Security Payroll Services | Premier Payroll Solutions
Premier Payroll vs Zuma Payroll & Processing: Which Payroll Service is Best for Small Businesses?
Comparing Zuma Payroll vs Premier Payroll? Don’t make a decision without knowing the facts. This detailed comparison of Zuma Payroll & Processing alternatives shows how Premier Payroll stacks up in pricing, service, and support. While Zuma offers payroll, HR, and time tracking, many small businesses run into hidden fees and limited customization. Premier Payroll, on the other hand, delivers flat-fee pricing, personalized service, and industry-specific solutions for trucking, security, property management, and more. Use this unbiased breakdown to see why Premier Payroll is the smarter choice.
Reviews Breakdown
Premier Payroll Solutions (NY)
Zuma Payroll & Processing
5.0/5
A+ Rating
A+ Rating
4.8/5
4.3/5
NA
Overall Review
4.8/5
4.3/5
About
Tax Hardship Center
Washington Tax Services
About Us - Years in Business
10
19
Service Areas
Claims nationwide coverage
Long Island / Melville, NY
Services
Tax Hardship Center
StopIRSDebt.com
Industry focus / strengths
Security, trucking, property management, restaurants/hospitality.
Payroll/HCM + time & labor; contractor/union payroll; also credit card processing.
Support
24/7 Live Support
5/5
Mon & Tue & Thu 9–5, Wed 9–6, Fri 9–4
Pricing structure
Flexible Pricing based on needs
Quote-based (not published)
Time To Switch
Less than 24 Hours
NA
Compare Pros and Cons:
Premier Payroll vs Zuma Payroll & Processing
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).
TriNet
- Established provider (in business ~19 years)
- Offers payroll, HR, time & labor, and credit card processing
- BBB accredited with A+ rating
- Flexible service add-ons for HR and compliance
- Recognized regional presence in Long Island / NY
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
TriNet
- Quote-based pricing with limited transparency
- Add-on fees for HR, compliance, and extras can increase true cost
- Support limited to business hours (no 24/7 live help)
- Less focused on industry-specific payroll compared to Premier
- Online reviews note delays in service and responsiveness
- National coverage limited despite marketing claims
Premier Payroll Pros and Cons Summary
Premier Payroll is a leading payroll and HR services provider in New York with a reputation for transparent flat-fee pricing, 24/7 live support, and fast implementation. The company specializes in payroll solutions for small and mid-sized businesses across industries like security, trucking, property management, and restaurants, making it one of the best payroll alternatives to national providers. Premier Payroll is consistently rated 4.8+/5 on review platforms, with clients praising its customer-first approach, quick response times, and ability to switch payroll in under 24 hours. While it operates on a smaller scale compared to national competitors, its personalized service, predictable pricing, and industry-specific expertise give it a strong advantage for businesses seeking reliable and cost-effective payroll management.
Zuma Payroll & Processing Pros and Cons Summary
Zuma Payroll & Processing is a regional payroll provider based in Long Island, NY, offering services in payroll, HR, time and labor management, and credit card processing. The company has been in business for nearly two decades and holds an A+ BBB rating, reflecting its established credibility. Its customizable solutions appeal to businesses that want flexibility in adding HR and compliance tools. However, Zuma operates on a quote-based pricing model, which can make it difficult for small businesses to predict costs, and reviews often cite add-on fees and slower support response times as drawbacks. With limited support hours and less focus on industry-specific payroll services, Zuma may not be as strong a fit for specialized industries. While it provides solid payroll and HR features, many businesses find Premier Payroll a more transparent and customer-friendly alternative.
Should I Pick Zuma as My Payroll Provider?
Which Is Better Between Premier Payroll
and Zuma Payroll & Processing
Pricing
Premier Payroll is the clear winner when it comes to transparent and predictable payroll pricing. With a flat-fee structure and no surprise add-ons, Premier makes it easy for small and mid-sized businesses to budget accurately. Zuma Payroll & Processing, by contrast, uses a quote-based pricing model that often results in additional costs for HR, compliance, and timekeeping tools.
While both companies require a consultation to finalize costs, Premier Payroll’s straightforward pricing model saves businesses from unexpected charges. Zuma may work for companies that want to bundle multiple services, but for those prioritizing cost control and clarity, Premier is the stronger choice.
Service & Implementation
When it comes to setup and daily payroll accuracy, Premier Payroll consistently outperforms Zuma. Clients highlight Premier’s ability to switch payroll in under 24 hours, with smooth onboarding and direct support from real specialists. Zuma Payroll, while offering core payroll and HR functions, has been noted for slower service response times and less flexibility in tailoring solutions for specialized industries.
Premier Payroll also focuses on industry-specific needs, security, trucking, restaurants, and property management—while Zuma offers a more generalized payroll and HR approach. For businesses that want personalized service and quick implementation, Premier provides a sharper edge.
Overall Interaction and Experience
Both providers receive positive reviews, but the client experience differs greatly. Premier Payroll is known for hands-on service, 24/7 live support, and direct communication with payroll specialists. You won’t be stuck waiting on ticket systems or generic call centers. Zuma, while BBB accredited and reputable, operates on standard business-hour support. Many reviews mention frustrations with delays in getting issues resolved and add-on costs creeping into long-term contracts.
If you value fast responses, personal attention, and consistent reliability, Premier Payroll is the better choice. Zuma is an option if you want a bundled payroll + credit card processing setup, but it lacks the dedicated payroll-first approach that Premier delivers.
Conclusion
Choosing between Zuma Payroll & Processing and Premier Payroll depends on your business priorities.
- If you want transparent flat-fee pricing, rapid implementation, and personalized service designed for your industry, Premier Payroll is the better choice. Their focus on security firms, trucking companies, property managers, and restaurants makes them a perfect fit for small to mid-sized businesses that need payroll done right the first time.
- If you prefer a regional provider that bundles payroll with credit card processing and additional HR add-ons, Zuma Payroll may be suitable, but businesses should be aware of potential hidden fees and slower support.
Overall, Premier Payroll stands out as the stronger choice for most small and mid-sized businesses that value clarity, speed, and direct customer service.
Zuma Payroll & Processing
The Average Cost of Zuma Payroll & Processing Payroll Services
Zuma Payroll & Processing operates on a quote-based payroll pricing model, meaning businesses must schedule a consultation to receive a custom estimate. Unlike Premier Payroll, which offers flat-fee payroll pricing with no hidden costs, Zuma’s model can make it difficult for small and mid-sized businesses to accurately predict their monthly payroll expenses.
Many clients report that add-on charges for HR services, compliance tools, benefits administration, and timekeeping software can increase the true cost of Zuma Payroll & Processing over time. This lack of transparent payroll pricing is a common frustration for business owners who want consistent, predictable budgets.
While Zuma Payroll markets itself as a comprehensive provider of payroll, HR, and credit card processing, its pricing structure can make it more expensive than regional competitors like Premier Payroll Solutions, especially for firms in industries such as security, trucking, property management, and hospitality.
Zuma Payroll & Processing Reviews
Zuma Payroll & Processing reviews show a mix of positive and negative feedback. On Trustpilot, Zuma holds an average rating of 4.3/5, with satisfied customers praising its payroll accuracy and bundled HR tools. However, less favorable reviews cite issues with slow response times, limited support hours, and unexpected fees for add-ons.
In contrast, Premier Payroll consistently receives higher ratings across platforms, with clients highlighting its personalized support, clear communication, faster onboarding, and budget-friendly pricing. For small and mid-sized businesses, Zuma Payroll can feel more corporate and less responsive, while Premier Payroll is recognized for hands-on service and industry-specific payroll solutions.
Reviews Breakdown
Reviews Breakdown
NA
A+
4.3/5 (36 reviews)
NA
Overall Review
4.3/5
Zuma Payroll & Processing Better Business Bureau
Zuma Payroll & Processing is BBB accredited with an A+ rating, showing credibility as an established provider. However, accreditation alone doesn’t guarantee customer satisfaction. Reviews still point to challenges with billing transparency and support delays.
By comparison, Premier Payroll’s A+ BBB rating reflects not only accreditation but also its long-standing commitment to resolving customer concerns quickly and operating with transparency. This difference underscores Premier’s advantage in trustworthiness, responsiveness, and client-first service.
Zuma Payroll Alternatives
If you’re searching for Zuma Payroll alternatives that are more affordable, transparent, and small-business friendly, Premier Payroll is a leading choice. Unlike Zuma’s quote-based structure, Premier Payroll provides flat-fee, all-inclusive payroll services with no hidden costs. Businesses also benefit from:
- Faster onboarding, often in under 24 hours
- 24/7 live customer support, no voicemail systems
- Personalized service tailored to industries like trucking, security, restaurants, hospitality, and property management
While Zuma Payroll & Processing may be best for larger organizations that want bundled payroll, HR, and payment processing, Premier Payroll is the stronger payroll provider for small and mid-sized businesses. Companies that want predictable costs, hands-on support, and faster payroll processing consistently choose Premier Payroll as the best Zuma Payroll alternative.
FAQs
Zuma Payroll uses a quote-based pricing model with potential add-on fees, while Premier Payroll offers flat-fee payroll pricing with no hidden costs, making it easier to budget.
Yes. Premier Payroll’s transparent flat-fee pricing is typically more affordable for small and mid-sized businesses than Zuma Payroll’s variable, quote-based pricing.
Many reviews report that Zuma Payroll charges additional fees for HR, compliance, and timekeeping tools, unlike Premier Payroll which includes services in a flat monthly fee.
The biggest differences are pricing transparency, service responsiveness, and industry specialization. Premier Payroll offers flat fees and 24/7 live support, while Zuma relies on quotes and standard business-hour support.
Yes. Premier Payroll is one of the best Zuma Payroll alternatives, with predictable costs, faster onboarding, and dedicated service for industries like trucking, security, and property management.
Zuma Payroll reviews highlight solid payroll features but also note issues like support delays, limited service hours, and unexpected add-on charges.
Zuma Payroll & Processing is accredited with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. Premier Payroll also holds an A+ rating and is praised for faster complaint resolution.
Premier Payroll can transition businesses in under 24 hours, much faster than most competitors including Zuma Payroll.
Zuma Payroll is best suited for businesses looking to bundle payroll with HR and credit card processing, but less ideal for those wanting transparent pricing.
Premier Payroll is the best payroll provider for small and mid-sized businesses that value flat-fee pricing, hands-on support, and industry-specific expertise.
Many small businesses report hidden or unexpected add-on fees with Zuma Payroll, especially for HR and compliance tools. Premier Payroll has no hidden costs.
Yes. Premier Payroll serves clients across the U.S., offering localized expertise while maintaining national reach.
Premier Payroll specializes in payroll for security firms, trucking companies, restaurants, hospitality, and property management. Zuma Payroll provides more generalized payroll and HR services.
Premier Payroll provides 24/7 live support with no voicemail policy, while Zuma Payroll operates on business-hour support, limiting availability.
Yes. Reviews consistently show Premier Payroll as more reliable for fast responses, accurate payroll, and long-term client satisfaction compared to Zuma.
Absolutely. Premier Payroll offers full-service payroll, HR compliance, tax filing, and support, making it a complete alternative to Zuma Payroll & Processing.