Justworks vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
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
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
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
Justworks vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Justworks | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $59/employee/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
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
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
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
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Justworks nor SurePayroll is the right fit, Breezy HR is worth evaluating.
Breezy HR
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting
From $9/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Justworks and SurePayroll?
Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Justworks or SurePayroll?
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll