Quick verdict: Workforce.com is more affordable for small teams starting out, while QuickBooks Payroll offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Workforce.com is the clear winner.
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
Workforce.com
Compliance-first workforce management for shift workers
G2
★★★★☆
4.7/5
Capterra
★★★★☆
4.8/5
$4/mo + $4/employee
Free trial
Feature Comparison
| Feature |
QuickBooks Payroll |
Workforce.com |
| 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 |
$4/mo + $4/employee |
| Countries supported |
US |
US, AU, UK, CA |
| Best for |
Small Business, Quickbooks Users, 1-50 Employees |
Retail, Healthcare, Hospitality, Shift-Based Businesses |
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
Workforce.com
- Strong compliance automation
- Great for shift workers
- Payroll built-in
- Strong audit logs
- Not ideal for office workers
- Limited HR features
- Niche use case
Who Should Use Each?
Workforce.com
You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Workforce.com
User satisfaction matters most — Workforce.com holds a higher G2 rating (4.7 vs 4.2).
QuickBooks Payroll
You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.
Ready to decide?
Try both and pick what works best for your team.
* 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 Workforce.com?
It depends on your needs. QuickBooks Payroll is generally better for small business, QuickBooks users, while Workforce.com shines for retail, healthcare. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost compared to Workforce.com?
$45/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 QuickBooks Payroll to Workforce.com?
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 Workforce.com offer a free trial?
Yes, QuickBooks Payroll offers a free trial. Yes, Workforce.com offers a free trial.
Which is better for international payroll — QuickBooks Payroll or Workforce.com?
Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.