Keap vs SurePayroll
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.
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
- ✓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
- ✓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
Keap vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Keap | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $249/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
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
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
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
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Keap nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Keap or SurePayroll?
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll