QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll Comparison
QuickBooks Payroll
Starting at $49 /Month
- Free Trial
- Small Business
QuickBooks Payroll makes it easy to stay on top of your HR needs. It’s payroll software that gives you the power to handle all the payroll processing you need, from modeling an employee’s paycheck to tracking deductions…
Hive Payroll
Starting at $17 /month
- Free Trial
- Medium Business
- Small Business
Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for each function. It consolidates p…
Hive Payroll leads on user satisfaction with a 5.0-star rating across 1 reviews.
QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll — at a glance
| Feature | QuickBooks Payroll | Hive Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Reviews | 55 | 1 |
| Starting price | $49 /Month | $17 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Small Business | Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Integrations | 8+ apps | — |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud |
| API | — | — |
| Support modes | Business Hours, Online | Online |
| Certifications | — | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Data residency | — | US |
Key differences between QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll
- Pricing: QuickBooks Payroll starts at $49 /Month, while Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month.
- Target audience: QuickBooks Payroll is built for Small Business, while Hive Payroll targets Medium Business and Small Business.
- User satisfaction: Hive Payroll scores higher with a 5.0-star average.
- Deployment: QuickBooks Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Hive Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Payroll Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll: Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Small Business
Medium Business, Small Business
QuickBooks Payroll typically suits Small Business. Hive Payroll tends to fit Medium Business and Small Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | QuickBooks Payroll makes it easy to stay on top of your HR needs. It’s payroll software that gives you the power to handle all the payroll processing you need, from modeling an employee’s ... Read More about QuickBooks Payroll | Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for ... Read More about Hive Payroll |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability | ||
SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 1–500 employees | — |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Compliance and Tax Support: The platform keeps tax compliance current, automatically calculates taxes, and manages filings to reduce penalties.
- Integrated Accounting Solutions: It integrates smoothly with QuickBooks Accounting software, providing real-time financial insights and simplifying bookkeeping.
- Seamless Payroll Processing: QuickBooks Payroll automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits, reducing manual errors and saving time.
Best fit
- 1–500 employees
- Retail, professional services, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and nonprofits.
- Payroll Managers, HR Managers, Accountants, Business Owners, and Finance Directors.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Businesses requiring industry-specific payroll features may seek specialized platforms.
- Companies looking for more robust HR management and employee benefits integration may explore other solutions.
- Organizations with complex multinational payroll needs might prefer global payroll providers.
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll Compare on Features?
Total Features | 12 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll: Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | — | ✗ No |
GDPR | — | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | — | 🇺🇸 US |
QuickBooks Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 52 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is very strong across 1 reviews, with consistently positive feedback. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Integrations
Integration with other apps | No Integration information available. |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  1 Videos |  1 Videos |
Top Alternatives to QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll in 2026
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Hive Payroll?
- Hive Payroll edges out the other on user ratings (5.0 vs 4.4). That said, the best pick depends on your use case, so use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll offer a free trial?
- Yes, both QuickBooks Payroll and Hive Payroll offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of QuickBooks Payroll vs Hive Payroll?
- QuickBooks Payroll starts at $49 /Month. Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month.
- What are the top alternatives to QuickBooks Payroll?
- Top alternatives to QuickBooks Payroll include Heartland Payroll, OnPay, Square Payroll, Patriot Payroll, SurePayroll.
- What are the top alternatives to Hive Payroll?
- Top alternatives to Hive Payroll include 247HRM, Paybooks, PayrollPanda, CheckMark Payroll, Heartland Payroll.