• Efficient Onboarding: Onboard new employees quickly with a streamlined process that ensures accuracy and saves time.
• Accurate Leave Management: Handle employee leave requests, approvals, and accruals with precision, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative workload.
• Automated Reporting: Schedule and share detailed reports on time-off usage, attendance, and expenses across departments.
• Customizable Workflows: Automate repetitive tasks like leave approvals, reporting, and notifications without the need for coding expertise.
• Employee Self-Service: Allow employees to track their time-off balances, request leave, and access payroll data through a user-friendly portal.
  
  

Limitations of Time Off Manager 365:

• Pricing Flexibility: As with many comprehensive solutions, the pricing model scales depending on the number of users and additional features you select.
• Mobile App Limitations: Some advanced features may not be fully accessible through the mobile app, potentially limiting convenience for on-the-go users.

Pricing:

• As per Request

Ratings and Reviews:

• G2: 4.8/5 (Based on 2,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.9/5 (Based on 2,000+ reviews) 
  
  

QuickBooks Payroll: A Reliable Gusto Alternative for Small Businesses

QuickBooks Payroll is a popular Gusto alternative that helps small business owners simplify their payroll process and stay on top of tax filings. With integration to QuickBooks Online, it allows users to approve timesheets, run payroll automatically, and even make same-day direct deposits to employees. Additionally, QuickBooks Payroll provides a high level of support, including 24/7 customer service, and up to $25,000 in tax penalty protection if you incur an IRS penalty.

Key Features of QuickBooks Payroll:

• Automatic Tax Filing & Payments: The platform automatically handles tax filing, calculations, and payments, ensuring you stay compliant with state and federal regulations without the hassle.
• Convenient Timesheet Management: Track, submit, and approve timesheets on the go with the QuickBooks Workforce app, making it easy to manage payroll from anywhere.
• Same-Day Direct Deposits: After running payroll, employees receive their paychecks the same day, making QuickBooks Payroll a fast and efficient option.
• Benefits Management: Manage various employee benefits, including workers’ compensation, 401(k) plans, and health insurance, all in one place.
  
  

Drawbacks of QuickBooks Payroll:

• Steep Learning Curve: Some users report that navigating the platform can be a bit challenging, especially for those new to payroll management systems.
• Requires QuickBooks Subscription: In order to use QuickBooks Payroll, you must first have a QuickBooks bookkeeping subscription, which can add an extra cost for some users.
  
  

Pricing Plans:

• Payroll Core: $45/month plus $6/month per employee
• Payroll Premium: $80/month plus $8/month per employee
• Payroll Elite: $125/month plus $10/month per employee
  
  

Customer Ratings & Reviews:

• G2: 3.8/5 (based on 60+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (based on 800+ reviews) 
  
  Paychex: A Comprehensive Payroll and HR Solution for Growing Businesses
  Paychex offers an all-in-one leave management and human resources platform designed to meet the needs of scaling businesses. This Gusto alternative simplifies payroll processing, tax filings, and employee benefits management. With customizable plans that cater to small business budgets, Paychex is an excellent choice for companies looking to streamline their payroll and HR functions.

• Top Features of Paychex:
  Seamless Employee Enrollment: Invite new employees to automatically enroll in payroll via a Paychex Flex account, reducing manual setup time.
  Efficient Onboarding & Training: Paychex features an intuitive e-learning platform that helps reduce the time spent on employee onboarding and training.
  
  Custom Employee Handbooks: Create and manage an online employee handbook to communicate company policies, as well as state and federal regulations, ensuring all employees are informed and compliant.
  
  Simplified Performance Management: With tools to digitize employee communications, managing performance and feedback becomes more efficient.

• Limitations of Paychex:
  Limited Integrations: Compared to other payroll platforms, Paychex offers fewer integrations with third-party software, which might limit flexibility for some users.
  Complex Contractor Payments: Managing payments for contractors can be more challenging than handling salaried employees, which could create difficulties for businesses with mixed workforces.
• Pricing Plans:
  Paychex Flex Essentials: $39/month plus $5 per employee
  Paychex Flex Select: Pricing available upon request
  Paychex Flex Pro: Pricing available upon request
  Customer Ratings & Reviews:
  G2: 4.2/5 (based on 1,400+ reviews)
  Capterra: 4.1/5 (based on 1,400+ reviews) 
  
  

Square Payroll

Square Payroll is a comprehensive, cloud-based leave management software platform designed to simplify payroll management, tax processing, and compliance. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, Square Payroll allows HR professionals to easily pay both salaried and hourly employees. The tool also supports time-off requests, PTO, and sick leave management, streamlining the entire payroll process. The Square Team App allows remote HR teams to manage payroll seamlessly from any location, making it a versatile option for businesses with flexible work setups.

Key Features of Square Payroll:

• Pay Employees and Contractors Directly: Easily pay both full-time staff and independent contractors via the Square Dashboard.
• Flexible Payment Options: Employees can receive payments through direct deposit, manual checks, or even Cash App.
• Automated Tax Filings: Square Payroll automatically handles year-end W-2 and 1099-NEC filings for quick and accurate reporting.
• Support for Various Payment Methods: The platform supports multiple pay rates, commissions, bonuses, tips, and other payment structures.
  
  

Drawbacks of Square Payroll:

• Limited Customization for Deductions: The system offers minimal options for customizing employee deduction settings.
• Desktop vs Mobile App Discrepancies: Some features available on the desktop version of Square Payroll aren’t available on the mobile app.
  
  

Square Payroll Pricing:

• Contractor-Only Payroll: $6 per month, per contractor.
• Full-Service Payroll: $35 per month, plus $6 per employee.
  
  

User Ratings & Reviews:

• G2: 4.2 out of 5 (over 25 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 (over 600 reviews)

This version keeps the original context intact while rephrasing the details to make it unique and more streamlined. 

ADP

ADP is an all-in-one leave management software and human capital management platform designed to serve businesses of any size. As a strong alternative to Gusto, ADP supports everything from time and attendance tracking to employee benefits administration and recruitment. It offers a flexible ecosystem that integrates with numerous third-party apps, and its add-on marketplace enables customized reporting options tailored to your onboarding and HR needs.

Notable Features of ADP:

• Mobile Self-Service Portal: Employees can manage their payroll details, benefits, and time-off through an easy-to-use mobile app.
• Broad Integration Capabilities: ADP connects with leading accounting tools, ERP systems, HR platforms, and other business software.
• Comprehensive Benefits Management: Set up and manage retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs, along with health and business insurance in one centralized system.
• Access to PEO Services: Through ADP TotalSource, companies can partner with a professional employer organization (PEO) for HR outsourcing and expert support.
  
  

Downsides of ADP:

• Limited Report Customization: Some users report restrictions in how they can customize reports.
• Learning Curve for New Users: Due to the platform’s wide array of features, it may be overwhelming for first-time users.
  
  

ADP Pricing:

• Custom Pricing: Costs depend on your company size, services needed, and specific configuration requirements.
  
  

ADP Reviews:

• G2 Score: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 200+ user reviews)
• Capterra Score: 4.4 out of 5 (with over 3,000 reviews)
  
  Patriot
  
  
• Patriot is a cloud-based leave management software and accounting solution designed with simplicity in mind. Through its employee portal, staff can view pay stubs, pay history, W-2 forms, and submit time-off requests. The platform handles payroll tax filings automatically, processes payments for both contractors and full-time employees, and supports real-time pay rate updates for hourly workers. With an optional integration with Patriot HR, users can access additional HR tools to support broader workforce management needs.
  
  

Top features of Patriot

Supports multiple pay schedules, including bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly cycles

Instantly update hourly pay rates without reprocessing payroll or switching screens

Assign payroll budgets to specific departments for better financial control

Add unlimited users with customizable access levels and permissions

Drawbacks to consider

Salary adjustments for salaried employees can’t be made on the fly

The onboarding process can be time-intensive for new users

Patriot pricing plans

Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee

Full-Service Payroll: $37/month + $4 per employee

Customer ratings

G2: 4.8 out of 5 (based on 500+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.8 out of 5 (based on 3,000+ reviews) 


SurePayroll

Offered by SurePayroll, a Paychex Company

SurePayroll is a comprehensive leave management solution built to simplify how small businesses handle payroll. Positioned as a strong alternative to Gusto, it automates everything from pay runs to tax filings. The platform also supports employee benefits administration, including healthcare, 401(k), and workers’ compensation plans, all from one easy-to-use dashboard.

Key features of SurePayroll

• Perform pre-hire screenings, including background checks and drug testing
• Centralize benefit management with support for 401(k), FSA, and HSA contributions
• Run payroll from anywhere using the mobile app
• Enable auto-payroll with a “set it and forget it” option for hands-free processing

Potential downsides

• New users may find the setup process overwhelming
• Multi-state payroll setup can be a bit challenging

Sure Payroll pricing

• Custom pricing available upon request

User feedback

• G2: 4.4 out of 5 (500+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.1 out of 5 (200+ reviews)

OnPay

Developed by OnPay, Inc.

OnPay offers an intuitive leave management ideal for nonprofits, startups, and growing businesses. As a reliable Gusto alternative, OnPay provides expert-assisted onboarding and takes care of all tax filings—whether local, state, or federal. It also connects seamlessly with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and leading time-tracking tools for smoother operations.

• Standout features of OnPay

Use the custom Report Designer to generate tailored payroll insights

Compensate W-2 and 1099 employees via direct deposit, paper checks, or pay cards

Handle PTO with a built-in time-off management system, including notifications and approval workflows

Create a dynamic org chart sorted by department, location, or team structure

• Things to watch out for

Some of the automation features can be tricky to navigate initially

Offers fewer third-party integrations compared to other payroll platforms

• OnPay pricing

Flat rate of $40/month + $6 per employee

• Customer ratings

G2: 4.8 out of 5 (200+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.8 out of 5 (400+ reviews)

Homebase

Brought to you by Homebase

Homebase is a Time off management and team management platform tailored specifically for businesses with hourly workers. As a Gusto alternative, it helps managers simplify everyday HR tasks—converting timesheets directly into payroll, calculating taxes, and handling new hire reporting. It also supports multi-location businesses by managing breaks, timecards, overtime, and payroll processing with ease.

Best features of Homebase

• Built-in time clock auto-calculates hours worked, breaks, PTO, and overtime
• Streamlined employee onboarding with digital signing for payroll and HR forms
• Mobile-friendly scheduling tools to manage shifts, fill open spots, and block out unavailable dates
• Access a prebuilt library of job descriptions to help speed up recruiting

Limitations to keep in mind

• Not ideal for companies with salaried staff—features mostly cater to hourly teams
• Manual HR corrections (like fixing time punches) can be a bit clunky

Homebase pricing tiers

• Basic: Free
• Essentials: $20/month per location
• Plus: $48/month per location
• All-in-One: $80/month per location

Customer feedback

• G2: 4.3 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (900+ reviews)

Zenefits

Developed by TriNet Zenefits

Zenefits is an all-in-one time off solution built to simplify how businesses onboard employees, manage benefits, and run payroll. Designed for ease of use, it supports unlimited payroll runs, flexible pay schedules, multiple pay rates, garnishment processing, and tip reporting. The platform also helps HR teams design compensation plans, automate onboarding steps, and visually map out organizational structures.

Top Zenefits features

• Customize PTO policies and automate vacation and leave request tracking
• Instantly link new employees to payroll, so they’re ready to go from day one
• Use built-in time tracking and scheduling to sync hours, breaks, and PTO directly into payroll
• Handle benefit deductions automatically once employees make their selections

Zenefits drawbacks

• Fewer automation capabilities compared to other payroll solutions
• Limited customization options for the main dashboard interface

Zenefits pricing plans

• Essentials: $8/month per employee
• Growth: $16/month per employee
• Zen: $27/month per employee

User reviews

• G2: 4.0 out of 5 (400+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 (800+ reviews)