SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
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.
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.
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 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
SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | SurePayroll | QuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration |
| 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
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
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 QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
How SurePayroll and QuickBooks Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither SurePayroll nor QuickBooks Payroll 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 QuickBooks Payroll?
SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
Which is better, SurePayroll or QuickBooks Payroll?
Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration