Patriot Software Review
Affordable payroll with free setup and support
Quick facts
- Full Service Payroll
- Base fee + $5/worker paid
- Basic Payroll
- Base fee + $4/worker paid
- Extra state filing
- $12/mo per additional state
- Best for
- Budget-focused small teams
Our verdict
Bottom line: Patriot Software is one of the most affordable full-service payroll options for very small businesses. Its Full Service Payroll bills a low monthly base fee plus $5 per worker paid, with a Basic Payroll tier at $4 per worker if you prefer to file taxes yourself. Full Service handles federal, state and local tax filings, and includes unlimited payrolls, free direct deposit for qualifying customers and free US-based setup and support. Additional state filings are billed at $12 per month each.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Among the lowest-cost full-service options
- Free setup, data migration and US-based support
- Unlimited payroll runs included
Cons
- Extra state filings billed separately
- Fewer advanced HR and benefits tools than larger rivals
Who Patriot Software is best for
Very small businesses watching every dollar.
- Low base fee plus a per-worker charge
- Free USA-based setup and support
- Unlimited payrolls and free direct deposit for qualifying customers
How Patriot Software compares
Our current top pick for payroll software is Gusto. Here is how they line up:
| Measure | Patriot Software | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| Full Service Payroll | Base fee + $5/worker paid | Simple $49/mo + $6/person |
| Basic Payroll | Base fee + $4/worker paid | $80/mo + $12/person |
| Extra state filing | $12/mo per additional state | $35/mo + $6/contractor |
See the full payroll software comparison for everything we measured.
How we chose
Every payroll software provider here gets the same treatment: the BusinessShop research team scores it on five weighted factors, the weights are published, and no provider can pay to move up. Commissions never touch the math.
- 30% Pricing & value
- 25% Product quality
- 20% Customer experience
- 15% Reputation
- 10% Flexibility
More payroll software reviews
- Gusto review 9.6/10
- OnPay review 9.4/10
- QuickBooks Payroll review 9.4/10
- Square Payroll review 9.2/10
- ADP review 9.2/10