Updated July 2026

OnPay vs Deputy

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 1,300 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Deputy is more affordable for small teams starting out, while OnPay offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Deputy is the clear winner.

At a Glance

OnPay
Simple, accurate payroll for any type of business
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$40/mo + $6/employee Free trial
Deputy
Workforce management for shift-based businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$4/mo + $4/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature OnPay Deputy
Payroll processing ✓ ✗
Automated tax filing ✓ ✗
Direct deposit ✓ ✗
Benefits administration ✓ ✗
Time tracking ✗ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
PTO management ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✓ ✗
International payroll ✗ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price $40/mo + $6/employee $4/mo + $4/employee
Countries supported US US, AU, UK, CA
Best for Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Hourly Workers, 1-500 Employees

Pros & Cons

OnPay

  • Highest rated payroll for SMB
  • Transparent flat pricing
  • Excellent customer service
  • All taxes included
  • US-only
  • No built-in time tracking
  • Limited HR features
  • Smaller integration list

Deputy

  • Best shift scheduling
  • Strong mobile app
  • Good integrations
  • Affordable
  • No payroll processing
  • Not a full HRIS
  • Best for hourly workers only

Who Should Use Each?

Deputy You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
OnPay User satisfaction matters most — OnPay holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.6).
OnPay You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

OnPay vs Rippling Deputy vs Gusto OnPay vs Deel Deputy vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons OnPay alternatives → Deputy alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try OnPay Free → Try Deputy Free →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OnPay better than Deputy?

It depends on your needs. OnPay is generally better for small business, nonprofits, while Deputy shines for retail, hospitality. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does OnPay cost compared to Deputy?

$40/mo + $6/employee vs $4/mo + $4/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from OnPay to Deputy?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does OnPay or Deputy offer a free trial?

Yes, OnPay offers a free trial. Yes, Deputy offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — OnPay or Deputy?

Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.