OnPay vs QuickBooks Desktop Payroll

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared OnPay vs QuickBooks Desktop Payroll based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Payroll Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Software Tool

Product Basics

OnPay is designed to address core payroll needs for small businesses and handles basic HR functions as well. It integrates with a variety of other HR systems to enhance HR processes that include time tracking, accounting, benefits and compliance software integrations.

It requires no more than a few minutes to set up and features an easy-to-use interface. It also offers assistance with data migration for new users, making the transition even easier.
read more...
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a subscription-based labor management solution that offers robust functionalities, including tax penalty protection, automated payrolls, expert support, direct deposits and detailed reports.

The product covers essential aspects of workforce regulation like payroll deductions and approvals, tax liabilities, workers' contributions, holiday tracking and more. It offers group health benefits, scalable subscription plans, smart integrations and support resources for an enhanced user experience. Same-day direct deposits save time and notifications help stay up-to-date with business processes.
read more...
$46 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$61 Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Automation: Automates calculation for state and federal payroll taxes and withholdings. Can also file tax forms and make tax payments. 
  • Accuracy: Guarantees tax filing accuracy and pledges to cover any fees that result from an error in tax calculation or filing. 
  • Saves Time: Eliminate the need for time-consuming tasks like data entry by integrating with other software and offering employee self-service functions. 
  • Ease of Operations: Offers health and dental benefits in all 50 states, access to major providers, integration of 401(k) retirement plans, quick employee census and the option to keep existing plans. Additionally provides life, vision, disability and more. 
read more...
  • Manageable: Tack contributions for insurance, retirements, time-off and bonuses to ensure smooth administration through a software wizard. 
  • Automated Compliance: Ensure timely tax payments, regulatory compliance and error-free calculations with automated compliance services. 
  • Time-Saving: Give employees access to personal information to save time and fast-track key payroll processes without third-party intervention. 
  • Real-Time Tracking: Calculate and track company benefits such as contributions towards paid leaves, retirement and insurance, and process payments using an in-built wizard.  
read more...
  • Payroll: Automate payroll processing, schedule unlimited pay runs, customize pay runs to match business functions, make corrections and cancel pay runs when necessary. 
  • Employee Management: Provides self-service to employees. They can go through self-onboarding, enter personal details, make changes, and access pay stubs and tax forms. 
  • Multiple Pay Rates: Supports direct deposit, check and debit card payments. Allows payment to different types of employees, including salaried employees, hourly workers and contractors. 
  • Tax Filing: Processes tax filings, including special tax filings for clergy and nonprofits. OnPay assists users with taxes by calculating, paying and filing tax forms automatically. 
  • Integrations: Connects with a variety of other systems that enable the system to complete tasks such as time tracking, benefits management, accounting and other core HR functions. 
  • Org Charts: Offers detailed employee profiles and contact info, along with a company directory and a visual org chart. Automatically updates details based on changes, organizes employees by location, department or teams. 
  • PTO Management: Provides custom paid time off policies, up to three accrual tiers, automated accrual tracking, a PTO calendar, and reminders and email notification. In-app requests and approvals are also available. 
  • Integrated Workers’ Comp: Aids in administration and includes pay-as-you-go policies and low up-front costs. Automatically updates during team changes and offers support from experienced brokers. 
  • COVID-19 Compliance: Tracks FFCRA sick or medical leaves, automated FFCRA tax credits, and PPP expenses and forgiveness. 
  • Additional HR Tools: Includes onboarding workflows, e-signing, in-app offer letters, new hire reporting and custom personnel checklists. Also offers: 
    • Online I-9 and W-4 forms.
    • Delegation and tracking of non-HR requests (like IT).
    • Built-in document templates, document storage and personnel files.
    • Direct messaging, compliance audits and an HR resource library.
read more...
  • Time Management: Build employee schedules, track work hours, assign job functions, regulate shifts, create invoices, edit timesheets, oversee projects, change job codes and more on a fully-integrated system. 
  • Reporting: Review business finances and analyze employee performance using insightful reports based on company data. Review taxes, track loans, calculate payments, summarise earnings, understand costs and more. 
  • Benefits Management: Track vacations, sick leaves, paid time offs, medical insurance, retirement plans, cash advances and more for employees on a single platform. Use the pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation service to process total payments on payday automatically. 
  • Direct Deposits: Process payments into U.S. bank accounts or edit employees’ banking information before the paycheck date to save time and effort spent in making in-person bank visits. 
  • Integrations: Leverage powerful integrations to automatically complete key payroll processes without manual entries or technical work hassles. 
  • Compliance: Reduce the hassle of tax penalties with automated compliance services for changing government regulations and federal, state and local laws. Perform accurate calculations and file tax returns to avoid errors and missed deadlines. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#20

among all
Payroll Software

#90

among all
Payroll Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

75
we're gathering data
89
we're gathering data
60
we're gathering data
40
we're gathering data
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

OnPay
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
+ Add Product + Add Product
Benefits Management Dashboard And Reporting Expense Management Mobile Capabilities Payroll And Tax Management Platform Capabilities Security And Compliance Time And Attendance Management 89 60 40 69 88 83 100 52 0 25 50 75 100
83%
0%
17%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
60%
0%
40%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
20%
0%
80%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
60%
0%
40%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
87%
0%
13%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
78%
0%
22%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
25%
0%
75%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

43%
0%
57%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 616 reviews
we're gathering data
98%
of users recommend this product

OnPay has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 98% when considering 616 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
5.0 (16)
n/a
4.9 (195)
n/a
4.9 (377)
n/a
4.6 (28)
n/a

Awards

OnPay stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Customer Support: The service team is well-versed with the product and responds quickly, as noted by 93% of users referencing support.
Budget-Friendly: OnPay’s cost has good value against the features offered, according to 91% of users mentioning price.
User-Friendly: The application is easy to adapt to and use, suggested 82% of users who reviewed usage and interface.
Payroll Updates: Gantt Charts provide management with a rich visualization of project workflows and data depiction that helps solve scheduling problems, as observed by approximately 100% of users who talk about its visualizer tool.
Workflow Management: Of users mentioning workflow management, 85% suggested the platform simplifies and organizes workflows to make operations easy.
Show more
Accurate Calculations: Users praise QuickBooks Desktop Payroll for its precise tax calculations, ensuring compliance and reducing errors.
Direct Deposit: The direct deposit feature streamlines payroll processing, making it convenient for both employers and employees.
Reporting Capabilities: QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers comprehensive reporting options, providing valuable insights into payroll expenses and employee data.
Show more
Unstable Mobile App: The mobile app doesn’t offer optimum usage and lacks functionality compared to the web and desktop versions, according to 66% of reviews referring to this feature.
Show more
Outdated Interface: Many users find the interface clunky and outdated compared to modern cloud-based payroll solutions.
Limited Mobile Functionality: Users seeking robust mobile access for tasks like approving time-off requests or running payroll on-the-go may find the mobile app lacking.
Technical Issues: Some users report encountering technical glitches and errors, leading to frustration and wasted time.
Show more

OnPay is a payroll and HR management software ideal for small businesses. It offers various robust features such as workflow management, automated payroll updates, taxations and billings. It’s also easy to use and good for small budgets. The one notable drawback users cited was the mobile app’s functionality and speed. Overall, small businesses looking for an economic payroll solution with plenty of functionality should consider OnPay.

Show more

Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll truly a "quick" book to payroll mastery, or does it leave users feeling like they're stuck in a rut? User reviews from the last year suggest that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a powerful and reliable tool for managing payroll, but it may not be the best fit for every business. Users praise its ease of use, particularly for those already familiar with QuickBooks Desktop, and its affordability compared to other payroll software like Gusto or ADP. However, some users have reported that the software can be slow and clunky, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. A key differentiating factor for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is its tight integration with other Intuit products, such as QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. This integration allows for seamless data transfer and eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving businesses time and reducing errors. However, this integration can also be a drawback for businesses that don't use other Intuit products, as it can limit flexibility and make it difficult to switch to other software in the future. Overall, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that are already using QuickBooks Desktop for their accounting needs and are looking for a reliable and affordable payroll solution. Businesses with complex payroll needs or those looking for a more modern and user-friendly interface may want to consider other options.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Payroll Software


ADP Workforce Now

APS Payroll

Gusto

Namely

Patriot Payroll

Paychex

Paycom

Paycor

Paylocity

Payroll4Free

QuickBooks Payroll

Rippling

TriNet

Workday HCM

Related Categories

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings