Managing payroll can be time-consuming, especially for small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors. Fortunately, free paystub makers simplify the process and save both time and money. These tools generate professional paystubs in minutes, ensuring you stay compliant with labor laws and maintain proper financial records.
Below are 10 free paystub makers that stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and efficiency. We begin the list with StubCreator, one of the most trusted platforms available today.
1. StubCreator – Fast, Free & User-Friendly
StubCreator leads the pack with its intuitive design and commitment to accuracy. It allows users to create free paystubs quickly and without hidden fees. The platform is ideal for employees, contractors, and small businesses.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Real-time preview and instant download
- Auto-calculates taxes and deductions
- Free for first-time users
- Compliant with state and federal laws
StubCreator also offers customization options so your paystub can include your logo, employee details, and other essential information. If you’re looking for reliability and speed, StubCreator is the best starting point.
2. PayStubHero
PayStubHero is another solid choice for generating accurate and professional paystubs on a budget. While they offer premium features, the free version covers most small business needs.
Key Features:
- Multiple templates
- Direct email delivery
- Accurate tax calculations
- Free downloads available
Its dashboard is user-friendly, making it a popular choice for freelancers and consultants who want quick, professional paystub results.
3. 123PayStubs
123PayStubs is popular among gig workers and small businesses due to its fast processing and versatile templates. Though it offers paid plans, new users can generate their first stub for free.
Key Features:
- One free stub per new user
- Federal and state tax compliance
- Support for hourly, salary, or self-employment income
- Cloud-based record keeping
It’s a great tool for those needing occasional stubs without committing to a monthly subscription.
4. PayStubsNow
PayStubsNow delivers instant, accurate paystub generation and also includes other document tools such as W-2s and 1099s. It’s designed to support both employers and self-employed individuals.
Key Features:
- Free templates with custom fields
- Quick tax calculation
- PDF download in seconds
- Secure and private processing
Its secure system ensures sensitive financial data stays protected while offering a seamless stub creation process.
5. FormPros
FormPros offers a versatile platform for creating many business forms, including free paystubs. It caters to both employees and employers looking for compliance and customization.
Key Features:
- Free trial version available
- Smart data entry system
- Multiple payment and deduction fields
- Supports all U.S. states
FormPros stands out for its attention to detail, making it ideal for those with complex payroll situations.
6. Zintego Paystub Generator
Zintego is an all-in-one invoicing and document solution that includes a free paystub maker as part of its platform. While it’s primarily focused on freelancers and independent contractors, businesses can benefit too.
Key Features:
- Free stub creation with optional paid upgrades
- Professional design templates
- Easy PDF export
- Secure storage for documents
Zintego is perfect for those who want more than just paystubs—like invoices and tax forms—all from one place.
7. Real Check Stubs
Real Check Stubs offers a straightforward solution for generating accurate and visually appealing paystubs. While they promote premium services, they provide a free option for first-time users.
Key Features:
- Live preview feature
- Accurate tax and deduction fields
- Direct download without email signup
- Easy editing and customization
Ideal for quick one-time use or individuals exploring stub creation tools.
8. CheckStubMaker
CheckStubMaker provides a reliable way to generate stubs tailored to your location and pay frequency. While it does charge for some downloads, it offers free previews and a pay-as-you-go model.
Key Features:
- Simple 3-step process
- Location-specific tax adjustments
- Option for free preview before purchase
- Secure and private data handling
It’s great for businesses wanting a pay-as-you-go stub service without a subscription.
9. CreatePayStubs.com
This site provides a sleek platform for building stubs with a minimal learning curve. While the service is free for the first stub, it offers bulk discounts for businesses needing multiple documents.
Key Features:
- Free initial stub
- Customizable for salaried and hourly workers
- Option to include additional earnings and deductions
- Printable and downloadable
Perfect for individuals or startups managing payroll without dedicated accounting staff.
10. PDFPayStubs
As the name suggests, PDFPayStubs lets users generate downloadable paystubs in a clean PDF format. It’s optimized for freelancers, gig workers, and self-employed professionals.
Key Features:
- Totally free stub generator
- Tax calculations and automatic formatting
- Printable or email-ready output
- Anonymous usage (no sign-up required)
PDFPayStubs is especially useful when you need a no-hassle, printable stub for personal or professional use.
Final Thoughts: Why Use a Free Paystub Generator?
Free paystub makers are more than just cost-saving tools—they’re essential for:
- Record-keeping: Stay compliant and organized.
- Proof of income: Ideal for loan applications, rentals, and financial planning.
- Time savings: Generate a stub in minutes without complicated accounting tools.
- Accessibility: Available 24/7 online with secure access.
Whether you’re a small business owner, an independent contractor, or someone managing multiple side gigs, these tools can simplify your financial documentation and payroll processes. Among all the options, StubCreator stands out for its user-friendly design, free access, and compliance assurance.