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7 Cheapest Payroll Software of 2026

By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 4, 2026

Among the 9 tools in our best payroll software ranking, Rippling has the lowest verified paid starting price at $8 per employee per month, plus base fee. Prices below are quoted from each vendor's US pricing page.

  1. 01

    Rippling

    Growing companies that want payroll tied to HR, device management and spend tools.

    From $8 per employee per month plus a monthly base fee; custom quote required

    Full entry, No. 6 overall

    Starts at

    $8

    Score 8.0

  2. 02

    SurePayroll

    Very small businesses in one state that want the lowest base fee.

    $29 per month plus $7 per worker; multi-state $9.99 per month; year-end forms $50 plus $5 per form

    Full entry, No. 4 overall

    Starts at

    $29

    Score 8.3

  3. 03

    Square Payroll

    Square sellers with hourly and tipped staff.

    Full-service $35 per month plus $6 per person paid; contractor-only $6 per person paid

    Full entry, No. 3 overall

    Starts at

    $35

    Score 8.5

  4. 04

    Wave Payroll

    Small businesses already using Wave's free accounting.

    $40 per month base fee plus $6 per active employee and $6 per contractor paid; 30-day free trial

    Full entry, No. 7 overall

    Starts at

    $40

    Score 7.9

  5. 05

    OnPay

    Small businesses that want one transparent price with HR support and free setup.

    $49 per month base fee plus $6 per worker per month; first month free

    Full entry, No. 1 overall

    Starts at

    $49

    Score 8.7

  6. 06

    Gusto

    Growing small businesses that may need multi-state payroll, benefits and HR tools later.

    Simple $49 per month plus $6 per person; Plus $80 plus $12; Premium $180 plus $22

    Full entry, No. 2 overall

    Starts at

    $49

    Score 8.6

  7. 07

    QuickBooks Payroll

    QuickBooks Online users who want payroll posted directly into their books.

    Workforce Payroll $50 per month plus $7 per employee (promo $25 for 3 months); Premium $88 plus $13; Elite $134 plus $17

    Full entry, No. 5 overall

    Starts at

    $50

    Score 8.2

Scores and prices come from our Best Payroll Software ranking, which uses one method for every tool. Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.com