Paychex
Compare Paychex to ADP Workforce Now, Gusto, and QuickBooks Payroll. Includes a detailed review of Paychex, pricing information, and FAQs.
Updated on July 18th, 2022
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Updates:
Updated 18th of February 2022
We updated mentions of Zenefits to TriNet Zenefits.
Updated 28th of October 2021
We updated the review, including pros, cons, and a reputation section, and added comparisons to ADP Workforce Now, Gusto, and QuickBooks Payroll.
Paychex provides human resources and payroll solutions. They offer a variety of plans to suit different business needs, from self-employed individuals to businesses with more than 1,000 employees.
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Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Paychex Flex Essentials | $39.00 /mo. + $5.00 /employee /mo. |
Paychex Flex Select | Contact for quote. |
Paychex Flex Pro | Contact for quote. |
Review:
In addition to providing payroll solutions, Paychex also provides human resources solutions. Paychex offers a good set of standard payroll features as well as workers' compensation, built-in timesheets, integrated pre-tax benefits, reimbursements, and a variety of integrations.
Paychex offers its basic payroll package at a competitive price of $39.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee. Paychex does not make any other pricing information readily available on its website, and customers interested in more comprehensive options or custom packages need to request a quote.
Pros:
- Paychex's solutions include payroll, HR, employee benefits, business insurance, and time and attendance solutions.
- They offer a variety of plans to suit businesses of different sizes.
- All payroll packages include direct deposits, new hire reporting, employee self-service, and payroll tax administration.
- The Paychex Flex Pro plan includes employee screening tools and integrations with QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, and Xero.
- Customers have access to 24/7 support.
Cons:
- The Paychex Flex Essentials and Select plans don't include accounting software integrations.
- W-2s and 1099 tax forms are only available at an additional cost.
Reputation:
Paychex is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating on the platform. On TrustRadius, Paychex has more than 350 reviews and a score of 7.9 out of 10. Several customers described the software as user-friendly and praised the customer service.
On G2, Paychex received more than 1,200 reviews and a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. While the majority of reviews are positive, some users reported negative customer service experiences and general dissatisfaction with the software's capabilities.
At-a-Glance:
Feature | Paychex |
---|---|
Automated tax payments and filings | ✓ (additional fees may apply) |
Manage garnishments and deductions | ✓ (not included on the Paychex Flex Select plan) |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Workers’ compensation insurance | ✓ (available at an additional cost) |
Employee self-service portal | ✓ |
New hire reporting | ✓ |
Mobile app | ✓ |

Paychex vs. ADP Workforce Now:
Both Paychex and ADP Workforce Now offer a variety of packages to suit different business needs, including a standalone payroll plan as well as more comprehensive options that include enhanced HR tools. Both services' payroll offerings include an employee self-service portal, tax administration, and reporting tools.
Paychex vs. ADP Workforce Now Comparison:
Feature | Paychex | ADP Workforce Now |
---|---|---|
Starting price | $39.00 /mo. + $5.00 /employee /mo. | Contact for quote. |
Payroll tax administration | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | ✓ | ✓ |

Paychex vs. Gusto:
While Gusto and Paychex have a similar starting price for their basic payroll offering, Gusto offers a more robust feature profile. Unlike the Paychex Flex Essentials plan, Gusto's Simple plan includes features for managing unemployment insurance processes as well as accounting integrations.
Paychex vs. Gusto Comparison:
Feature | Paychex | Gusto |
---|---|---|
Starting price | $39.00 /mo. + $5.00 /employee /mo. | $40.00 /mo. + $6.00 /employee /mo. |
Payroll tax administration | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | ✓ | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | x | ✓ |
Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |

Paychex vs. QuickBooks Payroll:
QuickBooks Payroll is costlier than Paychex but may be more convenient for businesses that already use other QuickBooks products, as it is not only available as a standalone payroll solution but can be purchased as an add-on for QuickBooks Desktop. Unlike Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll's elite plan includes tax penalty protection.
Paychex vs. QuickBooks Payroll Comparison:
Feature | Paychex | QuickBooks Payroll |
---|---|---|
Starting price | $39.00 /mo. + $5.00 /employee /mo. | $45.00 /mo. + $4.00 /employee /mo. |
Payroll tax administration | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | ✓ | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | x | x |
Key Information:
Legal Name | Paychex, Inc. |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Oct 01, 1971 |
Address | 911 Panorama Trl., South Rochester, NY 14625 |
Number of Employees | 15000 |
Number of Customers | 700000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
News & Activity:
Date | News or Activity |
---|---|
October 6, 2021 | Paychex Acquires Benefits Administration Software Company, Flock |
July 8, 2021 |
FAQs:
What is Paychex?
Paychex is an HR and payroll platform for small and medium-sized businesses.
How much does it cost to use Paychex?
Paychex's basic payroll package has a starting price of $39.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee. For its other products, Paychex provides custom quotes based on the customer's needs.
What features does Paychex offer?
- Payroll services.
- Time and attendance.
- HR services.
- Business insurance.
- Employee benefits.
What payroll payment methods does Paychex use?
- Direct deposit.
- Pay cards.
- Paper checks.
Is there a Paychex free trial?
No, Paychex does not offer a free trial.