Head-to-head · Direct Deposit Payroll
OnPay vs SurePayroll
OnPay leads on 0 checks, SurePayroll on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOnPay · 8.8/10
- Free trialonly OnPay
OnPay scores higher on our rubric for direct deposit payroll: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
OnPay is the better fit for small employers with multi-state payroll needs. SurePayroll is the better fit for small restaurants paying tipped employees.
- OnPay fits best
Small employers with multi-state payroll needs
- SurePayroll fits best
Small restaurants paying tipped employees
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Side by side
| Feature | OnPay 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | SurePayroll 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll | #5 in Direct Deposit Payroll |
| Best for | Small employers with multi-state payroll needs | Small restaurants paying tipped employees |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $20/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Phone, Email, Live chat, Docs | Phone, Live chat |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Solo |
| Features OnPay 2/2 · SurePayroll 2/2 | ||
| Payroll tax filing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Employee self-service | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Pay frequency | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Deposit speed | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Payroll countries | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Employee limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR service for small businesses, restaurants, and bars. It handles W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, with direct deposit, checks, and prepaid debit cards for employee payments. Payroll Essentials… Read the review → |
SurePayroll is an online payroll service from Paychex for small businesses, including restaurants that pay tipped employees. Its restaurant payroll support includes tip reporting and multiple pay rates for different roles. Employees can… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OnPay — where it wins
- Runs payroll across all 50 states with tax filings and payments
- Supports W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tips, and overtime
- Offers unlimited pay runs, multiple schedules, and employee self-service
Where it doesn't
- HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
- No ongoing free plan is available
- 24/7 support is not offered
SurePayroll — where it wins
- Supports tipped wages, tip reporting and multiple employee pay rates
- Full Service includes tax filing and free 2-day direct deposit
- Employees can access paystubs and tax forms through self-service
Where it doesn't
- Plans have monthly base and per-employee charges
- No Tax Filing excludes payroll tax filing and deposits
- Restaurant POS integration is not established
- OnPay8.8/10 · 30-day trial
A multi-state payroll service with direct deposit, tax filings, and optional HR tools.
Visit OnPayFull verdict → - SurePayroll8.5/10 · Paid
Restaurant payroll with tip reporting, direct deposit and employee self-service.
Visit SurePayrollFull verdict →
More comparisons
- RUN Powered by ADP vs OnPay
- QuickBooks Payroll vs OnPay
- QuickBooks Payroll vs SurePayroll
- OnPay vs Patriot Payroll
- OnPay vs Wagepoint
- OnPay vs Papaya Global
- OnPay vs Sage Payroll
- Patriot Payroll vs SurePayroll
All direct deposit payroll comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





