Updated July 2026

QuickBooks Payroll vs OnPay

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

Based on 2,700 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: OnPay is more affordable for small teams starting out, while QuickBooks Payroll offers more advanced features for growing businesses.

At a Glance

QuickBooks Payroll
Payroll built right into QuickBooks accounting
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
$45/mo + $6/employee Free trial
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 QuickBooks Payroll 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 $45/mo + $6/employee $40/mo + $6/employee
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Quickbooks Users, 1-50 Employees Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees

Pros & Cons

QuickBooks Payroll

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration
  • Automatic tax filings
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • Easy to use
  • US-only
  • Best only if you use QuickBooks
  • Limited HR features
  • Can be buggy

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 4.2).

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try QuickBooks Payroll Free → 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 QuickBooks Payroll better than OnPay?

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

How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost compared to OnPay?

$45/mo + $6/employee vs $40/mo + $6/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from QuickBooks Payroll 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 QuickBooks Payroll or OnPay offer a free trial?

Yes, QuickBooks Payroll offers a free trial. Yes, OnPay offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — QuickBooks Payroll or OnPay?

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