Keap vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Keap is our recommended pick for most teams — service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Try Keap →Read our full Keap review →Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Pros
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Keap vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Keap | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $249/mo | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Keap nor OnPay is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Keap and OnPay?
Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Keap or OnPay?
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees