OnPay vs Lever
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.
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.
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
- ✓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
OnPay vs Lever: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Lever |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Lever Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓AI candidate scoring
- ✓job board posting
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose OnPay if...
- →Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Choose Lever if...
- →Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Lever if 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
Best For
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Lever 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 Lever?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Lever is best for mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration.
Which is better, OnPay or Lever?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Lever cost?
Visit Lever website for current pricing.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Lever?
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration