Best Accounting Software with Payroll 2026

Running payroll separately from accounting creates double work. These platforms integrate payroll directly so employee costs flow into your books automatically.

🏆 Top Pick

QuickBooks

$30 + $45/mo

Tightest payroll integration. QuickBooks Payroll feeds directly into QuickBooks accounting — no manual entries, no syncing issues. Full-service payroll with tax filing, direct deposit, and benefits.

Integrated payrollTax filingDirect deposit$45/mo add-onBenefits management
🥈 Runner Up

Xero

$15 + Gusto

Xero + Gusto is the premium payroll combo. Xero partners with Gusto for US payroll. The integration is seamless and Gusto is arguably the best payroll product available. Two subscriptions but the best of both worlds.

Gusto integrationPremium payroll$15/mo + GustoSeamless syncBest payroll UX
💡 Also Great

Wave

Free + $40/mo

Cheapest path to accounting + payroll. Free accounting plus $40/mo for payroll. Direct deposit, tax filing, and T4/W-2 generation. The most affordable way to handle both accounting and payroll.

Free accounting$40/mo payrollTax filingDirect depositW-2/T4
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