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Head-to-head · Direct Deposit Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll vs OnPay

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score QuickBooks Payroll #2 in Direct Deposit Payroll 9.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit site
OnPay #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit OnPay

QuickBooks Payroll leads on 0 checks, OnPay 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 scoreQuickBooks Payroll · 9.1/10
  • Free trialboth

QuickBooks Payroll scores higher on our rubric for direct deposit payroll: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for quickBooks users needing fast direct deposit. OnPay is the better fit for small employers with multi-state payroll needs.

  • QuickBooks Payroll fits best

    QuickBooks users needing fast direct deposit

  • OnPay fits best

    Small employers with multi-state payroll needs

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Side by side

Feature QuickBooks Payroll 9.1/10 Visit ↗ OnPay 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #2 in Direct Deposit Payroll #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll
Best for QuickBooks users needing fast direct deposit Small employers with multi-state payroll needs
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $50/mo —
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 5 integrations 5 integrations
Features QuickBooks Payroll 2/2 · OnPay 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
Pros
  • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
  • Offers next-day direct deposit, with same-day options on some plans
  • Employee portal provides pay stubs, W-2s, and tax information
  • 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
Cons
  • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month plus $7 per employee
  • Time tracking and scheduling require higher-tier plans
  • No free plan is available after the 30-day trial
  • HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
  • No ongoing free plan is available
  • 24/7 support is not offered
Our verdict

QuickBooks Payroll is Intuit’s cloud payroll service for small businesses, including restaurants and other hospitality operators. It calculates, files, and pays payroll taxes, supports direct deposit, and provides an employee portal for…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. QuickBooks PayrollDirect Deposit Payroll 9.130-day trial
  2. OnPayDirect Deposit Payroll 8.830-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins

    • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
    • Offers next-day direct deposit, with same-day options on some plans
    • Employee portal provides pay stubs, W-2s, and tax information

    Where it doesn't

    • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month plus $7 per employee
    • Time tracking and scheduling require higher-tier plans
    • No free plan is available after the 30-day trial

  • 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
  • QuickBooks Payroll9.1/10 · 30-day trial

    QuickBooks Payroll delivers automated tax filing and fast direct deposit for QuickBooks-centered teams.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • OnPay8.8/10 · 30-day trial

    A multi-state payroll service with direct deposit, tax filings, and optional HR tools.

    Visit OnPayFull verdict →

More comparisons

All direct deposit payroll comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update