QuickBooks Payroll vs Justworks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
Pros
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
Pros
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
QuickBooks Payroll vs Justworks: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks Payroll | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $59/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks Payroll nor Justworks 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 QuickBooks Payroll and Justworks?
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Justworks?
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits