Compare/Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
Starting price
$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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026
All OnPay alternatives All Worksuite alternatives Every Payroll tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?