SurePayroll vs Copper
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 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 →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.
Copper
Copper is a CRM platform built specifically for Google Workspace users. It integrates deeply with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive to automatically capture contacts and activities without manual data entry. Copper is the ideal CRM for teams that live in Google Workspace and want a CRM that works seamlessly within it.
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
Pros
- ✓Seamless Google Workspace integration — works directly in Gmail
- ✓Automatic data capture eliminates manual CRM entry
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Good value for Google-first teams
Cons
- ✗Only useful if your team uses Google Workspace
- ✗Limited features outside of Google ecosystem
- ✗Not suitable for enterprise-level CRM needs
SurePayroll vs Copper: Side by Side
| Factor | SurePayroll | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll | Teams that run their business on Google Workspace |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Copper Features
- ✓Google Workspace integration
- ✓automatic data capture
- ✓contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
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 SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Best For
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace
Also Consider
If neither SurePayroll nor Copper 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 SurePayroll and Copper?
SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Copper is best for teams that run their business on google workspace.
Which is better, SurePayroll or Copper?
Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Copper cost?
Copper starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Who should use Copper?
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace