Compare/Head to head

QuickBooks Payroll vs SurePayroll

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Starting price

QuickBooks Payroll

$88/mo + $6.50/employee Free trial

US payroll inside QuickBooks. Workforce Payroll plus Simple Start is $88/mo plus $6.50 per employee.

Where QuickBooks Payroll fits

  • US SMBs already on QuickBooks Online
  • Owners who want ADP-style tax filing without leaving Intuit
  • Teams adding 401(k) and health benefits later
  • Companies that will pay $6.50 per employee on top of $88

SurePayroll

$29/mo + $7/worker

Full-service small-business payroll. Small Business is $29/mo plus $7 per worker.

Where SurePayroll fits

  • US small employers that want full-service taxes
  • Single-state teams starting at $29 plus $7 per worker
  • Households paying a nanny on the $39 plan
  • Owners who will add $9.99 for a second state

At a glance

DetailQuickBooks PayrollSurePayroll
Starting price$88/mo + $6.50/employee$29/mo + $7/worker
Free tier–No–No
Free trialYesNot on record
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underPayrollPayroll

Where they pull apart

QuickBooks Payroll

Stands out: Full-service tax filing next to the books you already keep in QuickBooks, with optional Payroll AI prep.

Watch out: The $88 figure is the regular bundle, not the 50 percent intro. Per-employee fees stack on top. Background checks via Checkr start at $29.99 per report.

Not the right fit for

  • Employers outside the US
  • Teams that skip Intuit as the system of record

SurePayroll

Stands out: A $29 base with tax filing in the product, plus a $9.99/mo add-on for extra states.

Watch out: Free months are a promo, not a numbered trial. Multi-state payroll is $9.99/mo extra. Nanny plan is $39/mo.

Not the right fit for

  • Companies that need a global EOR
  • Teams that want a 14-day labeled trial

Pros and cons

QuickBooks Payroll

  • $88/mo plus $6.50 per employee
  • Full-service US tax filing
  • Lives next to QuickBooks books
  • Intro 50% off is temporary
  • Per-employee fees on every plan
  • US-only payroll

SurePayroll

  • $29/mo plus $7 per worker
  • Full-service tax filing
  • Extra state only $9.99/mo
  • Promo months are not a numbered trial
  • US small business only
  • Per-worker fees on every run

What each one costs

QuickBooks Payroll

$88/mo + $6.50/employee

Workforce Payroll + Simple Start is $88/mo + $6.50/employee (intro 50% off for 3 months is $44). Essentials bundle $125 + $6.50. Premium $203 + $10/employee. The starting price is the regular rate, not the intro. Try-free is offered without a printed day count. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

SurePayroll

$29/mo + $7/worker

Small Business is $29/mo + $7/worker, first state included. Multi-state add-on $9.99/mo. Nanny and Household is $39/mo including one employee. Promo free months are not a numbered trial. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

Common questions

Is QuickBooks Payroll cheaper than SurePayroll?
SurePayroll starts lower, at $29/mo + $7/worker against $88/mo + $6.50/employee for QuickBooks Payroll. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try QuickBooks Payroll or SurePayroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. QuickBooks Payroll offers a free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All QuickBooks Payroll alternatives All SurePayroll alternatives Every Payroll tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?