Updated July 2026

Rippling vs OnPay

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

Based on 3,700 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Rippling is more affordable for small teams starting out, while OnPay offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Rippling is the clear winner.

At a Glance

Rippling
HR, IT, and Finance unified platform
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.9/5
$8/mo + $8/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 Rippling 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 $8/mo + $8/employee $40/mo + $6/employee
Countries supported US, CA, UK, AU, IN, SG US
Best for Medium Business, Growing Startups, 50-2000 Employees Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees

Pros & Cons

Rippling

  • Best-in-class automation
  • Unified HR+IT+Finance
  • Global payroll
  • 500+ integrations
  • No free trial
  • Can be complex to setup
  • Expensive for small teams

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?

Rippling You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Rippling You have remote employees or contractors in multiple countries.
OnPay You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Rippling → 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 Rippling better than OnPay?

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

How much does Rippling cost compared to OnPay?

$8/mo + $8/employee vs $40/mo + $6/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Rippling 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 Rippling or OnPay offer a free trial?

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

Which is better for international payroll — Rippling or OnPay?

Rippling supports international payroll; OnPay is primarily US-focused.