OnPay
$49/mo + $6/worker, multi-state included.
- $49/mo
- +$6/worker
- Multi-state
Business
OnPay vs QuickBooks Payroll: which should you choose?
Short version: OnPay is the better value for most small businesses, and especially for multi-state teams: one plan at $49 a month plus $6 per worker, with multi-state payroll included. QuickBooks Payroll makes sense if you already run your books in QuickBooks Online.
OnPay has a single plan at $49 a month plus $6 per worker, including multi-state payroll and automated filings, W-2s and 1099s. QuickBooks Payroll is built into QuickBooks Online; pricing varies by plan and promotion.
Based on IRS · Gusto pricing · OnPay pricing +1 more
Which one should you buy?
QuickBooks Payroll
Built into QuickBooks Online.
- QuickBooks native
- Auto taxes
- One vendor
Prices are official list prices as of October 2026 and can change. Links on this page go to official sites with no affiliate tag. How we choose.
The short answer: OnPay for simple, predictable pricing and multi-state teams. QuickBooks Payroll if you want payroll in the same system as your QuickBooks Online books.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best payroll software for small business.
OnPay vs QuickBooks Payroll: side by side
Swipe the table sideways to see both →
| Spec | Best valueOnPay | Best for QuickBooks usersQuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | $49/mo | See Intuit pricing |
| Per person | $6/worker | Per employee |
| Multi-state | Included | Varies by plan |
| Tax filing | Federal, state, local filings | Federal and state filings |
| Best for | Multi-state teams | QuickBooks Online users |
| Plans | See plans | See plans |
Why pick OnPay?
OnPay’s one plan includes multi-state payroll, which costs extra on many competitors, plus automated filings, W-2s and 1099s.
Its interface is plainer than some rivals’, but pricing is easy to predict: a 10-person team is $49 + $60 = $109 a month.
Great if you
- Pay people in several states
- Want one simple plan
Skip it if you
- Want the most polished app
Key specs
- Price
- $49/month + $6/worker
- Multi-state
- Included
- Includes
- Automated filings, W-2s and 1099s
OnPayPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Why pick QuickBooks Payroll?
Keeping payroll inside QuickBooks Online means no sync between two systems.
Compare Intuit’s current plan price with OnPay at your headcount before deciding.
Great if you
- Already use QuickBooks Online
- Want one vendor
Skip it if you
- Don’t use QuickBooks
Key specs
- Integration
- Built into QuickBooks Online
- Pricing
- See Intuit’s current plans
- Includes
- Automated payroll taxes
QuickBooks PayrollPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site How to choose between OnPay and QuickBooks Payroll
Price both at your headcount, and count how many states you pay people in.
Multi-state
Included with OnPay.
Cost
OnPay: $49 plus $6 per worker per month.
Integration
QuickBooks Payroll is native to QuickBooks Online.
Filings
Both handle payroll tax filings; confirm local taxes for your area.
OnPayPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site OnPay vs QuickBooks Payroll: common questions
Is OnPay cheaper than QuickBooks Payroll?
Often, but Intuit’s prices vary with plans and promotions. Price both at your headcount.
Does OnPay include multi-state payroll?
Yes, on its single plan.
How much is OnPay for 5 employees?
$49 + 5 × $6 = $79 a month at list price (October 2026).
Does OnPay integrate with QuickBooks?
OnPay integrates with common accounting software; check its current integration list.
How we compared them
We compared OnPay and Intuit official pricing pages as of October 2026; examples use list prices.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- IRS: employment taxes for small businesses (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Gusto pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- OnPay pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- QuickBooks Workforce (payroll) (accessed October 23, 2026)