Security Payroll Services | Premier Payroll Solutions
What Are Some Paychex Alternatives
Looking for Paychex alternatives for payroll? Paychex offers nationwide payroll and HR services, but Premier Payroll delivers a stronger option for small and mid-sized businesses. With transparent payroll pricing, faster payroll setup, 24/7 live payroll support, and industry-focused solutions for security firms, trucking companies, and property management, Premier Payroll is one of the best alternatives to Paychex.
Reviews Breakdown
Reviews Breakdown
Reviews Breakdown
5/5
NA
A+ Rating
A+ Rating
4.8/5
1.15/5
1.7/5
Reviews Breakdown
4.7/5
2.3
About
Tax Hardship Center
Washington Tax Services
Years in Business
10
54
Service Areas
Claims nationwide coverage
National provider (U.S. + Europe).
Services
Tax Hardship Center
StopIRSDebt.com
Industry focus / strengths
Serves even single-employee firms
Broad SMB–mid-market HR/payroll/PEO footprint.
Support
24/7 Live Support
5/5
24/7 support advertised
2/5
Pricing structure
Flexible Pricing based on needs
Tiered Paychex Flex plans;
quote-based
Time To Switch
Less than 24 Hours
Can be completed in “under 48 hours” (depends on data readiness).
Pros
Premier Payroll Solutions
- Personalized, hands-on service. Clients report “prompt, friendly, informative” support and that “they always pick up… upfront, honest team.”
- Fast, accurate, and professional
- Recognized for excellent communication. Testimonials praise “accurate, timely communication” and willingness to “go the extra mile.”
- Rapid onboarding and responsive support, clients highlight smooth setup and fast turnaround (e.g., payroll by Tuesday or even same day).
Paychex
- Long-standing national provider (founded 1971, ~54 years in business) and extensive reach, serves ~800k clients across the US and Europe
- Comprehensive payroll/HR capabilities including payroll, benefits, compliance, 401(k), HR advisory, and mobile access.
- Scalable and flexible with cloud-based Paychex Flex and PEO offerings, plus multi-state compliance support
- Offers PEO services with clear pricing, no long-term contracts, built-in LMS for employee training
Cons
Premier Payroll Solutions
- Smaller regional presence (Long Island-based), less brand recognition outside Northeast.
- Limited public pricing. Transparent quotes not readily available online.
- Requires a $295 upfront investigation fee
Paychex
- Customer support issues - Users note slow responses, support routing delays.
- Pricing not transparent; requires sales calls or custom quotes even for basic plans.
- Complexity may overwhelm small businesses; UI may feel dated and features may be excessive.
- Fragmented sales structure, multiple teams may lead to confusing service overlap.
Premier Payroll Pros and Cons Summary
Premier Payroll Solutions specializes in providing personalized payroll services for small and mid-sized businesses, with particular strength in industries like security, trucking, hospitality, and property management. Clients consistently highlight their fast payroll processing, accurate reporting, and hands-on customer service, supported by a team that is responsive and easy to reach. Premier’s flat-fee pricing model and commitment to clear communication make it a trusted choice for business owners who want transparent payroll without hidden costs.
As a smaller, regional provider, Premier Payroll does not have the same brand recognition or extensive national infrastructure as large competitors like Paychex. Still, for businesses seeking reliable, affordable, and highly personalized payroll solutions, Premier Payroll stands out as a better fit than many big-box providers.
Paychex Pros and Cons Summary
Paychex is one of the largest payroll and HR providers in the United States, serving more than 800,000 clients nation. With its Paychex Flex platform and optional PEO services, Paychex is a scalable solution for companies looking for enterprise-level functionality. Its A+ BBB rating and decades of industry experience add to its credibility.
However, Paychex is frequently criticized for opaque pricing, additional fees, and slow customer support response times. Online reviews note that the platform can feel complex, dated, and overwhelming for small businesses that don’t need every feature. Pricing starts at a higher baseline than many competitors, with quotes required for most service levels, leaving business owners with less upfront clarity.
Should I Pick Paychex As My Payroll Provider? Which Is Better Between Premier Payroll and Paychex
Pricing
Premier Payroll Solutions specializes in providing personalized payroll services for small and mid-sized businesses, with particular strength in industries like security, trucking, hospitality, and property management. Clients consistently highlight their fast payroll processing, accurate reporting, and hands-on customer service, supported by a team that is responsive and easy to reach. Premier’s flat-fee pricing model and commitment to clear communication make it a trusted choice for business owners who want transparent payroll without hidden costs.
As a smaller, regional provider, Premier Payroll does not have the same brand recognition or extensive national infrastructure as large competitors like Paychex. Still, for businesses seeking reliable, affordable, and highly personalized payroll solutions, Premier Payroll stands out as a better fit than many big-box providers.
Service & Implementation
When it comes to implementation, Premier Payroll has the edge in speed and hands-on support. Clients frequently praise their ability to handle payroll accurately, on time, and with smooth onboarding, sometimes processing payroll as quickly as the same day. Paychex, while powerful, has a reputation for longer setup times and more complex onboarding, especially when integrating multiple HR modules.
Both companies offer nationwide coverage, but their approaches differ. Premier Payroll emphasizes personalized, industry-specific solutions (security, trucking, hospitality, and property management), while Paychex offers a one-size-fits-all model built for scalability. For small to mid-sized businesses, Premier’s focused, responsive approach is often a better fit.
Overall Interaction and Experience
Both companies receive solid reviews, but the client experience is very different. Premier Payroll is known for personalized service, direct communication, and fast responses. You’ll get to speak to a real person without ticket delays. Paychex, on the other hand, provides 24/7 support, but many reviews cite slow response times, confusing handoffs, and an impersonal feel due to their size.
If you value one-on-one support and responsiveness, Premier Payroll stands out. Paychex is better if you want a larger corporate provider with advanced HR add-ons, but at the cost of losing the personal touch.
Conclusion
Choosing between Paychex and Premier Payroll depends on your priorities.
If you want transparent pricing, faster onboarding, and personalized support, Premier Payroll is the better choice. Their focus on industries like security, trucking, and property management makes them ideal for businesses that need payroll done quickly, affordably, and without hassle.
If you need a large, enterprise-level solution with bundled HR, benefits, and PEO services, Paychex is the stronger fit, though it comes with higher costs and a more complex structure.
Overall, Premier Payroll is the better choice for most small and mid-sized businesses that want payroll done right without the red tape, while Paychex is best for larger organizations with more complex HR demands.
Paychex
The Average Cost of Paychex Payroll Services
Paychex operates on a tiered, quote-based pricing model rather than flat fees. Costs vary depending on the package selected through Paychex Flex, with reported plans starting at around $39 per month plus $5 per employee for basic payroll. However, many businesses report that hidden fees and add-on charges for services like HR support, benefits administration, compliance tools, and retirement plan management make the true Paychex cost much higher than advertised.
Unlike smaller providers such as Premier Payroll, Paychex requires prospective clients to schedule a consultation to receive exact pricing. This lack of transparent payroll pricing is a common frustration for small businesses that want to budget accurately. While Paychex is positioned as an enterprise-level payroll solution, its pricing structure often makes it more expensive than regional competitors who offer flat-fee, all-inclusive payroll services.
Paychex Reviews
Paychex operates on a tiered, quote-based pricing model rather than flat fees. Costs vary depending on the package selected through Paychex Flex, with reported plans starting at around $39 per month plus $5 per employee for basic payroll. However, many businesses report that hidden fees and add-on charges for services like HR support, benefits administration, compliance tools, and retirement plan management make the true Paychex cost much higher than advertised.
Unlike smaller providers such as Premier Payroll, Paychex requires prospective clients to schedule a consultation to receive exact pricing. This lack of transparent payroll pricing is a common frustration for small businesses that want to budget accurately. While Paychex is positioned as an enterprise-level payroll solution, its pricing structure often makes it more expensive than regional competitors who offer flat-fee, all-inclusive payroll services.
Reviews Breakdown
Reviews Breakdown
NA
A+ Accredited since 2010
1.1/5 (532 reviews)
~1.7/5
Reviews Breakdown
2.3/5
Paychex Better Business Bureau
Paychex maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it has been accredited since 2010. This reflects a longstanding track record of resolving customer complaints and operating as a legitimate, large-scale payroll provider. However, customer experiences vary significantly, with some praising Paychex for its extensive features while others criticize slow responses, complex billing structures, and lack of transparency. Unlike some smaller payroll companies, Paychex does not provide a money-back guarantee, leaving businesses with fewer assurances if they are unhappy with the service.
Paychex Payroll Alternatives
If you are looking for Paychex alternatives that are more affordable, transparent, and customer-friendly, Premier Payroll is a strong competitor. Unlike Paychex, Premier Payroll offers clear flat-fee pricing, responsive 24/7 support, and faster onboarding for industries like security, trucking, and property management. This makes Premier Payroll a better fit for companies that want straightforward payroll services without hidden costs or corporate red tape.
While Paychex is ideal for larger businesses that need a comprehensive HR and payroll platform, Premier Payroll is the better choice for small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, cost-effective, and personalized payroll support.
FAQs
Paychex typically starts at $39 per month plus $5 per employee, but extra fees for add-ons make it more expensive over time. Premier Payroll uses a flat-fee pricing model, which is often more affordable and predictable for small to mid-sized businesses.
Paychex is built for scalability, but many small businesses find it too complex and costly. Premier Payroll is designed for small to mid-sized companies and offers more personalized support at a lower cost.
Yes. Paychex is better suited for larger businesses with complex HR needs, while Premier Payroll is a better fit for small to mid-sized companies that want fast, reliable, and affordable payroll services.
Premier Payroll provides transparent flat-fee pricing, while Paychex requires a quote-based consultation and often has hidden add-on fees.
Paychex reviews are mixed, with complaints about support and billing, while Premier Payroll reviews highlight excellent communication, responsiveness, and fast payroll processing.
Paychex can serve businesses with one employee, but many of its features are overbuilt for very small companies. Premier Payroll is better optimized for small teams that want hands-on support.
Premier Payroll is often praised for same-day or next-day payroll processing, while Paychex can have longer onboarding and processing times due to its size and complexity.
Many users report extra fees for add-ons like HR support or compliance tools. Premier Payroll offers straightforward, all-inclusive payroll services with no surprise charges.
Yes. Premier Payroll specializes in industries like security, trucking, property management, and hospitality, offering tailored payroll solutions. Paychex is more general and less industry-focused.
Premier Payroll offers direct, responsive support with live human interaction. Paychex provides 24/7 support, but reviews often cite delayed responses and impersonal service.
Paychex holds an A+ BBB rating but has mixed customer feedback. Premier Payroll’s reputation is built on consistent client satisfaction and referrals, particularly in specialized industries.
Yes. Both providers operate nationwide, but Premier Payroll focuses on personalized service, while Paychex emphasizes its large-scale infrastructure.
Premier Payroll is known for smooth, rapid onboarding, often within days. Paychex setup can take weeks, depending on integrations.
Yes. Premier Payroll is one of the best Paychex alternatives for small businesses because it combines affordability, personalized service, and transparent pricing.
Premier Payroll delivers better long-term value for small and mid-sized businesses by avoiding hidden fees and providing consistent support. Paychex may suit larger companies with broader HR needs, but at a higher cost.
Premier Payroll excels in security firms, trucking companies, property management, and hospitality businesses, offering tailored solutions. Paychex is more general-purpose and not as specialized.
No. Paychex does not advertise a refund or money-back guarantee. Premier Payroll builds trust through transparent pricing and strong client relationships.
Premier Payroll offers seamless migration with dedicated onboarding support, making it easier to switch compared to Paychex, which may require more setup time and fees.
The biggest difference is that Premier Payroll focuses on personalized service, faster turnaround, and transparent pricing, while Paychex is a large corporate provider with a more complex, costlier structure.
Because Premier Payroll is affordable, transparent, responsive, and tailored for small business needs, while Paychex can be overpriced, complex, and less personal.