What is a peo (professional employer organization)?

A firm that provides comprehensive HR services, including payroll, benefits, and compliance, by becoming a 'co-employer' of the client's employees. This allows small businesses to access enterprise-level benefits.

Who uses one?

Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR

What does it cost?

Pricing varies. The cheapest provider in our Top 11 starts around $46/mo. See the cheapest providers ranked.

How do I pick one?

Read the full methodology for our 9.4-point scoring framework, then look at the canonical The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026). If you want a slice of the ranking by price, fit, or compliance, jump to: cheapest · highest-rated · fastest onboarding.

Source: Top 11 The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026), verified May 31, 2026.