2 Best Payroll Tools in 2026
Compare Payroll Tools by their features, costs, and limitations. Read the reviews to decide which fits your work.
Best Payroll Tools
Deel
Best all-in-one platform for managing a mixed global workforce of contractors and employees.
Watch for: EOR service at $599/month is expensive.
Pricing: Contractor management starts at $49/month. Employer of Record (EOR) services start at $599/month. The platform is best for companies using multiple services to manage a global workforce.
More about Deel
Deel is a powerful platform for hiring and paying a global workforce. It combines contractor management, Employer of Record (EOR), and HRIS into one system. It is ideal for companies managing a mix of worker types across many countries. However, the premium EOR pricing can be a significant investment for smaller businesses.
Check before choosing
- Total cost of employment can be higher than expected.
- Modular pricing adds up with multiple services.
Gusto
Best for US-based small businesses that prioritize ease of use over complex HR features.
Watch for: Base plan fees recently increased to $49/month.
Pricing: Starts with a Contractor Only plan ($0/mo base for 6 months). The Simple plan for W-2 employees starts at $49/mo plus $6/person.
More about Gusto
Gusto is the go-to payroll platform for many small businesses. It makes paying employees and contractors incredibly simple. However, its pricing can add up quickly. It also lacks the deep HR features of larger enterprise systems.
Check before choosing
- Contractor plan lacks key state withholding features.
- Add-ons for benefits and HR tools increase costs.
How to choose
Start with the task you need to finish. Compare the relevant features, plan limits, and setup effort in each review.
Listed alphabetically. Use the reviews to find your best fit. These are research-based reviews, not hands-on test scores.