What is the most affordable payroll software for a 100-person company?

Determining the "most affordable" payroll software for a 100-person company is tricky because affordability isn't just about the lowest sticker price. It's a combination of:

* **Base Subscription Cost:** The monthly or annual fee.

* **Per-Employee Fees:** Many services charge a small fee per employee.

* **Add-on Features:** Advanced features like HR management, time tracking, benefits administration, or advanced reporting can significantly increase the cost.

* **Setup Fees:** Some providers charge an initial fee to get you started.

* **Customer Support Quality:** Poor support can lead to costly mistakes and wasted time.

* **Scalability:** Will the software remain affordable as your company grows or its needs change?

However, based on general market understanding and typical pricing structures, here are some of the most affordable payroll software options that are well-suited for a 100-person company, along with factors to consider for each:

**Top Affordable Contenders for a 100-Person Company:**

1. **Gusto:**

* **Why it's affordable:** Gusto is known for its transparent pricing and tiered plans. Their "Concierge" plan is often a good fit for companies of this size and includes a good mix of features. They offer excellent support for the price.

* **Typical Features:** Full-service payroll, direct deposit, tax filings, new hire onboarding, basic HR tools, time tracking (basic in lower tiers, more advanced in higher).

* **Pricing Structure:** Base fee + per-employee fee.

* **Pros:** User-friendly interface, excellent customer support, strong focus on modern HR needs, good for compliance.

* **Cons:** Can become more expensive if you need very advanced HR features beyond payroll.

2. **OnPay:**

* **Why it's affordable:** OnPay offers a straightforward pricing model with a base fee and a per-employee fee, and it includes a lot of features in its standard plan that other providers might charge extra for.

* **Typical Features:** Full-service payroll, direct deposit, tax filings, worker's comp integration, time tracking, HR tools, onboarding, benefits administration.

* **Pricing Structure:** Base fee + per-employee fee.

* **Pros:** All-inclusive features at a competitive price, good for businesses with complex needs (like multiple states or worker's comp), excellent customer support.

* **Cons:** Interface might be slightly less modern than Gusto for some users.

3. **Patriot Software:**

* **Why it's affordable:** Patriot offers two distinct payroll products: "Basic Payroll" (which is very basic and may not be sufficient for 100 employees needing full-service) and "Full-Service Payroll." Their Full-Service Payroll is a strong contender for affordability and includes tax filings.

* **Typical Features (Full-Service):** Full-service payroll, direct deposit, tax filings, employee portal, time tracking integration.

* **Pricing Structure:** Base fee + per-employee fee.

* **Pros:** Very competitive pricing for full-service payroll, USA-based customer support, good for straightforward payroll needs.

* **Cons:** The "Basic Payroll" product is very limited. Advanced HR features might be less robust than competitors.

4. **Zoho Payroll (as part of Zoho Workplace/HR):**

* **Why it's affordable:** If you're already using or considering other Zoho products, Zoho Payroll can be incredibly affordable, especially when bundled. It offers core payroll functionalities and integrates well with other Zoho apps.

* **Typical Features:** Payroll processing, tax filings, direct deposit, employee self-service, reporting.

* **Pricing Structure:** Often priced per employee, with discounts for bundles.

* **Pros:** Highly cost-effective if you're in the Zoho ecosystem, good integration with other business tools.

* **Cons:** Can be less feature-rich on its own compared to dedicated payroll services. Support might be more general for the Zoho suite.

**Other Considerations for 100-Person Companies:**

* **ADP RUN (ADP Workforce Now for larger):** While ADP is a giant in the payroll industry, their RUN platform (for small to medium businesses) can be surprisingly competitive for 100 employees. They often have tiered plans. However, they can be more expensive if you need extensive customization or advanced HR features. Their enterprise solution, Workforce Now, is usually for larger companies but might have options.

* **Paychex Flex (Essentials/Select):** Similar to ADP, Paychex offers scalable solutions. Paychex Flex Essentials or Select plans could be suitable. They are known for robust features and reliable service, but again, pricing can increase with add-ons.

**How to Find the *Most* Affordable for YOU:**

1. **Define Your Core Needs:**

* Do you need full-service tax filings? (Highly recommended for 100 employees to avoid compliance issues).

* Do you need integrated time tracking?

* Do you need basic HR features (onboarding, employee handbooks)?

* Do you need benefits administration integration?

* Do you need advanced reporting?

* Do you need multi-state payroll capabilities?

2. **Get Custom Quotes:** **This is crucial.** Pricing is not always published transparently, and providers often have different tiers and discount structures. Contact your top 2-3 choices and get a detailed quote for your specific needs.

3. **Ask About Hidden Fees:** Inquire about setup fees, implementation fees, cancellation fees, and fees for specific reports or support.

4. **Consider Employee Self-Service:** Does the software offer an employee portal? This can save your HR team significant time and is often included.

5. **Factor in Ease of Use:** A complex system that requires extensive training or troubleshooting can negate initial cost savings through wasted employee hours.

**Recommendation:**

For a 100-person company looking for a balance of affordability, comprehensive features, and good support, I would highly recommend starting your research with **Gusto** and **OnPay**. Both offer excellent value for their price points and are designed to handle the complexities that come with a team of that size.

Always get quotes and compare them based on your specific requirements. Good luck!