OnPay vs Personio
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.
Personio
Personio is an all-in-one HR platform built specifically for European small and mid-size companies. It covers recruiting, onboarding, employee records, payroll, and performance management with strong compliance for EU regulations. Personio is the leading HR software for companies operating in Germany, the UK, and across Europe.
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
- ✓Built for European compliance including GDPR, works council requirements, and local labor laws
- ✓Clean interface with strong automation capabilities
- ✓Good value for European SMBs
- ✓Covers the full employee lifecycle from recruiting to offboarding
Cons
- ✗Limited functionality and support outside of Europe
- ✗Payroll is an add-on that varies by country
- ✗Reporting capabilities are less advanced than enterprise alternatives
OnPay vs Personio: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Personio |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $4/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | European companies with 10-2000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Personio Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓recruiting
- ✓onboarding
- ✓payroll
- ✓performance
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Personio if european companies with 10-2000 employees.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
European companies with 10-2000 employees
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Personio 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 Personio?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Personio is best for european companies with 10-2000 employees.
Which is better, OnPay or Personio?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Personio if european companies with 10-2000 employees.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Personio cost?
Personio starts at $4/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Personio?
European companies with 10-2000 employees