Updated July 2026

OnPay vs Zoho People

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

Based on 1,500 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Zoho People is more affordable for small teams starting out, while OnPay offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Zoho People 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
Zoho People
Comprehensive HR software for businesses of all sizes
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Free plan available Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature OnPay Zoho People
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 Free plan available
Countries supported US US, CA, UK, AU, IN, 50+ countries
Best for Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Medium Business, Zoho Users, 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

Zoho People

  • Extremely affordable free plan
  • Great Zoho ecosystem integration
  • Highly customizable
  • Global multi-language support
  • No built-in payroll (need Zoho Payroll)
  • UI can feel dated
  • Best only for Zoho users
  • Complex configuration

Who Should Use Each?

Zoho People 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 4.4).
OnPay You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try OnPay Free → Try Zoho People 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 Zoho People?

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

How much does OnPay cost compared to Zoho People?

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

Can I switch from OnPay to Zoho People?

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 Zoho People offer a free trial?

Yes, OnPay offers a free trial. Yes, Zoho People offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — OnPay or Zoho People?

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