OnPay vs Keap
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 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 →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.
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.
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
- ✓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
OnPay vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $249/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
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 OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Keap 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 Keap?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, OnPay or Keap?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one