4.8$40/moGusto
Best for: all-in-one payroll and HR
More HR, benefits, and features. Higher cost, more breadth.
Best Patriot Payroll Alternatives (2026)
If Patriot Payroll isn't the right fit—because you need more features, HR depth, or different integrations—these payroll alternatives offer strong options.
Read our Patriot Payroll review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Quick answer
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
Patriot Payroll is built for budget-conscious small businesses. Teams look for alternatives when they need more HR (Gusto, OnPay), want ecosystem integration (QuickBooks Payroll, Square Payroll), or prefer more features at slightly higher cost. Gusto and OnPay are the best alternatives with more breadth; Square Payroll and Wave suit simple or ecosystem-focused needs.
Why people look for Patriot Payroll alternatives
Common reasons teams look for a change.
More features and HR
Patriot keeps cost low with a focused feature set. Gusto and OnPay offer more HR, benefits, and integrations for a higher price.
Ecosystem fit
If you're in QuickBooks or Square, QuickBooks Payroll or Square Payroll may offer better workflow. Patriot is standalone.
Support and scale
Businesses that want more hand-holding or full-service may prefer ADP, Paychex, or SurePayroll.
Top Patriot Payroll alternatives
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.8$40/mo
4.5$40/moOnPay
Best for: value and flat pricing
Flat pricing and more features than Patriot. Good middle ground.
4.3$35/moSquare Payroll
Best for: Square ecosystem
Simple payroll if you already use Square. Similar simplicity.
4.3Payroll add-onWave
Best for: micro businesses
Free accounting plus payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams.
4.2From $49/moSurePayroll
Best for: small business payroll
Small business payroll with straightforward pricing. Slightly more features.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Payroll types | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot Payroll | budget-conscious small business | $17/mo | W-2, 1099 | Low cost; simplicity | Read review |
| Gusto | all-in-one payroll and HR | $40/mo | — | Transparent pricing; modern UX | Read review |
| OnPay | value and flat pricing | $40/mo | — | Flat pricing; one plan | Read review |
| Square Payroll | Square ecosystem | $35/mo | — | Square integration; simplicity | Read review |
| Wave | micro businesses | Payroll add-on | — | Free accounting + payroll | Read review |
| SurePayroll | small business payroll | From $49/mo | — | Simple small-business focus | Read review |
Detailed look at each alternative
When to choose each alternative.
Gusto
Best for all-in-one payroll and HR
Gusto offers more HR, benefits, and features with published pricing. Choose when you've outgrown Patriot's scope.
OnPay
Best for value and flat pricing
OnPay delivers flat pricing and more features than Patriot. Good middle ground between budget and breadth.
Square Payroll
Best for Square ecosystem
Square Payroll fits businesses that use Square. Similar simplicity with Square integration.
Wave
Best for micro businesses
Wave provides free accounting and a payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams that want low cost.
SurePayroll
Best for small business payroll
SurePayroll offers small business payroll with slightly more features. Another step up from Patriot.
How to choose the right alternative
What to look for when comparing options.
Payroll types (W-2 / 1099)
Most small businesses need both employees and contractors. Choose a platform that handles both with clear tax treatment and contractor self-service. Confirm 1099 support and e-file if you pay subcontractors.
Pricing transparency
Prefer published base-plus-per-person pricing when you can budget upfront. Custom-quote providers (e.g. ADP, Paychex) are fine if you want full-service; compare total cost at your headcount.
Tax automation and support
Full-service payroll should calculate, file, and deposit taxes. Confirm what's included and whether you want self-serve or hands-on support. Some providers charge extra for 1099 e-file.
HR and benefits
If you offer health insurance or 401(k), choose a provider that can run benefits and deductions in sync with payroll. Gusto and OnPay bundle this; ADP and Paychex offer it at scale.
Integrations
Payroll should connect to your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) and optionally time tracking. Native integration avoids manual export. Match the tool to your stack.
Related comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons to narrow your choice.
Related resources
More ways to explore.
FAQs
Quick answers.