Justworks |
1.1 months |
10 months |
93% |
Run payroll seamlessly and cost-effectively
Evaluate the price of the above software program and perceive how they package deal the deal so that you can get the efficient worth. Take return on funding into consideration and see how straightforward it’s to get onboarded. There will likely be essential components in figuring out which payroll software program would swimsuit your online business essentially the most.
Make a alternative that maximizes your ROI whereas being utterly clear concerning the prices you’ll encounter. In any other case, you would possibly pay vital implementation or coaching prices.
Need an in-depth comparability of every software program? Take a look at my colleague’s assessment of the greatest payroll software program.