Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
$49/mo
US full-service payroll with optional HR, time tracking and benefits. Payroll Essentials is $49/mo base plus $6 per worker.
Where OnPay fits
Sales-quoted
Contractor management software for onboarding, payments and compliance. Pricing is quote-based.
Where Worksuite fits
| Detail | OnPay | Worksuite |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/mo | Sales-quoted |
| Free tier | –No | –No |
| MCP server | –No | –No |
| Public API | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| Listed under | Payroll | Onboarding, Payroll |
OnPay
Stands out: Published pricing with unlimited pay runs, multi-state filing and year-end forms in the $49 base plan.
Watch out: The $49 is a base fee: each paid worker adds $6/mo. HR ($15 base plus $2/worker) and time tracking ($15 base plus $4/worker) cost extra.
Not the right fit for
Worksuite
Stands out: Built for companies that pay many freelancers and contractors, with onboarding, payments and compliance in one platform.
Watch out: No published price. The Core plan is priced on a 30-minute call, and it covers contractors, not W-2 employee payroll.
Not the right fit for
OnPay
Worksuite
OnPay
$49/mo
Payroll Essentials is $49 a month base plus $6 per worker, billed monthly. Add-ons: HR $15 base plus $2 per worker, time tracking $15 base plus $4 per worker, compliance resources $10, live HR support $65. Bundles start at $70 base plus $10 per worker. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 19 Sep 2026
Worksuite
Sales-quoted
Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. The Core plan is priced on a 30-minute call covering features, budget and onboarding. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 19 Sep 2026
All OnPay alternatives All Worksuite alternatives Every Payroll tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?