The 6 Best Payroll Service for One Employee: Free and Paid

Gusto offers contractor payments to multiple countries across the world. Paycor offers an HR, payroll, and talent platform for small and mid-sized businesses. The Paycor payroll processing, tax filing and compliance management platform is part of its larger HCM, or Human Capital Management, business.

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We analyzed dozens of HR software solutions using six critical criteria that matter most to businesses in 2025. The last thing you want is a platform that’s difficult to navigate, especially when HR teams and employees need to be able to access it quickly and input information accurately. Look for a platform that feels intuitive and doesn’t require hours of training to figure out. Workable is another option for startups and small businesses looking for a comprehensive ATS to streamline their recruitment process. Known for its easy-to-use interface, Workable makes posting jobs, managing applicants, and conducting interviews simple and efficient.

• The pricing on Gusto is simple and completely transparent for most of the plans.
• Apart from Sage Intacct, the other Sage ERP products are Sage 100 ERP, Sage 300, and Sage X3.
• You can manually implement a payroll process for a single employee or with the help of payroll software services available on the market.
• With the right choice, you can save time, avoid mistakes, and focus on running your business with confidence.

Square’s payroll solution is user-friendly and plans include unlimited pay runs per month. This comprehensive software includes features like W-2 and preparation, plus contractor payments. If onboarding is your primary concern, prioritize platforms with sophisticated workflow capabilities over those with advanced analytics. If employee engagement is suffering, focus on solutions with proven social recognition and communication features.

For rapidly scaling teams, this level of automation prevents the administrative chaos that typically accompanies growth. Third, HR Cloud’s payroll integration capabilities solve the connection challenges that plague mid-size companies. Seamless connections with ADP, Paychex, Slack, and dozens of other platforms eliminate data silos and reduce manual work.

How do the new Xero plans compare to the discontinued Payroll Only plan?

From a usability standpoint, it’s straightforward and works well for small teams that need to get payroll done without complications. Gusto HR software is a well-known name in the payroll space, especially among small to mid-sized businesses. A standout feature is Gusto Global, its built-in employer of record (EOR) service powered by Remote.

BambooHR: Best for Detailed reporting

The best one-person payroll software is the one that best meets your needs. Automated payroll solutions offer scalability and adaptability, which can support growth without additional overhead. User-friendly interfaces can simplify the transition from a manual process for an owner-operator. We offer automated payroll, reminders, mobile payroll access, as well as integrated 401(k) retirement plans and benefits support built for sole proprietors.Once you’re set up, it’s as easy as texting. Payroll4Free certainly doesn’t have the bells and whistles that paid payroll services do, like filing and paying your taxes for you and managing benefits.

Gusto – Best Overall

As of 2024, Ceridian Dayforce’s payroll pricing typically ranges from $24 to $31/employee/month, depending on the modules selected and company size. We expect to see more developments like this in the near future as the rapid advancement of AI and machine learning presents a unique opportunity for payroll management tools. For help choosing the best payroll software for your business, read our step-by-step guide on how to choose payroll software. Payroll reports are submitted to notify the government of tax liabilities. The payroll report should include bank transactions, deductions, taxes, and paid time off. Find everything you need from employee benefits to hiring and management tools.

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Additionally, it doesn’t provide human resources services like health insurance administration, lacks a mobile app and has limited customization options. Remote and distributed teams have unique needs that traditional HR software often overlooks. HR Cloud’s mobile-first design and Workmates engagement platform work exceptionally well for distributed organizations. HiBob specializes in remote team culture and engagement with features designed specifically for distributed workforces. For companies managing global contractors and international employees, Deel provides unmatched compliance and payment capabilities, though it lacks comprehensive HRMS features. HR software solutions include HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems), payroll management tools, performance management software, and employee engagement platforms.

Pricing Open row

• The navigation bar at the left-hand side of your dashboard guides you to all key tools, and initiating payroll takes just a click or two.
• However, it remains one of the top options for small businesses, especially if you’re interested in integration options.
• Its no-code approach allows HR managers to easily set up and automate tasks like employee onboarding, leave requests, performance appraisals, and expense approvals.
• The highest-rated solutions provide HCM-level functionality, including workforce analytics and strategic planning features.
• In addition to all of the features included in every other Gusto plan, the Premium package includes HR templates, compliance updates, dedicated support, and more.

Of course, not all payroll services are created equal, and not all businesses have the same needs. We studied dozens of vendors to help you find the best payroll services for one employee. Our best picks are based on criteria including pricing, mobile support, employee benefits inclusion and more. Gusto is a payroll and HR service designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Gusto offers full-service automated payroll, time tracking, employee onboarding, talent management, and more. Justworks users appreciate its user-friendliness, transparent pricing and effective payroll and HR services.

For small businesses prioritizing payroll accuracy and tax compliance, Gusto remains unmatched. The benefits administration is surprisingly robust for a payroll-first platform. The reporting dashboard provides essential insights without overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. Integration with popular small business tools like QuickBooks and various ATS platforms makes implementation smooth. Many HR platforms, including Playroll, Gusto and Zoho People, offer affordable pricing plans that fit the budget of small businesses and startups.

Review your business’s structure and requirements, and focus on what can be improved with the help of online or automated platforms. Navigating the software should be as easy as a cakewalk for your HR or payroll staff and your employees. Choosing the best payroll services for one employee can be tricky, with several options available in the market. Taking advantage of one-employee payroll services also gives you a more comprehensive look into your future expenses, thereby allowing you to make the necessary modifications to your budget in advance. Most payroll software offers a combination of HR and tax filing tools, which is a perfect fit if you have a limited workforce to handle your payroll. Whether you’re a sole proprietor or a small business owner, you’ve probably considered using payroll services for one employee.

Playroll: Best All-In One, Easy Integration Solution for Global Teams

QuickBooks Payroll, developed by Intuit, stands out as an exceptional application tailored for small businesses to streamline employee payroll management. While it is optimized for managing payroll for up to 50 employees, it can handle payroll tasks for up to 150 employees efficiently. Square Payroll is designed payroll only software plan for 1 for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs seeking a simple and cost-effective payroll service for one employee. It is particularly beneficial for those already using Square POS, as it integrates seamlessly with their ecosystem.

Gusto pricing starts at $40 per month plus $6 per employee per month, making it $46 per month for one employee. This includes full-service payroll for a single state, employee benefits management, and integrations with common accounting and time-tracking tools. Payroll systems should be able to facilitate the onboarding and termination of employees, monthly payments, off-cycle disbursement and taxation compliance. The best payroll platforms also support benefits administration and provide new hire reports when needed. The company’s PEO Basic plan, which is $59 per month per employee, provides simplified compliance, HR consulting and tools, 24/7 support and commuter benefits.