OnPay vs Central: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OnPay and Central comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: OnPay wins this matchup. Our overall Payroll pick is Rippling. Our free Payroll pick is efile4Biz. Pick Central if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OnPay
Simplify payroll, HR, and benefits management for businesses of all sizes.
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits in one platform
- • You want automates tax filings and payments, reducing compliance burden
Central
AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly reduces time spent on HR and payroll tasks through automation
- • You want comprehensive compliance management helps avoid fines and penalties
| At a Glance | OnPay | Central |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $49/moPartner | $50/moBase Plan |
Best For | Payroll | Payroll |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose OnPay or Central?
Choose OnPay if
Simplify payroll, HR, and benefits management for businesses of all sizes.
- You want comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits in one platform
- You want automates tax filings and payments, reducing compliance burden
Choose Central if
AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.
- You want significantly reduces time spent on HR and payroll tasks through automation
- You want comprehensive compliance management helps avoid fines and penalties
| Feature | OnPay | Central |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 883 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | PayrollHR & Recruiting | PayrollHRIS |
In-Depth Analysis
OnPay
Simplify payroll, HR, and benefits management for businesses of all sizes.
OnPay's Partner tier at $49/month + $6/worker seems fair for accounting firms looking to manage client payrolls, especially with the free firm payroll and 15% revenue share.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits in one platform
- +Automates tax filings and payments, reducing compliance burden
- +Supports various worker types (W-2, 1099, remote)
- +Offers expert assistance for benefits and switching providers
- +Highly rated by industry experts and users
Weaknesses
- -OnPay has no native time tracking, so hourly-heavy businesses must bolt on and pay for a third-party tool like When I Work or QuickBooks Time to capture hours.
- -Its integration catalog is far thinner than comparably priced rivals and it offers no public API, whereas Gusto connects to 250-plus apps, which limits automated syncing with your existing HR and accounting stack.
- -Reporting is limited to roughly seven pre-built reports with little customization and no deeper workforce analytics, so businesses needing custom cost or PTO reporting will find it shallow.
- -OnPay lacks a dedicated native mobile app for employers, and several reviewers cite setup, onboarding, and billing friction with support when resolving account-specific issues.
Key features
Central
AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.
Central's pricing, at $50/mo per person plus a $100 platform fee, is competitive for startups seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.
Watch out
No explicit mention of international payroll fees beyond contractors
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces time spent on HR and payroll tasks through automation.
- +Comprehensive compliance management helps avoid fines and penalties.
- +Integrated AI teammate in Slack provides instant access to HR functions and support.
- +White-glove migration and setup ensures a smooth transition.
- +Supports both US employees and international contractors.
Weaknesses
- -Only supports US-incorporated companies (LLCs, C-corps, S-corps).
- -Does not support certain Web3/crypto businesses involved in token issuance or crypto trading.
- -Does not handle international employees and their taxes directly, requiring EOR providers.
Key features
Pricing: OnPay vs Central
| Plan | OnPay | Central |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49/month + $6/worker Partner | $50/mo per person + $100 PLATFORM FEE/MO Base Plan |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Elite | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OnPay pricing and Central pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: OnPay
Want the highest-rated option?
OnPay is rated 4.7/5. Central has no ratings yet.
Go with: OnPay
Value user reviews?
OnPay: 883 reviews (4.7/5). Central: no ratings yet.
Go with: OnPay
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are payroll tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
OnPay is rated 4.7/5; Central has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
OnPay
- Our pick for this comparison
Central
- Choose if you want aI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups
The Bottom Line
OnPay wins this matchup. Our overall Payroll pick is Rippling. Our free Payroll pick is efile4Biz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OnPay or Central better?
OnPay is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are OnPay and Central used for?
OnPay: Simplify payroll, HR, and benefits management for businesses of all sizes.. Central: AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups..
What does OnPay cost vs Central?
OnPay is a paid tool. Central is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.