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Top 10 Paychex Alternatives & Competitors

Paychex is a legacy payroll and HR platform used by small to enterprise businesses.

Despite its broad capabilities, users often report high costs and clunky experiences. That’s why we’ve listed the top 10 alternatives to Paychex in this blog.

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Our HR technology specialists conduct comprehensive hands-on testing and gather verified feedback from practicing HR professionals. We test each software, analyze features, calculate total cost of ownership and provide transparent, unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.

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Quick Comparison: Paychex vs Top Alternatives
SoftwareGlobal PayrollTax FilingDirect DepositEmployee Self ServiceReportingAI Automation
PaychexAdvanced
Paylocity100+ CountriesAdvanced
PaycorLimitedAdvanced
BambooHRUS OnlyAdvanced
OnPayUS OnlyBasic
JustworksUS OnlyAdvanced
APS PayrollUS OnlyBasic
QuickBooks PayrollUS OnlyAdvanced
GustoUS OnlyBasic
Rippling185+ CountriesAdvanced
PaycomLimitedAdvanced
Why Companies Are Seeking Paychex Alternatives
  • The design feels outdated and hard to navigate.
  • Customer support feels inconsistent at scale.
  • Tiered pricing makes it hard to estimate total cost.
  • Lack of transparency in billing and contracts.
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Top Alternatives to Paychex Recently Reviewed By Our Experts

Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Paychex Payroll stacks up to the competitors, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Information Technology and Services, Construction, and Financial Services, and find the best product for your business.


Overview

Paylocity HR is a modern human resource and payroll platform designed to simplify routine tasks and support an evolving workforce. It offers powerful features like employee self-service, mobile app access, and custom reporting that help HR teams stay efficient and make informed decisions. With tools designed for both administrators and employees, Paylocity boosts engagement, improves communication, and streamlines processes. It’s a strong choice for businesses seeking a flexible, people-focused HR solution that grows with them.


Overview

Paycor streamlines payroll with its standout 'AutoRun' feature that automates pay cycles and ensures employees are paid on time, every time. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to use, though advanced customization may require some training. The software is ideal for businesses of all sizes that need efficient, compliant payroll and human resource (HR) tools.


Overview

BambooHR simplifies human resources (HR) tasks with its intuitive performance management system, enabling seamless goal setting, 360-degree feedback, and continuous employee development. Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, it streamlines HR processes effectively. While it offers advanced payroll features, they are currently available only for U.S.-based employees. Overall, BambooHR is a solid choice for businesses seeking efficient HR solutions.


Overview

OnPay Payroll offers unlimited pay runs, automated tax handling, and a smooth self-service experience, making it a favorite for growing small businesses. While reporting could offer even deeper insights, it covers essentials well. If you’re after a no-fuss payroll solution that keeps you compliant and lets your team self-manage key tasks, OnPay fits the bill perfectly.


Overview

Justworks makes it easy for startups to handle payroll, onboarding, and benefits in one place—without needing a full HR team. Its all-in-one design saves founders time and stress. While the range of features may feel overwhelming at first, setup is straightforward. Perfect for startups scaling fast and needing affordable, compliant HR support from day one.


Overview

APS Payroll simplifies payroll and HR with easy time tracking, automatic reporting, and dependable compliance tools. Trusted for reducing manual work and centralizing employee data, it helps teams stay organized and efficient. Though it may not offer deep industry-specific customization, it’s a smart, all-in-one solution for companies that want clarity and control without complexity.


Overview

QuickBooks payroll can seamlessly integrate with the QuickBooks suite, ensuring all financial records are accurate and up to date. It provides comprehensive, integrated financial insights to help guide your decision-making process. Initial setup feels like a breeze, and the software allows you to run payroll in minutes. The platform is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses operating in diverse industries.


Overview

Gusto HR brings payroll, benefits, hiring, and compliance together in one easy-to-use platform. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses expanding across states or borders without needing multiple systems. While customization depth may not match enterprise tools, its simplicity and flexibility make it a smart choice for growing teams that want hassle-free HR management in one place.


Overview

Rippling automates global payroll while centralizing HR and IT management, streamlining administrative tasks. It offers real-time payroll processing and automated onboarding, making it ideal for businesses with complex needs. Some users have noted that advanced features require time-consuming configuration. However, its comprehensive capabilities, strong compliance features, and scalability make it a solid choice for businesses managing diverse, distributed teams.


Overview

Paycom’s employee-driven payroll makes payday smoother and more accurate by letting staff verify their pay before it's processed. It may require some user training upfront, but the long-term gains in accuracy and accountability are big. Best suited for growing teams looking to automate HR tasks without sacrificing transparency or control.

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