Security Payroll Services | Premier Payroll Solutions
Cheaper Alternatives to Complete Payroll - Premier Payroll
Searching for Complete Payroll alternatives? This in-depth comparison of Complete Payroll vs Premier Payroll breaks down pricing, features, customer service, compliance, and industry specialization. While Complete Payroll is a popular payroll and HR provider in New York, many small and mid-sized businesses switch to Premier Payroll for transparent payroll pricing, local customer support, faster setup, and dedicated payroll solutions for trucking, security, hospitality, and property management. If you’re comparing Complete Payroll with other payroll companies, this guide highlights why Premier Payroll is the best alternative to Complete Payroll in 2025.
Reviews Breakdown
Premier Payroll Solutions (NY)
Complete Payroll (Perry, NY)
5/5
NA
A+ Rating
A+ Rating
4.8/5
Overall Review
4.7/5
About
Tax Hardship Center
Washington Tax Services
About Us - Years in Business
10
41
Service Areas
Claims nationwide coverage
Across 49 states
Services
Tax Hardship Center
StopIRSDebt.com
Industry focus / strengths
Serves even single-employee firms
Broad SMB
Support
24/7 Live Support
5/5
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
3.5/5
Pricing structure
Flexible Pricing based on needs
Not Disclosed
Time To Switch
Less than 24 Hours
Not Available
Compare Pros and Cons:
Premier Payroll vs Complete Payroll
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).
Complete Payroll
- Established provider with 40+ years in business
- Offers payroll, HR, and compliance solutions nationwide
- Provides robust reporting tools and integrations
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
Complete Payroll
- Support limited to business hours (no 24/7 availability)
- Pricing not transparent; requires quotes and may include add-on fees
- Onboarding and service response times can vary depending on case load
- Less personalized; larger team means clients may not have a dedicated rep
- Customer reviews are mixed across platforms, with some citing communication delays
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 Complete Payroll As My Payroll Provider? Which Is Better Between Premier Payroll and Complete Payroll
Pricing
Premier Payroll offers a more transparent and budget-friendly approach compared to Complete Payroll. With flat-fee pricing and no hidden add-ons, Premier makes it easy for small and mid-sized businesses to know exactly what they’re paying each month. Complete Payroll, while experienced, uses a quote-based model that varies by service bundle and may include extra costs for HR, benefits, or compliance add-ons.
While both providers require a consultation to finalize pricing, Premier Payroll’s straightforward cost structure and value-driven model make it the better choice for businesses that want predictable payroll costs. Complete Payroll is better suited for organizations that don’t mind going through a more traditional, less transparent pricing process.
Service & Implementation
When it comes to speed and support, Premier Payroll has the edge. Clients often note Premier’s ability to set up accounts quickly — in some cases within 24 hours — and to process payroll with accuracy and minimal hassle. Complete Payroll, with its broader national reach, offers robust payroll and HR services but tends to have a longer onboarding timeline and more standardized processes that may not feel as flexible for smaller businesses.
Premier Payroll emphasizes personalized, industry-specific service, with strengths in trucking, security, hospitality, and property management. Complete Payroll delivers a more generalized one-size-fits-all model, covering industries as diverse as farms, municipalities, and nonprofits.
Overall Interaction and Experience
The customer experience is where the two providers differ most. Premier Payroll is known for personalized service, direct communication, and local representatives who understand New York businesses. Clients often get quick answers without waiting in queues. Complete Payroll offers customer support during regular business hours, but lacks 24/7 availability and has received mixed reviews about communication and responsiveness.
If you value fast, one-on-one support with real people who know your business, Premier Payroll is the stronger choice. Complete Payroll is better if you want a more traditional provider with a longer history and a broader national footprint, though it may come at the cost of slower service.
Conclusion
Choosing between Premier Payroll and Complete Payroll depends on what matters most to your business.
If you want transparent pricing, faster onboarding, and personalized industry-specific support, Premier Payroll is the better option. Its focus on security, trucking, hospitality, and property management makes it ideal for businesses that want payroll done right the first time.
If you need a long-established provider with broad national experience, Complete Payroll can be a fit, though you may face less transparent costs and longer response times.
Overall, Premier Payroll is the better choice for most small and mid-sized businesses in New York that want payroll services delivered quickly, affordably, and with a personal touch.
Complete Payroll
What Is The Cost of Complete Payroll Services
Complete Payroll operates on a quote-based pricing model rather than transparent flat fees. Businesses must contact the company for a consultation to receive pricing, as Complete Payroll does not publish standard payroll pricing online. While this allows flexibility, many small businesses find the lack of transparent payroll pricing frustrating when trying to budget accurately. Reported client experiences suggest that additional fees may apply for HR support, time tracking, compliance services, and benefits administration.
By comparison, Premier Payroll offers flat-fee payroll services with no hidden costs, making it easier for small and mid-sized businesses to predict monthly expenses. For companies seeking affordable payroll services in New York with simple and straightforward pricing, Premier Payroll is often viewed as a stronger alternative to Complete Payroll.
Complete Payroll Reviews
Complete Payroll reviews are generally mixed, with some customers praising the company’s 40+ years of payroll experience and broad service offerings, while others mention issues related to customer service responsiveness, slower onboarding times, and communication delays. The company serves clients across 49 states, giving it a broad footprint, but this larger scale can sometimes come at the expense of individualized support.
On platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Complete Payroll maintains an A+ rating, though it is not formally accredited. While this rating signals a legitimate and established provider, online reviews highlight a gap between Complete Payroll’s advertised payroll services and the day-to-day customer experience.
By contrast, Premier Payroll reviews consistently highlight personalized service, faster response times, and transparent pricing, making Premier Payroll one of the most recommended Complete Payroll alternatives for small and mid-sized businesses.
Reviews Breakdown
Reviews Breakdown
NA
A+ Accredited
NA
NA
Overall Review
3.5/5
Complete Payroll Better Business Bureau
Complete Payroll holds an A+ rating with the BBB, demonstrating its credibility and history in the payroll industry. However, unlike some competitors, the company is not BBB accredited, which may matter for businesses that place a premium on third-party validation. Complaints listed with the BBB typically mention billing concerns, communication delays, and service follow-through, which can be frustrating for small businesses that require quick resolutions.
Premier Payroll, in comparison, has a reputation for faster support, clearer communication, and a hands-on approach, giving it an advantage for businesses that want payroll providers who resolve issues promptly.
Complete Payroll Alternatives
If you are searching for Complete Payroll alternatives, Premier Payroll is one of the best payroll providers for small businesses in New York. Unlike Complete Payroll’s quote-based pricing, Premier Payroll offers transparent flat-fee payroll services, responsive support, and industry-specific expertise in trucking, security, hospitality, and property management.
While Complete Payroll is a solid choice for larger organizations that want a traditional, nationwide payroll company with decades of experience, Premier Payroll is the better option for small and mid-sized businesses seeking reliable payroll services, affordable pricing, and personalized customer care.
FAQs
Yes, Complete Payroll works with small businesses, but many find its pricing less transparent than alternatives like Premier Payroll.
Premier Payroll is one of the best Complete Payroll alternatives thanks to flat-fee pricing, faster onboarding, and personalized support.
Complete Payroll uses a quote-based model with potential add-on fees, while Premier Payroll offers transparent flat-fee pricing that’s easier to budget.
Most switch for transparent pricing, faster support, and personalized service that larger payroll companies don’t provide.
Many users report extra costs for HR tools, compliance, or benefits. Premier Payroll avoids hidden fees with all-inclusive pricing.
Yes. Premier Payroll’s flat-fee pricing often ends up more affordable than Complete Payroll’s tiered and add-on structure.
Premier Payroll is trusted by trucking, security, hospitality, and property management companies needing specialized payroll support.
Premier Payroll can onboard new clients in as little as 24 hours, faster than Complete Payroll’s standard setup.
Yes, Complete Payroll serves businesses across 49 states, though customer support is limited to weekday business hours.
Premier Payroll is known for fast, personalized responses, while Complete Payroll support is limited to business hours with mixed reviews.
Reviews are mixed. Some praise their services, while others mention communication delays and slower support.
Premier Payroll reviews consistently highlight responsiveness, clear communication, and simple pricing as key advantages.
Yes. Premier Payroll is based in New York and specializes in local business support, making it a strong alternative.
Yes, Complete Payroll holds an A+ rating, though it is not BBB accredited.
Complete Payroll requires quotes and may have add-ons, while Premier Payroll offers upfront flat-fee pricing.
Businesses that prefer a large, long-established payroll company with national coverage may lean toward Complete Payroll.
Small and mid-sized businesses that want affordable payroll services, fast setup, and direct local support benefit most from Premier Payroll.
No. Complete Payroll support is available during weekday hours. Premier Payroll emphasizes round-the-clock responsiveness.
Premier Payroll’s combination of transparent pricing, industry-specific expertise, and fast support makes it the top alternative.
Premier Payroll is better for trucking companies thanks to industry-focused compliance and tailored payroll solutions.