Running payroll and managing HR compliance takes time you probably don’t have. Between calculating taxes, filing reports, updating policies, and keeping up with changing regulations, most growing businesses end up spending dozens of hours each month on tasks that pull them away from their core mission. Add the cost of mistakes or missed deadlines, and the case for outsourcing becomes clear.
This guide breaks down 15 payroll and HR outsourcing services built for small and midsize businesses. You’ll see what each provider offers, who they serve best, their key features, and pricing structures. Whether you need full service support or just want to offload payroll processing, you’ll find options that match your stage of growth and budget.
1. Soteria HR
Soteria HR delivers tailored payroll and hr outsourcing support for growing companies that need more than just transaction processing. You get an embedded partner who handles the daily HR details while providing strategic guidance that aligns with your business goals. This service fits companies between 10 and 250 employees who want proactive HR leadership without the overhead of a full internal department.
What this service offers
Soteria HR provides full-service HR administration that covers everything from onboarding to offboarding, plus strategic consulting when you face complex people challenges. You receive custom HR playbooks built around your company culture, compliant employee handbooks, recruiting support, and benefits program design. The service includes payroll coordination that integrates with your existing systems and compliance monitoring to prevent costly mistakes before they happen.
Who this service is best for
You’ll benefit most from Soteria HR if you run a growth-stage SMB in human services, tech, professional services, or manufacturing. This option works well when you’re scaling up, feeling overwhelmed by compliance complexity, or losing sleep over hiring and retention challenges. CEOs, COOs, and office managers who wear multiple hats find this service particularly valuable.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles benefits management, risk mitigation, employee handbook updates, and recruiting assistance. You also get access to seasoned HR professionals who spot issues before they escalate and provide on-demand strategic advice. Payroll processing connects seamlessly with your current systems to ensure accurate, on-time payments.
Implementation and support
Soteria HR assigns you a dedicated team that learns your business and becomes an extension of your leadership. Implementation typically begins with an HR audit to identify gaps, followed by a phased rollout of services based on your priorities.
Pricing snapshot
Pricing follows a custom model based on your employee count and service needs. Most clients save significantly compared to hiring a full-time HR director while gaining access to a broader range of expertise.
When to choose this option
Choose Soteria HR when you want a trusted partner who understands your business context and delivers solutions without corporate HR jargon. This service makes sense if you value proactive support over reactive troubleshooting.
"HR shouldn’t feel like red tape. With Soteria, it won’t."
2. ADP Comprehensive Services
ADP brings decades of payroll and hr outsourcing expertise to companies that need enterprise-grade analytics alongside comprehensive service. The platform handles payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and employee recordkeeping while giving you access to advanced reporting tools that draw insights from over 41 million anonymized worker records. You get managed services that cover the full employee lifecycle plus data analysis that helps you make smarter workforce decisions.
What this service offers
ADP Comprehensive Services delivers end-to-end HR and payroll management that includes automated tax calculations, wage garnishment processing, year-end reporting, and direct deposit administration. The system processes payroll for employees across multiple states while maintaining compliance with federal and local regulations. You also receive consultative support from ADP’s in-house HR specialists who provide guidance on benefits strategy, compliance questions, and workforce planning.
Who this service is best for
This service fits midsize to large businesses with complex reporting needs and operations across multiple jurisdictions. Companies with 50 or more employees that value data-driven decision making find the most benefit here. If you need sophisticated analytics to track compensation trends, monitor turnover patterns, or benchmark against industry standards, ADP’s reporting capabilities stand out.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform includes employee self-service portals accessible from any device, automated new hire reporting, and customizable workflows for onboarding. You get real-time payroll processing that syncs with accounting systems, plus analytics tools that let you create custom reports on labor costs, benefits utilization, and compliance metrics. Time and attendance tracking requires a separate purchase.
"ADP’s analytics benefit from aggregating data on 41 million anonymized workers, a data pool few outsourcing services can match."
Implementation and support
ADP assigns implementation specialists who configure the system based on your existing processes and compliance requirements. Support teams respond through phone and email during business hours, with access to the company’s knowledge base for self-service troubleshooting.
Pricing snapshot
ADP uses custom pricing based on employee count, payroll frequency, and selected services. The company doesn’t publish standard rates, so you’ll need to request a quote. Most clients pay a base monthly fee plus per-employee charges.
When to choose this option
Choose ADP when you need powerful reporting tools and proven reliability more than you need flexible customization. This option works best if you have the budget for a premium service and want insights that help you control labor costs and plan for growth.
3. Paychex HR and Payroll
Paychex provides modular payroll and hr outsourcing that lets you choose which functions to keep in-house and which to hand off. The platform gives you three service tiers ranging from basic HR support to full co-employment arrangements. You can start with essential services and add capabilities as your needs change, making this a flexible option for companies between 10 and 1,000 employees that want control over their outsourcing scope.
What this service offers
Paychex delivers payroll processing with automatic tax filing, compliance monitoring, and employee self-service tools across all three plans. The entry-level HR Partner Plus includes an employee handbook builder, HR library, and labor law posters. The mid-tier HR Pro adds benefits administration, onboarding workflows, performance management, and learning management systems. The top-tier HR PEO creates a co-employment relationship that includes comprehensive benefits packages, workers’ compensation, and employment liability coverage.
Who this service is best for
This service fits small to midsize businesses that want flexibility to scale their HR support without committing to a full-service package immediately. Companies in retail, professional services, and manufacturing find value in Paychex’s ability to customize solutions based on current needs and budget constraints.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles payroll for both employees and contractors, though contractor payments aren’t available with the PEO option. You get access to dedicated HR guidance, expert-led training, COBRA administration, and employment verification. Time and attendance tracking, analytics, and third-party integrations require separate purchases regardless of which plan you choose.
Implementation and support
Paychex assigns account representatives who configure your selected services and provide ongoing support through phone and email. The company offers live chat assistance during business hours.
Pricing snapshot
Paychex uses custom pricing based on employee count, payroll frequency, and chosen service tier. The company doesn’t publish standard rates online.
When to choose this option
Choose Paychex when you want to build your HR infrastructure gradually without paying for features you don’t need yet. This option works well if you expect your requirements to grow over time and want a provider that can expand with you.
4. Insperity
Insperity offers dedicated HR support teams with deep regional knowledge and fast response times for companies that value personalized service. You get access to specialists who average over 60 years of collective HR experience per team and typically resolve issues within eight minutes of your call. This payroll and hr outsourcing option works best when you need expert guidance from professionals who understand local compliance requirements and can adapt quickly to your business needs.
What this service offers
Insperity provides three distinct service models: a small business solution, a PEO option for midsize companies, and an HCM platform for enterprises. All three include full payroll processing, benefits administration, risk management, and recruiting support. Your assigned team handles employment verification, unemployment claims, tax compliance, and regulatory monitoring across all 50 states. You receive proactive alerts about workplace rule changes and compliance updates specific to your industry.
Who this service is best for
This service fits U.S.-based companies with 10 to 500 employees that want direct access to HR professionals instead of navigating call centers. Businesses in healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing appreciate the regional expertise and responsive support structure.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform includes employee self-service portals, automated payroll processing, comprehensive benefits packages, and performance management tools. You get safety program support, client implementation assistance, and business performance consulting. Employment screening and web timeclock features require additional purchases.
Implementation and support
Insperity assigns a local support team that you can reach by direct phone or email. Team members respond within two hours on business days and handle 98% of inquiries within their initial call.
"The support staff alerts clients proactively to important workplace rule changes and other matters relating to regulatory compliance."
Pricing snapshot
Insperity uses custom pricing based on employee count and selected service tier. The company doesn’t publish standard rates.
When to choose this option
Choose Insperity when you prioritize fast, personalized support from experienced HR professionals over extensive customization options. This option works well if you operate exclusively in the United States and want a team that knows your region’s specific requirements.
5. TriNet HR Plus
TriNet specializes in automated compliance management that reduces the risk of costly penalties while handling complex payroll and hr outsourcing tasks. The platform monitors changing regulations across all 50 states and automatically calculates payroll taxes, manages ACA reporting, and processes employment verification. You get built-in safeguards that prevent common compliance mistakes without requiring constant manual oversight.
What this service offers
TriNet provides two service models: an administrative services organization (ASO) for larger companies and a PEO solution for small to midsize businesses. Both options include full payroll processing, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, risk management, and compliance monitoring. The system handles tax withholding, year-end reporting, COBRA administration, and wage garnishment processing through automated workflows.
Who this service is best for
This service fits companies with 5 to 500 employees that face complex compliance requirements or operate across multiple states. Businesses in healthcare, technology, and professional services that want to minimize their exposure to employment law violations find the most value here.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform includes Compliance Assistant, which tracks regulatory deadlines, syncs with your calendar, and sends automatic alerts when employees approach overtime thresholds. You get customizable workflows for new hire onboarding, Form I-9 processing, and ACA Forms 1094-C and 1095-C preparation. The system stores employment documents securely and integrates payroll with time tracking and benefits enrollment. Recruiting support requires a separate purchase.
"TriNet automates employment verification and new-hire onboarding, reducing the time your team spends on administrative tasks."
Implementation and support
TriNet assigns implementation specialists who configure the system based on your compliance needs and current processes. You receive support through phone and email during business hours.
Pricing snapshot
TriNet uses custom pricing based on employee count and chosen service model. The company recommends its ASO for larger businesses and PEO for SMBs but doesn’t publish standard rates.
When to choose this option
Choose TriNet when compliance automation matters more than service flexibility. This option works well if you want comprehensive protection but can’t break out individual services to control costs.
6. Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll
Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll represent two user-friendly platforms built for small businesses that want straightforward payroll and hr outsourcing without enterprise complexity. Both services prioritize ease of use while delivering automated payroll processing, tax filing, and basic HR tools. You get cloud-based systems that integrate with popular accounting software and provide mobile access for both employers and employees.
What this service offers
Gusto delivers full-service payroll with automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments across all states. The platform includes benefits administration for health insurance and 401(k) plans, plus onboarding tools and compliance support. QuickBooks Payroll handles payroll processing, tax filing, and workers’ compensation while integrating directly with QuickBooks accounting software. Both platforms offer employee self-service portals and direct deposit options.
Who this service is best for
These services fit businesses with 1 to 100 employees that need reliable payroll processing without extensive HR consulting. Retail shops, service providers, and small professional firms appreciate the simple setup and transparent pricing. QuickBooks Payroll works particularly well if you already use QuickBooks for accounting.
Key HR and payroll features
Gusto includes time tracking, benefits enrollment, and HR compliance alerts in most plans. You can add HR advisor services for policy guidance and employee relations support. QuickBooks Payroll provides payroll processing with tax penalty protection, same-day direct deposit, and healthcare benefit management. Both platforms handle contractor payments and generate year-end tax forms automatically.
"Gusto serves over 300,000 customers while QuickBooks helps 1.4 million businesses manage payroll."
Implementation and support
Both platforms offer self-service setup that most businesses complete in under an hour. Gusto provides phone and email support during business hours. QuickBooks offers support through phone, chat, and an extensive knowledge base.
Pricing snapshot
Gusto starts at $49 per month plus $6 per employee. QuickBooks Payroll offers three tiers ranging from basic payroll processing to full-service tax filing, with prices starting around $45 per month plus per-employee fees.
When to choose this option
Choose Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll when you need affordable, straightforward payroll processing with basic HR features. These options work best if you value simplicity over comprehensive HR consulting services.
7. Paylocity
Paylocity delivers mobile-first payroll and hr outsourcing that emphasizes employee engagement and modern workplace tools. The platform combines payroll processing with HR management, benefits administration, and talent acquisition features designed for businesses that want their teams to access everything from smartphones or tablets. You get cloud-based software that has earned recognition from G2, Forbes, Built In, and TrustRadius in 2024 for its user experience and functionality.
What this service offers
Paylocity provides full-service payroll processing with automatic tax calculations, compliance monitoring, and direct deposit administration. The system handles both domestic and global payroll operations while including benefits enrollment, time tracking, and onboarding workflows. You receive recruiting tools, performance management capabilities, and employee self-service portals that work across devices.
Who this service is best for
This service fits companies with 20 to 1,000 employees that prioritize employee experience and want modern HR technology. Businesses in retail, healthcare, and professional services that need strong mobile functionality find this platform particularly useful.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform includes applicant tracking systems, benefits administration with multiple carrier integrations, time and attendance management, and learning management tools. You get payroll analytics, compliance alerts, and document management through a unified dashboard. The system supports wage garnishments, year-end reporting, and multi-state tax filing automatically.
Implementation and support
Paylocity assigns implementation specialists who configure the system based on your requirements. You receive ongoing support through phone, email, and an online resource center during business hours.
Pricing snapshot
Paylocity uses custom pricing based on employee count and selected modules. The company doesn’t publish standard rates publicly.
When to choose this option
Choose Paylocity when you want employee-friendly mobile tools and modern HR features in one platform. This option works well if your workforce expects consumer-grade technology experiences.
8. Complete Payroll Solutions
Complete Payroll Solutions brings nearly two decades of experience serving over 10,000 clients across all 50 states with flexible payroll and hr outsourcing options. The company operates as one of the largest privately held payroll providers in the United States, offering daily, weekly, and monthly processing schedules that adapt to your business rhythm. You get reliable service from a Springfield, Massachusetts-based provider that understands the compliance requirements of businesses operating nationwide.
What this service offers
Complete Payroll Solutions delivers full-service payroll processing that includes tax calculations, direct deposit administration, and compliance monitoring. The platform handles employee recordkeeping, new hire reporting, and year-end tax form preparation. You receive support for multiple pay schedules and access to payroll specialists who can address questions specific to your industry.
Who this service is best for
This service fits small to midsize businesses with straightforward payroll needs who want dependable processing without complex HR consulting. Companies that need flexible payment schedules and appreciate working with an established independent provider find value here.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform processes payroll on daily, weekly, or monthly schedules based on your requirements. You get automatic tax filing, compliance tracking, and employee self-service tools for viewing pay information and tax documents.
Implementation and support
Complete Payroll Solutions assigns dedicated representatives who configure your account and provide ongoing assistance through phone and email.
Pricing snapshot
The company uses custom pricing based on employee count and payroll frequency. You’ll need to request a quote for specific rates.
When to choose this option
Choose Complete Payroll Solutions when you need established reliability and flexible scheduling options without paying for extensive HR services you won’t use.
9. G&A Partners
G&A Partners focuses on helping growing businesses build scalable workforce strategies while handling daily payroll and hr outsourcing tasks. The platform combines comprehensive HR services with strategic consulting designed to help you anticipate challenges before they become expensive problems. You get access to HR professionals who work directly with your leadership team to control labor costs and adapt quickly to market changes.
What this service offers
G&A Partners provides both ASO and PEO service models that cover full payroll processing, benefits administration, recruiting support, and workplace safety programs. The ASO option supports your existing HR team by assisting with policy development, technology adoption, and document management. The PEO arrangement creates a co-employment relationship that handles all HR functions while you focus on running your business.
Who this service is best for
This service fits companies with 25 to 500 employees that expect significant growth or market shifts in the near future. Businesses that need strategic workforce planning alongside operational HR support find the most value here.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits enrollment, and recruiting assistance through a unified system. You receive guidance on employee performance measurement, risk mitigation strategies, and training program development. HR specialists help you create policies that support your growth trajectory.
Implementation and support
G&A Partners assigns HR consultants who learn your business model and growth plans. You receive ongoing support through direct contact with your assigned team.
Pricing snapshot
G&A Partners uses custom pricing based on employee count and chosen service model. The company doesn’t publish standard rates.
When to choose this option
Choose G&A Partners when you need strategic workforce planning combined with full-service HR administration. This option works well if your business faces rapid growth or entering new markets.
10. ExtensisHR
ExtensisHR streamlines recruiting and talent acquisition through automated processes that cut hiring timelines significantly for payroll and hr outsourcing clients. The platform combines full-service HR administration with specialized recruitment tools designed to help growing companies fill critical roles quickly. You get access to recruiting specialists who understand your industry while the system handles payroll processing, benefits management, and compliance monitoring.
What this service offers
ExtensisHR provides both ASO and PEO service models that include comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, and benefits administration. The recruitment offering delivers a 45-day Recruiting Solution that generates qualified candidate lists weekly based on your specifications. You receive salary surveys, talent pool assessments, and unlimited 30-minute consultations with recruiting specialists to refine your search criteria.
Who this service is best for
This service fits startups and expanding companies with 10 to 500 employees that need to scale their workforce quickly. Businesses that struggle to find qualified candidates or spend excessive time on hiring processes benefit most from the automated recruitment features.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles payroll processing, benefits enrollment, and time tracking alongside recruitment automation. You get skills assessments, job advertisement writing, and offer letter assistance. Compliance management and risk mitigation require separate purchases.
Implementation and support
ExtensisHR provides 24-hour quoting for new clients and expedited onboarding for new hires. You work directly with recruiting specialists throughout your talent acquisition campaigns.
"The 45-day Recruiting Solution generates a list of top candidates in the first week and each subsequent week based on candidate-search adjustments."
Pricing snapshot
ExtensisHR uses custom pricing based on employee count and service selection. Recruiting comes standard with PEO plans but requires an add-on fee for ASO clients.
When to choose this option
Choose ExtensisHR when fast, effective hiring matters more than full-spectrum HR consulting. This option works well if you need to build your team quickly.
11. Vero HR
Vero HR brings UK-based expertise to payroll and hr outsourcing for companies that manage distributed teams across multiple countries. The platform starts with a comprehensive HR audit that identifies compliance gaps and establishes best practices before building your customized service package. You get flexible options to add payroll processing, recruitment support, and technology integration to three core service tiers designed for different company sizes.
What this service offers
Vero HR delivers customizable HR solutions that begin with policy audits and document reviews to ensure compliance across international jurisdictions. You can select from Partner services for small businesses with existing HR managers, Team packages that include full-time HR administrators, or Enterprise offerings with dedicated senior HR professionals. All packages require 12-month contracts and operate on fixed monthly retainers.
Who this service is best for
This service fits U.S. companies with international workforces between 10 and 500 employees that need support across European and other global markets. Businesses with remote teams in multiple countries find value in the compliance expertise.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles HR administration, policy development, and compliance monitoring through dedicated support personnel. You can purchase payroll processing, recruitment services, and technology support separately based on your needs. Employee health and safety compliance requires additional fees beyond standard packages.
Implementation and support
Vero HR assigns a dedicated HR professional whose level of seniority matches your chosen package. Implementation begins with the HR audit that informs your service configuration.
Pricing snapshot
The company uses fixed monthly retainers that you allocate toward services as needed. Specific pricing depends on employee count and selected package tier.
When to choose this option
Choose Vero HR when you need international workforce support and want flexibility to customize your service scope beyond standard payroll processing.
12. HR Path
HR Path operates across 22 countries to deliver global payroll and hr outsourcing with deep technology partnerships. The company serves as an official partner with SAP and Workday, providing implementation expertise alongside managed services. You get access to consulting, solution deployment, and ongoing administration through a provider that understands both the technical and operational sides of international workforce management.
What this service offers
HR Path provides consulting, payroll outsourcing, and system implementation services organized into three delivery models: Contingent Payment Services (CPS), Managed Payroll Services (MPS), and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The platform handles payroll processing across multiple countries while offering strategic guidance on HR technology adoption and process optimization.
Who this service is best for
This service fits multinational companies with 100 to 5,000 employees that use or plan to implement SAP or Workday systems. Businesses with complex international payroll requirements and technology integration needs find the most value here.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform delivers multi-country payroll processing, compliance management across international jurisdictions, and technical support for SAP SuccessFactors and Workday implementations. You receive consulting on payroll strategy and access to specialists who understand both HR operations and enterprise software.
Implementation and support
HR Path assigns project teams that include both technical consultants and payroll specialists. You work with professionals who configure systems and establish processes based on your international requirements.
Pricing snapshot
The company uses custom pricing based on employee count, geographic scope, and service complexity. You’ll need to request quotes for specific arrangements.
When to choose this option
Choose HR Path when you need global payroll capabilities combined with expertise in enterprise HR technology platforms.
13. Alliant
Alliant takes a cafeteria-style approach to payroll and hr outsourcing that lets you purchase only the specific services your business needs right now. The platform divides offerings into four main categories: HR, payroll, time and labor, and benefits coordination. You select from multiple tiers within each category or buy individual services without committing to comprehensive packages.
What this service offers
Alliant provides modular HR services organized into HR Assist for supporting existing managers, HR Guide for employee management, HR Team for handling workplace conflicts, and individual options for training, drug testing, and background checks. Payroll services include processing with add-ons like new hire reporting and SSN verification at $5 per instance. The time and labor category offers biometric clock-ins and geo-fencing capabilities.
Who this service is best for
This service fits small businesses with 5 to 100 employees that want to control costs by outsourcing selectively. Companies with established HR processes who need support in specific areas rather than full-service management find this approach practical.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform handles payroll processing, time tracking, and benefits coordination through separate service selections. You get free resources including pre-employment tools, onboarding assistance, and exit interview templates.
Implementation and support
Alliant requires completing an HR assessment before providing pricing quotes. You receive support based on which services you purchase.
Pricing snapshot
The company uses custom pricing calculated after your HR assessment. Individual services carry specific per-instance fees.
When to choose this option
Choose Alliant when you want to build your own service package without paying for comprehensive HR outsourcing you don’t need yet.
14. Bambee
Bambee takes a policy-first approach to payroll and hr outsourcing that prioritizes preventing workplace problems before they start. The platform focuses exclusively on HR compliance and liability reduction through custom policy development rather than handling payroll processing or benefits administration. You work with a dedicated HR manager who helps you build protective policies and procedures that reduce your exposure to employment-related lawsuits and penalties.
What this service offers
Bambee provides HR policy creation and implementation services centered on compliance and risk management. Your assigned HR manager develops customized workplace policies covering harassment prevention, discrimination protections, dress codes, time-off procedures, and termination processes. The service includes employee handbook development with ready-to-use templates that you adapt to your company’s specific needs.
Who this service is best for
This service fits small businesses with fewer than 20 employees that need clear policies but don’t require full payroll or benefits management. Startups and young companies that want to establish proper HR foundations find this focused approach practical and affordable.
Key HR and payroll features
The platform delivers core protective policies that employees must read and sign, covering sexual harassment, workplace safety, and technology use guidelines. You receive customized policies for leave of absence, paid time off, and compliant termination procedures. Bambee does not offer payroll processing, benefits administration, or time tracking.
Implementation and support
Bambee assigns you a dedicated HR manager who remains your primary contact throughout your engagement. The manager guides you through policy creation and implementation based on your industry and risk profile.
Pricing snapshot
Pricing starts at $99 per month for businesses without employees yet. Companies with up to 19 employees pay $399 monthly plus a $500 setup fee.
When to choose this option
Choose Bambee when you need comprehensive workplace policies and compliance guidance without full-service HR support.
Next steps for your HR and payroll
Selecting the right payroll and hr outsourcing provider depends on where your business stands today and where you plan to go next. You’ve seen fifteen options that range from basic payroll processing to comprehensive HR partnerships. Some vendors excel at compliance automation, others specialize in recruitment support, and a few bring strategic consulting that helps you build scalable workforce systems.
Your decision should account for your current employee count, the complexity of your compliance requirements, and whether you need a tactical service or a strategic partner. If you want proactive HR leadership tailored to your company culture without the corporate overhead, explore how Soteria HR’s outsourced services can protect your business while supporting your growth. We handle the details so you can focus on what matters most to your operation.
