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This page is for small business owners who want payroll and HR features in one platform, rather than managing separate tools for each. Many payroll tools include HR features or offer them as add-ons.

All evaluations are based on publicly available information. We do not perform hands-on product testing.

What HR features to look for alongside payroll

• Employee onboarding and digital offer letters
• PTO and time-off tracking
• Benefits administration — health insurance, 401k enrollment
• Employee self-service for documents and personal information
• Compliance tools — I-9 verification, state new hire reporting

Best options for payroll with HR

Gusto Plus or Premium includes onboarding, PTO tracking, benefits administration, and compliance tools at higher tiers. For most small businesses that want HR alongside payroll without switching to a full HR platform, Gusto is the most practical starting point.

Rippling offers the most comprehensive HR and payroll combination, including hiring, onboarding, device management, and global HR capabilities. It is the stronger fit for businesses that want a full people operations platform, but comes with higher cost and complexity.

When to use a separate HR tool

If your HR needs are primarily compliance-driven — onboarding documents, PTO tracking, basic records — a payroll tool with HR add-ons is usually sufficient. If you need active recruitment, applicant tracking, performance management, or advanced benefits administration, a dedicated HR platform alongside your payroll tool may be the better long-term approach.

See our HR software category hub for more guidance on standalone HR tools.

Last reviewed: May 2026. Pricing and features subject to change. Verify details with each provider before purchasing.