OnPay provides an affordable and easy-to-use payroll and benefits solutions for SMBs. For just $40 per month and $6 per month for each additional employee, you have access to unlimited pay runs, free W-2 and 1099 processing and payroll tax payments and filings.

OnPay also gives businesses access to HR tools like employee offer letters, self-onboarding, PTO management, time tracking and in-app messaging.

OnPay’s pricing

OnPay has straightforward and transparent pricing, with a base fee of $40 per month and $6 per month for every additional employee. That means you only pay for the actual number of workers paid in a month. It also doesn’t charge any extra fee for system set up and data migration of previous employee records and wages. OnPay also offers a one-month free trial.

Take note, however, that OnPay charges you for:

• Printing and mailing of W-2 and 1099 forms.
• Insufficient funds.
• Premium payments.

OnPay’s key features

Payroll processing

Automatic payroll runs is one of the top features of a good payroll processing tool. With OnPay, you can choose multiple payroll schedules for your employees. It also automates payroll calculations, ensuring every payment you make is accurate and on time. This reduces the manual effort you spend for payroll processing and minimizes errors. It also allows for customization to fit the specific needs of your business, including garnishments, bonuses and reimbursements.

Automatic tax filing and payments

OnPay removes the hassle of tax calculations and submissions. This feature computes federal, state and local taxes. Then, it automatically files and pays them on behalf of your business. This ensures full compliance with all tax laws and regulations.

Flexible payment methods

Understanding that each business has a different need, OnPay supports a wide range of payment methods, including direct deposits, prepaid debit cards and paper checks. This flexibility ensures businesses can accommodate the diverse needs of their employees.

Self-service portal

OnPay’s self-service portal empowers employees by giving them direct access to their personal and employment data. This functionality enhances engagement and transparency. It also reduces the amount of HR inquiries, allowing your HR team to focus on more strategic tasks.

PTO management

This is one feature you should be looking for when choosing a payroll software. With OnPay, you get an intuitive PTO management system that automates the request and approval process for time-off. It provides both managers and employees a real-time view of their leave balances and usage.

HR resource library

OnPay acknowledges the fact that knowledge is power. It does so by providing businesses an extensive HR resource repository. This library has a wealth of information from best practices to compliance, helping you stay informed and compliant with any changes in labor rules and regulations.

OnPay pros

• Straightforward setup process and intuitive interface.
• Efficient and prompt response to customer queries and issues.
• Tailored payroll solutions that meet the unique needs of various industries — from managing overtime for a manufacturing company to navigating nonprofit payroll tax exemptions to handling tips in the restaurant industry.

OnPay cons

• Does not support global payroll.
• Limited third-party integrations.
• Additional fees for distributing W-2 and 1099 forms.

If OnPay isn’t ideal for you, check out these alternatives

Justworks

Justworks provides 24/7 live customer support for its users. This is a significant advantage for businesses needing immediate assistance no matter what time or day it is. This round-the-clock accessibility ensures that businesses can resolve any issues that may arise on time, minimizing downtimes and disruptions.

Gusto

If you are a business with a global workforce, or you’re planning to expand globally, Gusto is a better choice. Unlike OnPay, which primarily caters to U.S.-based businesses, Gusto allows you to pay international contractors. This feature enables businesses to operate more flexibly and tap into a wide range of global talents.

Paychex

Paychex is designed for businesses that want to enhance their employment management processes. It has a wider suite of services compared to OnPay, from payroll to benefits administration to compliance. Its platform is tailored to support the complexities of managing a diverse workforce, making it an invaluable tool for businesses that are scaling fast.

Review methodology

To review OnPay as thoroughly as possible, we combined all the information we got from the vendor’s website, relevant databases, and trusted user websites. We also compared it side-by-side with other top payroll software providers.

To calculate the star ratings of OnPay and the other providers, we follow an in-house rubric that includes the following criteria:

• Pricing (25%)
• Features (35%)
• Ease of use (15%)
• Customer service (15%)
• Expert analysis (10%)

Learn more about our evaluation criteria, scoring rubric, and research methods by reading our payroll software methodology.