Paymo vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
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
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
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
Paymo vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Paymo | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
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 Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Paymo nor OnPay is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paymo and OnPay?
Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Paymo or OnPay?
Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees