Homebase vs Payroll4Free
Homebase
joinhomebase.comPayroll4Free
payroll4free.comSide by side
| Figure | Homebase | Payroll4Free |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $13/mo | $35/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 15 | 3 |
| Spec score · Nonprofit Payroll Software | 9.2 (#2) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Founded | 2014 | 2012 |
| Integrations | The integrations directory lists 17 connections including Square, Toast, Clover, Shopify, ADP, Gusto, QuickBooks, Paychex, Lightspeed and payroll providers. | The free service includes outside software integrations and human-resource functions. |
| Security | Homebase says it uses encryption at rest and in transit, two-factor authentication, SSO, password-less login, and role-based access control. | Payroll4Free says it uses 2048-bit SSL encryption, stores encrypted client data in Amazon Cloud and requires a browser extension. |
| Support | Homebase provides phone, email, chat, FAQs, a knowledge base and documentation support channels. | The company says experienced payroll and tax professionals provide customer service and payroll advice. |
Plans
Homebase
- BasicFree
- Task Manager add-on$13 a month
- Tip Manager add-on$25 a month
- Background checks add-on$30, paid once
- Essentials$30 a month
- Essentials$30 a month
- Payroll add-on$49 a month
- Job post boosts add-on$50, paid once
- Plus$70 a month
- Hiring Assistant add-on$99 a month
Payroll4Free
- Free basic servicesFree
- Direct Deposit Services$35 a month
- Payroll Tax Services$35 a month
In their own words
Homebase
Homebase combines scheduling, time tracking, payroll, hiring, onboarding, HR, compliance, and team communication for hourly teams. It is aimed at small, shift-based businesses such as restaurants, retailers, beauty and wellness providers, medical businesses, and home services. Employees can clock in and out using mobile or tablet time clocks, with PIN, photo, and GPS or geofencing verification. Approved hours flow into payroll, where Homebase says it calculates wages, overtime, tips, and taxes and handles tax filings. The free Basic plan covers one location and up to 10 employees; paid plans are described as allowing unlimited employees per location. Essentials is $30 a month per location, and All-in-One is $120 a month per location. Homebase is available on Android, iOS, and the web, with a 14-day trial listed. Integrations include Square, Toast, Clover, Shopify, ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks. The company says it uses encryption, two-factor authentication, SSO, password-less login, and role-based access control.
Payroll4Free
Payroll4Free handles payroll for employees and 1099 contractors, calculates federal, state, and local taxes, and provides filled-out tax forms. Payments can be made by paper check, direct deposit, or a combination of the two. An optional Payroll Tax Service can deposit and file taxes for the customer, while an optional Direct Deposit Service uses Payroll4Free’s bank for employee transfers. The system tracks vacation, sick, and PTO time, with configurable accrual rules. Employees can access pay information online, reprint paystubs and W-2s, review accrued vacation, and change personal information. Reports cover earnings, taxes, benefits, accrued time, and payroll journals. The free service includes outside software integrations and human-resource functions, but applies to customers paying nine or fewer individuals no more than once monthly. Payroll4Free lists web and Windows access, as well as an extension; installing the downloadable application requires Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime. The company says it uses 2048-bit SSL encryption and stores encrypted client data in Amazon Cloud. Free basic services are advertising-supported; optional tax and direct-deposit services are listed at $35350.00 per month.