Payroll software program helps you automate payroll in an organization whereas guaranteeing compliance and numerous different elements. However while you begin purchasing round, you’ll doubtless 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 scale 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? Try 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 consumers to assist them confidently navigate vendor discussions and negotiations. Let’s brush up on the fundamentals first!
What are the elements that affect payroll software program prices?
A number of elements affect payroll software program prices, together with:
- Variety of workers: Extra workers enhance the month-to-month value.
- Pay frequency: Frequent payroll runs can imply larger charges.
- Options: Superior instruments (tax submitting, advantages, time monitoring) increase the worth.
- Tax compliance: Multi-state or worldwide filings add further prices.
- Buyer assist: Premium assist (24/7 or telephone assist) could value extra.
- Integrations: Connecting with accounting, HR, or time-tracking programs could have charges.
- Areas: Working payroll in a number of states or nations prices extra.
- Setup charges: Information migration and onboarding can have one-time fees.
- Contract size: Annual plans are cheaper; month-to-month plans are extra versatile however could value extra.
- Add-ons: Extras like reporting, recruiting, or efficiency instruments enhance 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 price 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 line 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 |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins from $49/month. |
|
Run powered by ADP |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $79/month. |
|
Rippling |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $21/worker/month. |
|
Deel |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $19/worker/month. |
|
UKG Prepared |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Beginning From $21. |
|
Paylocity |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins at $22/worker/month. |
|
Distant |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Prices are between $29 and $599. |
|
Justworks |
Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value |
Begins from $8/worker/month with a $50 base charge. |
How clear is payroll software program value, and what are their implementation prices?
The transparency of payroll software program value is determined by the seller. Some convey it on their web site (excessive transparency stage), whereas others give a quote after understanding completely different characteristic necessities (low transparency stage). Relying on the complexity of implementation, a vendor would possibly cost completely different further fees whereas onboarding you.
Right here’s a fast breakdown of what to anticipate whereas contemplating the software program product.
|
Software program |
Transparency stage |
Implementation prices* |
|
Gusto |
Excessive transparency |
There’s no implementation charge 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 charge 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 Info System (HRIS) comparability platform.
Payroll software program value insights: elements, 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 elements. Let’s examine them out!
1. Gusto
- G2 ranking: 4.5/5 based mostly on 2,299 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: The associated fee is $49 per thirty days mounted plus $6/particular person/month.
- High options embrace payroll and advantages administration, multi-state payroll and superior HR instruments, complete payroll, and devoted assist.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons like employees’ 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 is usually a value related to information migration.
- Advantages: It organizes workers in an organizational construction that can be utilized all through the appliance 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 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 86 evaluations submitted by the G2 person group for Gusto between December 2, 2024, and March 16, 2025.
- Pricing: On the subject of pricing, Gusto doesn’t spark robust 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 cheap 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 workers. Mid-sized companies (51-500 workers) account for 10.59% of customers, and there’s no illustration from massive firms (over 500 workers), reinforcing that Gusto thrives as a go-to resolution 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 secure 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 is usually a bit off-putting to small companies at first look, however after we think about all the weight we’re getting taken off of our shoulders, that thought shortly leaves our thoughts.”
– Gusto Assessment, 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 well-liked alternative for consumers.
2. RUN Powered by ADP
- G2 ranking: 4.5/5 based mostly on 1,668 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: The bottom plan is $79 + $4 per thirty days per worker. Different plan pricing is obtainable on the quote. A limited-time 6-month trial is obtainable. All plans have 3 months free.
- High options: It provides highly effective capabilities to payrolls, similar to garnishment cost service, state unemployment insurance coverage (SUI) administration, background checks, and job posting by means of ZipRecruiter®1.
- Components influencing pricing: Staff’ compensation and worker advantages plans are add-on options that enhance the software program’s value.
- Surprising prices: To get superior assist, you would possibly must transition into a complicated plan, which is able to come at a further value.
- Advantages: RUN robotically recordsdata your federal, state, and native payroll taxes whereas serving to you keep organized with a customized 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 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 154 evaluations submitted by the G2 person 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% specific issues about value. Nearly all of customers don’t emphasize pricing as a defining issue, suggesting it’s typically in step 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 workers. Solely 3.25% of customers come from mid-sized companies (51-200 workers), with no illustration from bigger firms — highlighting its candy spot as a small-business payroll resolution.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Ease of use is RUN’s greatest energy, cherished by 64.94% of customers. Velocity and effectivity get 7.79% of mentions, whereas reliability (0.65%) flies below the radar.
What G2 customers take into consideration RUN Powered by ADP pricing:
“ADP was simple 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 trying to scale their operation.”
– RUN powered by ADP evaluate, 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 evaluations.
- 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 thirty days.
- High options: Software programming interface (APIs) to attach with the enterprise ecosystem, internationalization, person function and entry administration, and day off accrual.
- Components influencing pricing: Entry to Rippling API, Webhooks, limitless formulation fields, superior stories, and workflows may need some affect on the software program value.
- Surprising prices: Some fines could also be incurred attributable to non-compliance with tax company laws. Moreover, inaccurate license distribution can add further prices.
- Advantages: Helps paperless PAYE kinds and new joiner filings, time monitoring, job costing, and a number of pay charges.
Insights on Rippling based mostly on G2 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 2,627 evaluations submitted by the G2 person 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 give attention to options over value, although some respect 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 workers. Small companies (1-50 workers) make up 28.71%, whereas massive firms (501-1000 workers) account for 8.57%, and enterprises (over 1001 workers) 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 is usually a bit larger than fundamental HR instruments, significantly in the event you’re including a number of modules past the core HR capabilities.”
– Rippling Assessment, 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 evaluations.
- 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 embrace 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 kinds with skilled payroll compliance assist and 20+ accounting integrations. You get entry to 24/7 assist and a devoted CSM. Nonetheless, as you enhance the necessities and the necessity for personalisation, the costs will rise accordingly.
- Surprising prices: International change and conversion charges would possibly apply. EOR plans can embrace country-specific bills like social safety and necessary 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 instances.
Insights on Deel based mostly on G2 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 1,780 evaluations submitted by the G2 person group for Deel between December 2, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Deel’s pricing will get blended evaluations. Whereas 1.18% of customers respect its affordability, 2.3% discover it costly. The associated fee 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 impartial professionals and 37% from firms with 11-200 workers. Companies with 201-1000 workers make up 17%, whereas massive enterprises (over 1001 workers) 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 robust swimsuit, praised by 15.7% for pace and effectivity. Nonetheless, reliability isn’t a standout matter, 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 might be a bit excessive for startups or small companies. Yet another factor I would like is for the assist response to the extra difficult compliance inquiries to be faster.
– Deel Assessment, 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 evaluations.
- 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 growing as the worker rely grows. Further modules, options, and customized options could add to the worth.
- Surprising prices: These are prices for updates and upkeep to make sure the system runs easily.
Insights on UKG Prepared based mostly on G2 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 323 evaluations submitted by the G2 person group for UKG Prepared between January 8, 2025, and February 10, 2025.
- Pricing: Customers barely point out pricing. 0.62% of reviewers respect the associated fee, whereas an equal 0.62% discover it costly. This means that pricing is just not a significant factor in person discussions, neither a major benefit nor a serious concern.
- Who makes use of it? UKG Prepared is particularly fashionable amongst mid-sized companies, with 28.2% of customers from firms with 51-200 workers and 21.4% from 201-500 workers. Smaller firms (2-50 workers) make up 17.3%, whereas massive enterprises (over 1001 workers) account for 19.5%.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 57% of customers highlighted its intuitive and user-friendly design. Efficiency will get average reward, as 7.7% of reviewers point out its pace and effectivity. Reliability, alternatively, isn’t 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 selections based mostly on enhancing the corporate with out worrying about how a lot it would value us. If we wish to pay all our workers a bonus, we are able to try this with a minimal value flat charge, not like some rivals who cost for every pay assertion within the payroll.”
– UKG Prepared Assessment, Verified Consumer in Medical Units
The fundamental UKG Prepared plan is obtainable at a price 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 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: A Paylocity subscription can value anyplace between $22-$32 per worker per thirty days.
- High options: Customizable payroll with versatile examine varieties, time-off accruals, and reporting.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons like Paylocity payroll expense administration, tax companies, or on-demand funds would possibly add some further value.
- Surprising prices: The corporate fees a one-time implementation charge, 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 chance 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 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 72 evaluations submitted by the G2 person 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 disadvantage, 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 workers), making up 50% of customers, and small companies ( lower than 50 workers), 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 attributable to 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 aren’t any adjustments from payroll to payroll.”
– Paylocity Assessment, Ron S.
Paylocity’s pricing compares effectively with the common value of HR software program with payroll capabilities.
7. Distant
- G2 ranking: 4.6/5 based mostly on 2,546 evaluations.
- 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 change charges would possibly transfer the worth up or down.
- Advantages: One centralized platform helps automate bills and generate stories.
Insights on Distant based mostly on G2 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 470 evaluations submitted by the G2 person group for Distant between December 2, 2024, and March 18, 2025.
- Pricing: Suggestions on pricing is blended. Whereas 1.28% of customers discover Distant to be inexpensive or supply good worth, 2.77% specific issues about excessive prices or sudden charges. General, unfavourable mentions barely exceed constructive ones, although pricing is just not a main focus in most evaluations.
- Who makes use of it? Distant is principally utilized by enterprises (over 1,000 workers), representing 65.5% of the person base, and small companies (fewer than 50 workers), 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 similar to pace and effectivity. 4.26% of customers increase reliability points, together with occasional crashes or downtime.
What G2 customers take into consideration Distant pricing:
“One draw back is that the pricing is usually a bit excessive for small companies or startups. Typically, there may be delays in processing funds or onboarding, relying on the nation. Additionally, since every little thing is managed by means of a 3rd get together, firms have much less direct management over sure elements of hiring and payroll.”
– Distant Assessment, 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 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: Justworks has 4 pricing editions, starting from $8 to $599 per worker per thirty days, together with a $50 base charge.
- High options: Payroll for all workers, simplified compliance, HR Consulting and instruments, 24/7 Assist, and 401(okay).
- 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 principally clear.
- Advantages: Easy pricing, tax submitting administration, and 24/7 buyer assist.
Insights on Justworks based mostly on G2 evaluations:
These insights are based mostly on 151 evaluations submitted by the G2 person group for Justworks between December 11, 2024, and March 12, 2025.
- Pricing: 3.31% of customers respect Justworks’ pricing, whereas 5.96% point out issues about value. Whereas some customers discover the pricing truthful for the worth it supplies, others really feel it might not match each funds.
- Who makes use of it? Justworks is predominantly utilized by small companies (1-50 workers: 63.89%), adopted by mid-sized companies (50-500 workers: 34.26%), making it a robust alternative for firms with fewer than 500 workers. Adoption amongst massive firms (500-1000 workers: 0.93%) and enterprises (greater than 1000 workers: 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 robust 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 far more clear than most PEO suppliers.”
– Justworks Assessment, Kate N.
Justworks provides extra inexpensive pricing plans with higher transparency. It’s less expensive than the common value of payroll software program.
Payroll software program value: How do prime options examine total?
This comparability is past pricing and appears into how quickly you get worth from the software program after implementing it in your enterprise. These insights are from person evaluations on G2 and are grouped to derive an total person 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
Examine the price of the above software program and perceive how they package deal the deal so that you can get the efficient value. Take return on funding into consideration and see how simple it’s to get onboarded. There can be essential elements in figuring out which payroll software program would swimsuit your enterprise essentially the most.
Make a alternative that maximizes your ROI whereas being fully clear concerning the prices you’ll encounter. In any other case, you would possibly pay vital implementation or coaching fees.
Need an in-depth comparability of every software program? Try my colleague’s evaluate of the greatest payroll software program.
