Lever vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lever
Lever is a modern talent acquisition suite combining ATS and CRM in one platform. Known for its clean interface and strong collaboration features, it helps recruiting teams build talent pipelines proactively.
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
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Strong CRM and nurturing features
- ✓Good collaboration tools for hiring managers
- ✓Solid analytics
- ✓Easy to get started
Cons
- ✗More expensive than basic ATS tools
- ✗Some advanced features require higher tiers
- ✗Limited onboarding features
- ✗Reporting could be deeper
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
Lever vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Lever | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lever Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓AI candidate scoring
- ✓job board posting
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓analytics
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Lever nor OnPay 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 Lever and OnPay?
Lever is best for mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Lever or OnPay?
Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Lever cost?
Visit Lever website for current pricing.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Lever?
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees