Top 10 QuickBooks Payroll Alternatives 2026

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 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 APS Payroll

• Integration with Sage Intacct simplifies operations and reduces manual work.
• Extremely user-friendly, with clear features for both admins and employees.
• Excellent customer service with responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated support teams.

Where APS Payroll falls short

• Implementation can be disorganized with some inconsistencies and delays in setup or onboarding.
• Customization is limited in certain features like deduction fields, reporting, and benefits management.
• Reporting features can be challenging for new users until they gain familiarity with the system.

What reviewers like about Microkeeper

• Consolidates payroll, rosters, timesheets, and HR tasks into one platform.
• Does not require extensive training to get started.
• Automates payroll processing and other repetitive administrative tasks, saving time.

Where Microkeeper falls short

• Occasional app or feature downtime causes minor disruptions.
• Superannuation or payslip summary updates sometimes lack clarity or employee-facing visibility.
• App design and layout are considered less modern by some users.

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 Zenefits

• Handles onboarding, offboarding, payroll, and benefits administration in one workflow, reducing paperwork.
• Desktop and mobile interfaces are accessible with minimal training.
• Connects with productivity tools, scheduling systems, and ATS platforms for cross-platform workflows.

Where Zenefits falls short

• Customer support response times are slow, with limited availability during urgent situations.
• Some features have no customization options, restricting configuration for specific business needs.
• Occasional glitches and slow performance on certain browsers frustrate users.

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