SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Desktop Payroll

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Our analysts compared SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Desktop Payroll based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Payroll Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

SurePayroll Software Tool
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Software Tool

Product Basics

SurePayroll is a web-based solution suitable for small businesses with less than 100 employees. Users can choose from two versions of the software — one for smaller operations. The other serves the needs of individual households that employ a nanny or other caretakers. The full-service solution assists with managing benefits and workers’ compensation. It can also help with processing pay, employee screening and more. Overall, it’s run over 10 million payrolls and supports more than 6,000 different taxes.
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QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a subscription-based labor management solution that offers robust functionalities, including tax penalty protection, automated payrolls, expert support, direct deposits and detailed reports.

The product covers essential aspects of workforce regulation like payroll deductions and approvals, tax liabilities, workers' contributions, holiday tracking and more. It offers group health benefits, scalable subscription plans, smart integrations and support resources for an enhanced user experience. Same-day direct deposits save time and notifications help stay up-to-date with business processes.
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$29.99 Monthly
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$61 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Mobile
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Time and Money Saver: Customize the payroll package by adding only necessary features. Cut down on tedious data entry and human error by bringing the process online, streamlining and standardizing it.
  • More Convenient: Calculate employee pay from any internet-connected device within minutes. Let users access their personal information and use the self-service options to take control of their finances. Run payroll on the same or the next day after scheduling.
  • Expedited Payroll: Withdraw funds and process payroll from the business in half the time of many other options. Keep payments in account longer with the two-day debit period.
  • Fix Errors Quickly: Cancel the entire process within a specific window and the payroll won’t run. Suitable for fixing issues that come up unexpectedly.
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  • Manageable: Tack contributions for insurance, retirements, time-off and bonuses to ensure smooth administration through a software wizard. 
  • Automated Compliance: Ensure timely tax payments, regulatory compliance and error-free calculations with automated compliance services. 
  • Time-Saving: Give employees access to personal information to save time and fast-track key payroll processes without third-party intervention. 
  • Real-Time Tracking: Calculate and track company benefits such as contributions towards paid leaves, retirement and insurance, and process payments using an in-built wizard.  
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  • Multiple Pay Options: Process multiple pay rates as well as bonuses. Pay for various types of workers, such as 1099 contractors or W-2 workers. Use physical paychecks, direct deposit and deposit checks into different bank accounts to pay employees.
  • Auto Payroll: Set up the system to run payroll automatically with unlimited runs. Run both same-day and next-day payroll.
  • Tax Filing: File and pay taxes automatically at both the state and federal levels. File taxes in all states, including a tax service unique to Pennsylvania. Get peace of mind with a no tax penalty guarantee where SurePayroll promises to resolve issues with the IRS and pay if they are at fault.
  • HR Services: Helps with HR benefits and tasks such as 401(K), workers’ compensation, health insurance, employment screenings and more through the Payroll Plus option.
  • Employee Self-Service: Let employees access pay stubs, W-2’s, 1099-MISC forms and more through the mobile app. Receive email notifications when documents are ready to view.
  • Employee Self-Service: Let employees access pay stubs, W-2’s, 1099-MISC forms and more through the mobile app. Receive email notifications when documents are ready to view.
  • Employee Profiles: Receive alerts about important dates, such as employee birthdays or anniversaries. Organize employee information to streamline reporting processes.
  • Integrations: Link various programs to expand functionality with apps for attendance, time, Intuit Quickbooks, Less Accounting and Xero.
  • Nanny Payments: Pay nannies as a small business and pay Social Security and Medicare. Follow a guide through the specific tax requirements for those employing domestic childcare workers.
  • Time Tracking: Allow employees to clock-in and clock-out through the platform. Track and approve these submissions.
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  • Time Management: Build employee schedules, track work hours, assign job functions, regulate shifts, create invoices, edit timesheets, oversee projects, change job codes and more on a fully-integrated system. 
  • Reporting: Review business finances and analyze employee performance using insightful reports based on company data. Review taxes, track loans, calculate payments, summarise earnings, understand costs and more. 
  • Benefits Management: Track vacations, sick leaves, paid time offs, medical insurance, retirement plans, cash advances and more for employees on a single platform. Use the pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation service to process total payments on payday automatically. 
  • Direct Deposits: Process payments into U.S. bank accounts or edit employees’ banking information before the paycheck date to save time and effort spent in making in-person bank visits. 
  • Integrations: Leverage powerful integrations to automatically complete key payroll processes without manual entries or technical work hassles. 
  • Compliance: Reduce the hassle of tax penalties with automated compliance services for changing government regulations and federal, state and local laws. Perform accurate calculations and file tax returns to avoid errors and missed deadlines. 
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Product Ranking

#15

among all
Payroll Software

#90

among all
Payroll Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 611 reviews
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88%
of users recommend this product

SurePayroll has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 611 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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5.0 (14)
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4.4 (376)
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4.3 (198)
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4.7 (23)
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Easy to Use: Over 80% of users who talked about usability found the system simple to adopt and navigate.
Excellent Functionality: Reviewers who discussed features were pleased in over 70% of comments.
Expedient Payroll Processing: Just under 70% of users who talked about the payroll functions felt they were quick and easy to use.
Printable Checks: Users liked the ability to print checks in just under 70% of reviews that discussed it.
Knowledgeable Customer Service: Over 60% of users who talked about the support felt they were knowledgeable, responsive and helpful.
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Accurate Calculations: Users praise QuickBooks Desktop Payroll for its precise tax calculations, ensuring compliance and reducing errors.
Direct Deposit: The direct deposit feature streamlines payroll processing, making it convenient for both employers and employees.
Reporting Capabilities: QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers comprehensive reporting options, providing valuable insights into payroll expenses and employee data.
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Implementation Issues: Over 80% of reviewers who talked about the setup process said they ran into issues.
Too Pricey for Some: While 56% of commenters said the price was appropriate for small businesses, a significant minority of 44% found it too expensive.
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Outdated Interface: Many users find the interface clunky and outdated compared to modern cloud-based payroll solutions.
Limited Mobile Functionality: Users seeking robust mobile access for tasks like approving time-off requests or running payroll on-the-go may find the mobile app lacking.
Technical Issues: Some users report encountering technical glitches and errors, leading to frustration and wasted time.
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SurePayroll is an online payment management system. Many reviewers were pleased with its performance. They said it was easy to use and learn and were happy with its features, especially the tax calculation and filing abilities. Commenters who required physical checks were delighted that it was easy to print and customize them. Most learners liked the helpful customer service and said that the payroll processing was quick and painless. Setup issues were a recurring complaint, with a couple of commenters saying they had problems with integrations. Last, reviewers were extremely mixed on the price. Some felt it was too pricey for small businesses; some thought it was right in their budget. SurePayroll may be a good option for small and medium-sized organizations.

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Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll truly a "quick" book to payroll mastery, or does it leave users feeling like they're stuck in a rut? User reviews from the last year suggest that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a powerful and reliable tool for managing payroll, but it may not be the best fit for every business. Users praise its ease of use, particularly for those already familiar with QuickBooks Desktop, and its affordability compared to other payroll software like Gusto or ADP. However, some users have reported that the software can be slow and clunky, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. A key differentiating factor for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is its tight integration with other Intuit products, such as QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. This integration allows for seamless data transfer and eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving businesses time and reducing errors. However, this integration can also be a drawback for businesses that don't use other Intuit products, as it can limit flexibility and make it difficult to switch to other software in the future. Overall, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that are already using QuickBooks Desktop for their accounting needs and are looking for a reliable and affordable payroll solution. Businesses with complex payroll needs or those looking for a more modern and user-friendly interface may want to consider other options.

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