Updated July 21, 2026
The 5 Best Payroll Services of 2026
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- Stand-out choice for small business
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for scaling up
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for all-in-one hr
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for hr support
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for simple pricing
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
Still deciding? Compare at a glance
A quick side-by-side of every payroll service we ranked.
| Brand | Score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Gusto | 9.4 | ~from $39/mo | Small business | Visit Site |
| #2ADP | 9.1 | ~from $29/mo | Scaling up | Visit Site |
| #3Rippling | 9.0 | ~from $29/mo | All-in-one HR | Visit Site |
| #4Paychex | 8.7 | ~from $29/mo | HR support | Visit Site |
| #5OnPay | 8.6 | starting at $49/month | Simple pricing | Visit Site |
How we rate payroll services
Research
Map the market and shortlist leading brands
Test
Hands-on evaluation across weighted criteria
Score
Standardized 10-point methodology
Update
Re-reviewed as products change
Our editors score every payroll service on a standardized 10-point scale across four weighted pillars: features & performance (35%), pricing & value (25%), customer experience & support (25%), and trust & reputation (15%). Scores are reviewed and updated as products change. Read our full methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How did Rated.ly choose the best payroll service?
Our editors evaluated each payroll service on features, pricing, customer feedback, and overall value, then scored them using our standard 10-point methodology. See our How We Rate page for details.
Which payroll service is best overall?
Gusto currently earns our top score of 9.4 thanks to its strength in small business. The right pick for you depends on your priorities — compare the full list above.
Ready to choose your payroll service?
Gusto is our top-rated pick with a score of 9.4/10 — the strongest all-round choice for most people.
Visit GustoDaniel Kovacs
Editor, Money & Auto
Daniel is a consumer-finance writer who has compared hundreds of financial and automotive services. His mission: cut the jargon and show you the true cost of every option.