Pilot vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
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
Pilot vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
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 Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor OnPay is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and OnPay?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Pilot or OnPay?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees