Best Payroll Software (July 2025): QuickBooks Payroll Named Industry Best Small Business Solution by Expert Consumers

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert Consumers has recognized QuickBooks Payroll as the top-performing payroll solution for small to midsize businesses in its newly published review of leading payroll software platforms. The feature spotlights QuickBooks Payroll for its scalable design, automation tools, and integration with broader business accounting functions, making it a strategic choice for employers seeking efficiency and compliance.

Best Payroll Software

• QuickBooks Payroll - widely known for offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, time tracking, and HR tools within a centralized platform.

As economic conditions shift and workforce structures evolve, payroll management remains one of the most critical operational areas for small business owners, solopreneurs, and startups. Timely compensation and tax accuracy are essential not only to maintain employee satisfaction but also to remain compliant with regulatory requirements. With the ongoing trend toward hybrid and remote work models, small businesses are seeking software solutions that can scale, automate repetitive tasks, and offer real-time oversight into payroll expenses.

Expert Consumers' review positions QuickBooks Payroll as a responsive option in this context. Its integration with QuickBooks Online simplifies business operations by centralizing accounting, payroll, and cash flow management. The software is structured to support small to midsize teams across various industries including professional services, hospitality, logistics, and construction. Employers can streamline payday, manage team benefits, and oversee HR functions without toggling between separate platforms.

QuickBooks Payroll offers three payroll-only plans and three bundled accounting and payroll options to meet diverse business needs. These include:

• Payroll Core, which supports automated payroll processing and tax calculations.
• Payroll Premium, which includes time tracking and HR support tools.
• Payroll Elite, which features same-day direct deposit, access to on-demand experts, and tax penalty protection.

For companies also managing their books through QuickBooks Online, bundled options combine payroll features with accounting capabilities. The most advanced package includes support for inventory tracking, profitability monitoring, and multi-user access, all from a unified dashboard. These configurations allow businesses to select a plan based on their current operations, with the option to scale as the team grows.

Setup is designed to be fast and user-friendly. QuickBooks provides guided onboarding, including data migration from other payroll systems, and round-the-clock expert support. Employers can run payroll in minutes, with the platform handling tax deductions and filings automatically. Teams also benefit from access to the QuickBooks Workforce app, which enables them to review pay stubs, download tax documents, and track hours worked.

Time tracking is available on select plans through QuickBooks Time, allowing employers to manage timesheets, monitor billable hours, and generate detailed time reports. These tools are especially useful for businesses in service industries or those managing hourly or remote employees. Integrated time tracking reduces manual entry and aligns payroll data directly with accounting records, improving accuracy and reducing payroll processing costs.

Beyond core features, QuickBooks Payroll includes access to resources aimed at helping employers stay informed and compliant. These include a paycheck calculator, a payroll glossary, a tax map covering state-specific laws, and a library of small business tips and onboarding tools. These resources support informed decision-making and offer practical guidance for navigating regulatory changes.

One of the challenges many small businesses face is reconciling the need for robust tools with limited time or financial bandwidth. QuickBooks Payroll responds to this by providing a flexible system that combines enterprise-grade functions with a streamlined interface. It is designed to reduce errors, increase visibility into payroll operations, and provide employers with greater confidence in their compliance efforts.

The platform also prioritizes employee empowerment by enabling self-service access to essential documents and pay information. This reduces administrative tasks for employers while improving transparency and accessibility for staff.

QuickBooks users also benefit from GoPayments, a free mobile point-of-sale app that enables secure, contactless payments in person or on the go. The app integrates with QuickBooks Online, syncing sales data automatically without granting access to sensitive financial information. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, users can accept all types of in-person payments directly on their device - no card reader required. This feature is particularly useful for field teams, pop-up stores, and mobile businesses seeking seamless sales tracking and immediate payment capture.

In addition, businesses using QuickBooks can apply for funding through QuickBooks Capital, which offers term loans and lines of credit directly within the platform. These financing options are designed to help companies manage large expenses or pursue growth initiatives without incurring origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties. Approved loans are typically funded within one to two business days. Businesses can draw from a credit line as needed and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. This built-in access to capital gives small and mid-sized companies added financial flexibility within a system they already trust.

As businesses continue to navigate a complex labor environment, the need for reliable payroll infrastructure has only grown. Software solutions that combine automation, scalability, and compliance support have become central to operational success. Expert Consumers' review highlights QuickBooks Payroll for meeting these needs while delivering added value through integration with accounting tools and time tracking functions.

To learn more and read the full review, visit Expert Consumers.

About Intuit:

Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at Intuit.com and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services.

About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org