OnPay vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
OnPay vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Bullhorn is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OnPay and Bullhorn?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, OnPay or Bullhorn?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform