Paymo vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll review →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.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
Paymo vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Paymo | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Paymo nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Paymo or SurePayroll?
Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll