Best Free Payroll Services for 2025
Free payroll services can save you serious money without skimping on what matters. Some providers now offer truly free payroll plans built for small businesses, helping you run payroll, track taxes, and stay compliant without a monthly fee. These options cover the essentials and make it easy to manage payroll without draining your budget.
- All-in-one HR solution for success
- Used by 2.5M users & 40K+ businesses
- Vast partner network
- Award-winning payroll & HR software
- Variety of packages for your business needs
- Around the clock customer support
DISCLAIMER: The “free online payroll services” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use “Freemium” payroll software options, you must pay for more advanced features and functionality.
Free payroll trials can help you test top-tier tools without committing upfront. While most payroll providers don’t offer forever-free plans, many do include a free trial, giving you full access to essential features before you start paying.
You’ll still need to factor in monthly costs once the trial ends, along with potential add-ons like benefits management or time tracking. But for many small businesses, a free payroll trial is a risk-free way to see what works before investing long-term.
The best free payroll trials typically include:
- Automated payment scheduling and direct deposit
- Built-in tax service tools
- Easy-to-use dashboards for payroll and HR
- Employee portals for accessing pay stubs and info
- Options for domestic and international payments
If you’re looking for payroll software that is free to try but powerful enough to grow with your business, these are our top picks.
Best free payroll software in 2025
⭐ Paycor: Best for growing teams
⭐ ADP: Best for all-in-one payroll and HR services
⭐ QuickBooks Payroll: Best for QuickBooks users
⭐ Patriot: Best for small businesses
Quick Comparison
| Payroll provider | Forever free or free trial? | Free trial length | Standout feature | Best for | Mobile access? | Price range (after trial period) |
| Paycor | Free trial | 14 days | Customizable workflows and automation | Growing teams with complex needs | ✅ | Affordable |
| ADP | Free trial | 3 months (limited offer) | Integrated HR, benefits, and payroll | Businesses needing full HR and payroll suite | ✅ | Expensive |
| Quickbooks Payroll | Free trial | 30 days | Sync with Quickbooks accounting | Quickbooks users | ❌ | Premium |
| Patriot | Free trial | 30 days | Low-cost option with strong tax support | Small businesses on a budget | ✅ | Affordable |
Our top picks
Each provider offers a limited-time trial so you can explore the platform without risk. While you’ll need to pay to keep using the software after the trial ends, the value is there. These tools give you everything you need to run payroll efficiently, stay compliant, and grow your business well.
Paycor: Best for growing teams
All-in-one HR solution for success
Used by 2.5M users & 40K+ businesses Paycor’s payroll software is designed for small businesses and startups ready to scale. It offers full-service payroll, compliance features, and built-in time tracking—all wrapped in a clean, easy-to-use dashboard. While it’s not a forever-free tool, the free trial lets you explore advanced features before committing.
Key features
- Automated payroll runs with built-in tax filing
- Customizable pay schedules, including off-cycle payments
- Time tracking and employee scheduling built in
- Employee self-service portal for pay history and documents
- Compliance tools with alerts and reporting
- Mobile-friendly access for employers and staff
- Integrates with benefits, HR, and recruiting modules
Free plan details
Paycor does not offer a forever-free payroll software plan. After the trial ends, you’ll need to choose a paid package to continue. Pricing varies based on features and employee count, so you’ll need to request a custom quote. While it’s not the cheapest payroll program out there, Paycor makes up for it with more advanced tools for scheduling, compliance, and automation—especially useful for growing teams.
Free trial available?
Yes, Paycor offers a 14-day free trial with access to key payroll and HR features. You can run test payrolls, explore compliance tools, and see how it handles onboarding, tax calculations, and employee self-service. It’s a great way to get a feel for the platform before committing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong compliance features for growing teams
- Easy-to-use platform with clean navigation
- Scalable tools for payroll, HR, and beyond
- Built-in time tracking included
- Mobile access for team and admin convenience
Cons
- No forever-free version
- Pricing isn’t listed upfront
- May be more than needed for very small businesses
Who it’s for
Paycor is best for small to midsize businesses that want payroll software they won’t outgrow, especially those with complex needs or plans to expand their team.
ADP: Best for integrated HR and payroll
Award-winning payroll & HR software
Variety of packages for your business needs ADP is one of the most well-known names in payroll, and for good reason. Its small business payroll software, RUN Powered by ADP, combines reliable payroll processing with tax filing, employee onboarding, and HR tools all in one. It’s not free, but the extended free trial gives you plenty of time to see why it’s trusted by businesses of all sizes.
Key features
- Automated payroll runs with built-in tax service and filing
- Employee onboarding tools with e-signature and new hire reporting
- Direct deposit, check, or prepaid card payment options
- Employee access to paystubs, W-2s, and benefits info
- HR document storage and compliance alerts
- Optional add-ons for benefits, retirement, and workers’ comp
- Mobile app for both employers and employees
Free plan details
ADP does not offer a forever-free payroll program. However, it frequently runs promotions that include a 3-month free trial, a generous offer compared to most competitors. Once the trial ends, pricing depends on your business size, payroll frequency, and selected add-ons. ADP tends to sit at the higher end of the market, but it backs it up with an all-in-one platform and deep support for growing and established businesses.
Free trial available?
Yes, ADP often includes a 3-month free trial (check current offers). During the trial, you can explore everything from automated payroll and tax filing to HR tools, onboarding features, and employee portals. It’s one of the most generous trials available in this category.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Trusted, long-established provider
- Deep features beyond just payroll
- Excellent customer support and guidance
- Offers full-service tax and compliance tools
- Flexible payment options for employees
Cons
- Higher price point after the trial
- Can feel overwhelming for very small teams
- Add-ons can add up quickly
Who it’s for
ADP is a great choice for businesses that want a premium, full-featured payroll and HR solution from day one, especially those planning to grow and needing a long-term partner that scales with them.
Quickbooks Payroll: Best for Quickbooks Accounting users
All plans include extensive payroll features
Offers third-party HR tools QuickBooks Payroll is a natural fit for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting. It offers a clean, modern interface with fast payroll runs, automated tax filing, and seamless syncing between your books and your payroll. While there’s no forever-free plan, the 30-day free trial is a great way to test how smoothly it fits into your existing setup.
Key features
- Full-service payroll with automatic tax calculations and filings
- Same-day or next-day direct deposit options
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online
- Automated year-end forms (W-2s and 1099s)
- Employee self-service portal with paystubs and tax docs
- Health benefits and 401(k) add-ons available
- Payroll support from QuickBooks-certified experts
Free plan details
QuickBooks Payroll doesn’t offer a forever-free plan. However, they do provide a 30-day free trial with access to core features. Once the trial ends, plans start with a monthly base fee plus a per-employee charge. While not the cheapest payroll software out there, its integration with QuickBooks accounting makes it a time-saver for users already in the QuickBooks ecosystem.
Free trial available?
Yes, QuickBooks Payroll offers a 30-day free trial. It includes access to full-service payroll, tax filing, and QuickBooks integration. You can try out real payroll runs, explore the dashboard, and see how it handles syncing with your existing financial data before making a commitment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
- Reliable, automated payroll and tax filing
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
- Access to benefits and HR add-ons
- Fast direct deposit options
Cons
- Not ideal if you’re not already using QuickBooks
- No free version after trial
- Time tracking costs extra (unless bundled)
Who it’s for
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using QuickBooks Online and looking for a payroll system that plugs in effortlessly with minimal setup, automatic syncing, and one login for everything.
Patriot: Best for small businesses on a budget
30 days free
Easy 3 step onboarding Patriot is a budget-friendly payroll software built specifically for small businesses. It offers full-service and self-service payroll options, simple setup, and reliable tax filing without unnecessary bells and whistles. While there’s no forever-free version, the 30-day free trial lets you explore everything it offers without spending a dime.
Key features
- Run unlimited payrolls with no extra fees
- Free direct deposit and printable checks
- Full tax filing and year-end W-2/1099 support
- Employee self-service portal
- Time and attendance tracking (add-on)
- Simple setup wizard and helpful onboarding
- U.S.-based customer support
Free plan details
Patriot does not offer a forever-free payroll plan, but it’s one of the most affordable paid options on the market. After the 30-day trial, pricing starts at a low base rate with per-employee fees, ideal for small teams looking to cut costs without skimping on features. There’s also a self-service option if you want to save even more.
Free trial available?
Yes, Patriot offers a full 30-day free trial. During the trial, you can access both full-service and self-service payroll, try running real pay cycles, and test how it handles tax calculations and employee access.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable compared to most competitors
- Simple interface with easy onboarding
- Excellent customer support
- No hidden fees for direct deposit or multiple pay runs
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Limited HR features compared to larger platforms
- Time tracking and benefits are add-ons
- No international payroll support
Who it’s for
Patriot is ideal for small businesses and startups that want straightforward, low-cost payroll software without sacrificing reliability, especially those that don’t need a full HR suite.
Is free payroll software right for your business?
Free payroll software can be a smart starting point for small businesses, startups, and teams on a tight budget. While most providers don’t offer forever free payroll software, many do provide free trials that let you run payroll, manage taxes, and streamline your payroll process with no fees during the trial period.
Free payroll trials often include:
- Payroll runs with automated tax calculations
- Direct deposit and payment scheduling
- Employee self-service portals
- Tax service and end-of-year forms (W-2s/1099s)
- Access to customer support
- Basic HR or time tracking integrations
- Mobile access or online dashboards
For many small teams, these features are enough to get started and see whether the software can support long-term needs.
What to consider with free payroll software
Even the best free payroll software usually comes with limitations, so it’s important to know what you’re signing up for:
Time limits: Most free payroll software for small business is available only on a 14- to 30-day trial. After that, you’ll need to upgrade.
- No forever-free plans: Unlike some POS or invoicing tools, true payroll software free for life is rare.
- Feature gating: Some key features, like advanced reporting, benefits management, or international payments, may be locked behind paid plans.
- Ongoing costs: Even after a free trial, pricing for small business payroll software tends to be per employee, with add-ons for time tracking or tax filing.
- Ease of use varies: Some platforms are very easy-to-use, while others come with a learning curve or require setup help.
Who benefits most from free online payroll systems?
Free trials are especially useful for:
- Startups testing payroll before committing
- Small teams that only run payroll for a few employees
- Business owners comparing software before investing
- Companies switching providers and wanting to test new features
- Teams with seasonal staff who want to avoid paying full price year-round
If you fall into one of these categories, starting with a free online payroll system helps you cut costs, stay compliant, and test functionality before you spend a cent.
Common business types that benefit include:
- Freelancers or consultants hiring their first team member
- Local shops or service businesses with under 10 employees
- Remote teams looking for automated payroll and tax service
- Seasonal businesses with flexible payroll schedules
- Companies moving away from manual spreadsheets or outdated tools
What’s better: Forever-free vs. free trial payroll software?
In payroll, free trials are the norm. Unlike other types of small business software, payroll programs free forever are extremely rare due to tax and compliance responsibilities. Here’s how both compare:
Free trial payroll software
A free trial lets you explore a full-service payroll program free for a limited time, usually 14 to 30 days. You can test real payroll runs, access dashboards, and evaluate usability.
Pros:
- Try before you buy
- Access all premium features
- No risk or commitment upfront
- Ideal for comparing tools
Cons:
- Time-limited
- You’ll need to upgrade to continue
- May require setup effort just for short-term use
Forever free payroll software
Some companies advertise “free payroll,” but these plans are often limited, ad-supported, or require manual processes. Most free payroll for small business solutions come with trade-offs:
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Covers basic payroll and pay stubs
- Use indefinitely without time limits
Cons:
- Manual tax filing may be required
- Limited features and integrations
- Not ideal for growing multi-state teams
What to look for in free payroll software
When evaluating free payroll software for small business, it’s important to focus on more than just the price tag. Whether you’re choosing a forever-free tool or testing a platform through a free trial, here’s what to prioritize:
Ease of use
Look for easy-to-use payroll software that doesn’t require hours of setup or ongoing training. A clean dashboard and intuitive workflows will save you time every pay run.
Tax service tools
Even the simplest payroll system should handle tax calculations, form generation, and offer filing support, or at least make it easy to export the data you need.
Scalability
You may only have a few employees today, but you’ll want a system that grows with you. Choose software that offers upgrade paths with features like benefits tracking, international payments, and advanced reporting.
Support and documentation
A free online payroll system should still come with access to help articles, onboarding guides, and ideally some level of customer support—even during the trial.
Payment scheduling options
Make sure you can run off-cycle payments, bonuses, or hourly schedules as needed. Flexibility is key if you don’t want to outgrow the platform too quickly.
The Bottom Line
Free payroll software, either a short trial or a forever-free tool, is a smart way to test the waters. You get to see how the system works, try running payroll, and figure out what you actually need before committing to a monthly bill.
For many small businesses, that trial period is enough to see the value. If it saves you time, reduces tax headaches, and keeps your team paid on time, it’s probably worth the upgrade. Try it while it’s free. If it fits, you’ll know it’s worth keeping.
FAQ
Q: What is the best free payroll software for small business?
A: The best free payroll software for small businesses typically includes features like automated payroll runs, tax filing tools, and employee portals. While most providers only offer free trials, platforms like Patriot and Paycor are highly rated for ease of use, affordability, and strong support during their trial periods.
Q: Can I really run payroll for free?
A: You can start payroll for free using a free trial payroll program or basic free tools, but full-service payroll that includes tax filing, compliance, and reporting usually comes at a cost after the trial. Some forever-free payroll systems do exist, but they’re limited and may require manual processing.
Q: How long do free payroll software trials last?
A: Most free online payroll systems offer trials lasting 14 to 30 days. ADP offers one of the longest free trials, up to 3 months in some promotions, giving you time to test everything from payroll automation to HR features.
Q: Does free payroll software include tax service and filings?
A: Some free payroll software trials include full tax service tools, like automated tax calculations, end-of-year forms (W-2s/1099s), and direct IRS filing. However, payroll software free forever often requires you to handle tax filing manually or upgrade to access those features.
Q: Is there payroll software free forever with no fees?
A: Truly free payroll software with no fees is rare. Most “free” options are limited-time trials or only include basic features like pay stub generation or manual calculations. To get ongoing access to tax service, automated payments, and support, most businesses upgrade to a paid plan.
Q: Is free payroll software safe for startups and small teams?
A: Yes, trusted free payroll software for startups is secure, especially when offered by well-known providers. Look for platforms with data encryption, compliance features, and customer support during the trial to make sure you’re covered.
Q: What happens after the free payroll trial ends?
A: Once your trial ends, you’ll need to upgrade to keep using the system. Most providers offer tiered plans based on employee count and features. If the software worked well during the trial, upgrading gives you uninterrupted access to your payroll data and tools.
Q: Who should use free payroll software?
A: Free payroll for small businesses is ideal for startups, solo founders, seasonal operations, or anyone testing software before committing. If you only have a few employees and need a basic payroll setup, starting with a free trial helps you find the right fit without the upfront cost.
