Top 10 APS Payroll Alternatives 2026

What reviewers like about OnPay

• OnPay stands out for its intuitive design, making it easy for supervisors, managers, and payroll specialists to navigate and execute payroll tasks efficiently
• It supports both hourly and salaried employees, allowing companies to manage diverse workforce needs under one system.
• By automating key payroll functions, OnPay helps organizations cut down on the time and expenses typically involved in payroll operations.

Where OnPay falls short

• While great for SMBs, larger companies might find customization options less robust for complex payroll needs.
• OnPay focuses on payroll and may require additional tools for functions like recruitment or performance management.
• As a cloud-based solution, internet connectivity is required, which might be a constraint in certain environments.

What reviewers like about Square Payroll

• Square Payroll integrates effortlessly with existing payroll providers, making it an ideal plug-and-play solution without the need for major system overhauls.
• Its simple and intuitive design makes payroll management easy even for business owners or HR teams with limited technical expertise.
• Built-in time tracking allows accurate logging of hours worked, which improves payroll precision and reduces manual errors.

Where Square Payroll falls short

• While great for small businesses, it may lack some of the advanced reporting, analytics, or customization features needed by larger enterprises.
• Full functionality may be best realized when used within the broader Square ecosystem, limiting flexibility for companies using other systems.
• Businesses with multiple locations, international staff, or intricate pay structures might find the platform’s simplicity somewhat restrictive.

What reviewers like about Patriot Payroll

• Very user-friendly software, making tasks straightforward and efficient for startups and small businesses.
• Excellent customer service, characterized by quick responses, patience, and effective problem resolution.
• Affordable pricing, providing great value compared to competitors.

Where Patriot Payroll falls short

• Occasional learning curve during setup or for newcomers, though consistently offset by good support.
• Limited advanced features for larger businesses or those seeking higher customization.
• Minor issues reported, but rare and swiftly resolved.

What reviewers like about SurePayroll

• Payroll setup is quick, easy to use, and simplifies previously cumbersome tasks like tax deductions and filings.
• Easy-to-use platform with a simple interface, making it accessible for non-technical users.
• Exceptional customer support with dedicated representatives offering hands-on assistance and problem resolution.

Where SurePayroll falls short

• Occasional issues with missing payments or discrepancies that require follow-up.
• While customer service is generally positive, isolated instances of less satisfactory support were mentioned.
• Limited flexibility for advanced users or features when compared to some competitors.

What reviewers like about Heartland Payroll

• The self-service portal is intuitive and easy to navigate, offering features for payroll entry, custom reporting, and data access.
• Dedicated payroll specialists are knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive, resolving issues efficiently.
• Payroll automation eliminates the need for manual calculations by handling taxes, deductions, and filings at local, state, and federal levels.

Where Heartland Payroll falls short

• Onboarding processes can be disorganized and manual, leading to errors and requiring additional oversight.
• Frequent turnover of payroll representatives affects continuity and consistency for some customers.
• Employees often face challenges accessing the portal, with issues like account lockouts or subpar mobile experience.

What reviewers like about QuickBooks Payroll

• Automates tax filing, paycheck generation, and sends real-time notifications to reduce manual effort.
• Interface includes step-by-step tutorials and works for both beginners and experienced users.
• Integrates with QuickBooks for financial reporting and analytics.

Where QuickBooks Payroll falls short

• Steeper pricing compared to alternative payroll systems, especially for smaller businesses or limited payroll needs.
• Complexity in resolving reporting errors or adjusting liabilities, often requiring external support or advanced accounting knowledge.
• Occasional glitches, lag, and freezes, especially with the online version, impacting usability and efficiency.

What reviewers like about Remote.com

• Exceptional customer support that is quick, responsive, and patient, ensuring all user queries are resolved efficiently.
• Support team members frequently go above and beyond to resolve issues, offering personalized and friendly assistance.
• Easy-to-use platform with smooth navigation, enhancing the overall user experience.

Where Remote.com falls short

• Occasional delays in resolving issues on public or holiday schedules, leading to minor inconveniences.
• Some users mention limited flexibility or dependency on support for solving certain issues that may hinder self-service.

What reviewers like about Justworks

• International payroll capabilities
• Real-time benefits administration
• Mobile app for convenience

Where Justworks falls short

• Higher cost for small businesses
• Limited customization options
• Complex setup process

What reviewers like about EPAY HCM

• Exceptional customer support, available 24/7, ensuring quick and effective troubleshooting.
• User-friendly interface with simple navigation, both on the mobile app and website.
• Efficient time tracking features allowing easy access, editing, and management of employee attendance and payroll.

Where EPAY HCM falls short

• Occasional complexity with certain features, like adding mass PTO with different hour allocations for part-time vs. full-time employees, creating additional work.
• Fingerprint mismatches causing errors in payroll, especially with certain employees, despite re-registering fingerprints.
• Issues with login reliability, such as cases where users struggle to access accounts due to password or keyboard settings.

What reviewers like about PrimePay

• Customer service is responsive, with representatives frequently singled out for praise.
• Interface requires minimal technical expertise to use.
• Employee self-service options reduce HR workload.

Where PrimePay falls short

• Lack of dedicated account representatives for some users, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistent problem resolution.
• Issues with updated features such as cloud registration, resulting in errors and frustration.
• Complexity in some functionalities, such as tax reporting and transaction tracking, needs further refinement.