Bullhorn vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll review →Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Pros
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
Bullhorn vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bullhorn if...
- →Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Choose SurePayroll if...
- →Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn nor SurePayroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bullhorn and SurePayroll?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Bullhorn or SurePayroll?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll