Rippling vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance in a single system. It can provision employee devices, manage app access, run payroll, and handle benefits — all from one dashboard. Rippling is especially powerful for fast-growing companies that need automation across departments.
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
- ✓Truly all-in-one platform covering HR, IT, and finance
- ✓Powerful workflow automation reduces manual admin work
- ✓Excellent for remote and distributed teams
- ✓Deep integration library with 500+ apps
Cons
- ✗Complex setup process that requires dedicated implementation time
- ✗Can be overwhelming for small teams that only need basic HR
- ✗Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
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
Rippling vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓device management
- ✓app provisioning
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓reporting
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose OnPay if...
- →Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Our Take
Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Rippling nor OnPay is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Rippling and OnPay?
Rippling is best for mid-size companies needing hr and it together. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Rippling or OnPay?
Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Rippling cost?
Rippling starts at $8/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Rippling?
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees