Head-to-head · Nonprofit Payroll Software
Payroll4Free vs QuickBooks Payroll
Payroll4Free leads on 2 checks, QuickBooks Payroll on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePayroll4Free · 7.8/10
- Lowest starting pricePayroll4Free · $15/mo
- Free planonly Payroll4Free
- Free trialonly QuickBooks Payroll
- Most featuresPayroll4Free · 4 of 5
Payroll4Free scores higher on our rubric for nonprofit payroll software: 7.8 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Payroll4Free offers free plan; QuickBooks Payroll doesn't. Payroll4Free is cheaper to start at $15/mo against $50/mo.
Payroll4Free is the better fit for very small nonprofits seeking free payroll. QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for quickBooks-centered nonprofits.
- Payroll4Free fits best
Very small nonprofits seeking free payroll
- QuickBooks Payroll fits best
QuickBooks-centered nonprofits
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Side by side
| Feature | Payroll4Free 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | QuickBooks Payroll 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Nonprofit Payroll Software | #8 in Nonprofit Payroll Software |
| Best for | Very small nonprofits seeking free payroll | QuickBooks-centered nonprofits |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $15/mo (best) | $50/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Features Payroll4Free 4/5 · QuickBooks Payroll 2/5 | ||
| Tax filing included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nonprofit tax support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-state payroll | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contractor payments | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Time tracking | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Employee limit | 9 employees | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Payroll4Free is online payroll and human-resources software for small organizations, including nonprofits that pay W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, or both. Its core feature set covers payroll processing, federal, state, and local tax… Read the review → |
QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud payroll service for small businesses, including nonprofits that already work in the QuickBooks ecosystem. It calculates, files, and pays payroll taxes; supports direct deposit; provides employee portals for… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Payroll4Free — where it wins
- Free payroll processing for up to nine individuals monthly
- Supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
- Includes PTO tracking, employee portals, and reporting
Where it doesn't
- Tax deposits and filings require a paid service
- Direct-deposit services carry additional fees
- Free service is limited to nine or fewer payees
QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins
- Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Provides direct deposit and employee self-service portals
- Connects with QuickBooks Online, Square, and benefits platforms
Where it doesn't
- Higher-tier plans are needed for time tracking and scheduling
- The product is designed for small businesses, not only nonprofits
- Less suited to buyers prioritizing tip management or one payroll frequency
- Payroll4Free7.8/10 · Free plan
A practical free payroll option for nonprofits with nine or fewer payees.
Visit Payroll4FreeFull verdict → - QuickBooks Payroll6.9/10 · 30-day trial
A QuickBooks-focused payroll service with tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service.
Visit QuickBooksFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- PayFWDs vs QuickBooks Payroll
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- MIP Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
- Patriot Payroll vs Payroll4Free
- Patriot Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
- Justworks Benefits vs Payroll4Free
- Justworks Benefits vs QuickBooks Payroll
All nonprofit payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update