Paychex vs QuickBooks Payroll

Last updated: 2025-11-27

This comparison focuses on who each tool fits best, pricing structure (where available), and the practical differences that matter for SMB payroll decisions.

At a glance

	Paychex	QuickBooks Payroll
Segment	MID	SMB
Best for	Businesses that want payroll with the option to add HR services and more hands-on support.	Small businesses already using QuickBooks that want payroll tightly connected to accounting.
Pricing	Custom pricing; varies by plan and services (check vendor site).	Tiered plans; often base fee plus per-employee pricing (check vendor site).
Key features	Payroll processing Tax services HR add-ons Benefits support Reporting	Payroll processing Tax calculations/filings (varies) Direct deposit Accounting integration Reporting

Which should you choose?

Choose Paychex if…

You fit: Businesses that want payroll with the option to add HR services and more hands-on support.
You value its approach to payroll + HR tradeoffs.

Choose QuickBooks Payroll if…

You fit: Small businesses already using QuickBooks that want payroll tightly connected to accounting.
You value its approach to payroll + HR tradeoffs.

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