Updated July 2026

Paycor vs OnPay

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

Based on 3,300 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: OnPay is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Paycor offers more advanced features for growing businesses.

At a Glance

Paycor
HR and payroll software built for leaders
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
$99/mo + $5/employee
OnPay
Simple, accurate payroll for any type of business
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$40/mo + $6/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Paycor OnPay
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 $99/mo + $5/employee $40/mo + $6/employee
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Medium Business, 10-1000 Employees Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees

Pros & Cons

Paycor

  • Strong analytics and reporting
  • Good recruiting tools
  • Intuitive UI
  • Solid compliance features
  • US-only
  • Customer support inconsistency
  • Implementation fees
  • Limited global features

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

Who Should Use Each?

OnPay 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 want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.
OnPay You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Paycor → Try OnPay 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 Paycor better than OnPay?

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

How much does Paycor cost compared to OnPay?

$99/mo + $5/employee vs $40/mo + $6/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Paycor to OnPay?

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 Paycor or OnPay offer a free trial?

Paycor does not currently offer a free trial. Yes, OnPay offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Paycor or OnPay?

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