Quick verdict
How these two tools differ.
Patriot Payroll offers low published pricing (often from around $17/month base) and compliant payroll and tax filing for W-2 and 1099. OnPay offers one main plan with flat pricing (often around $40/month base) and more built-in features: solid benefits, support included, and a clean interface. Both are straightforward; OnPay gives you more for a higher price.
Patriot wins on cost—if your main goal is to minimize monthly payroll expense, Patriot is the lower-price option. OnPay wins on features and clarity—flat pricing, no tier maze, and more HR and benefits than Patriot. For very cost-sensitive businesses, Patriot is a strong fit. For teams that want a bit more (benefits, support, simplicity) without the complexity of Gusto, OnPay is a good middle ground.
Pricing: Patriot's base is often around $17/month; OnPay's is typically around $40/month. You get more with OnPay—benefits, support, and a simpler structure. Compare total cost at your headcount and decide whether the extra features are worth the difference.
Comparison summary
Winner for budget
Patriot Payroll
Patriot offers the lowest base price for compliant payroll.
Winner for features and support
OnPay
OnPay includes more features and support with flat pricing.
Quick decision guide
Which product fits your situation.
Choose Patriot Payroll if:
- Your top priority is the lowest possible payroll cost.
- You need compliant payroll and tax filing without many add-ons.
- You're okay with fewer features and basic support.
- You're a very small business or solopreneur.
Choose OnPay if:
- You want simple payroll with more features (benefits, support) and flat pricing.
- You prefer one plan with no tier maze and included support.
- You want a middle ground between budget basics and full-featured Gusto.
- You value predictability and a clean, modern interface.
Ratings comparison
How we score each product.
| Category | Patriot Payroll | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Features | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Pricing | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Support | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Integrations | 4.0 | 4.3 |
Feature comparison
Side-by-side feature check.
SupportedPartial supportNot available
| Feature | Patriot Payroll | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll automation | Full W-2 and 1099, tax filing | Full W-2 and 1099, flat-rate model |
| Tax filing | Automatic federal and state | Automatic federal and state |
| Benefits | Available; may be limited | Health and 401(k) included |
| Support | Basic; check plans | Included (phone, email, chat) |
| Lowest cost | Often lowest base price | Higher base; more features |
| Ease of use | Simple; fewer options | Simple setup; clean interface |
Pricing comparison
What to expect to pay.
Patriot Payroll uses low published pricing—often from around $17/month base plus per-person fees. OnPay uses one main plan with a base (typically around $40/month) plus a flat per-person rate. Patriot is the lower-cost option; OnPay adds more features and included support. For the tightest budget, Patriot wins. For more features and predictability, OnPay is worth the extra cost for many small businesses.
Pros and cons
Strengths and trade-offs.
Patriot Payroll
Pros
- Lowest base pricing
- Straightforward payroll and tax filing
- Good for very small businesses
Cons
- Fewer features than OnPay
- Basic support and benefits options
- Less polished interface
OnPay
Pros
- Flat pricing; no tier maze
- More features: benefits, support included
- Clean interface and simple setup
- Good middle ground between Patriot and Gusto
Cons
- Higher base than Patriot
- Less feature depth than Gusto
Best for
Which tool fits your situation.
Best for lowest cost
Patriot Payroll is the better fit when you want to minimize cost and are okay with basics. OnPay is the better fit when you want simple but more full-featured payroll with flat pricing.
Best for simple but full-featured payroll
OnPay is the better fit when you want one plan, flat pricing, and more features (benefits, support) without the complexity of tiered products. Patriot is the better fit for low-cost basics.
Alternatives
Other options we review.
Read full reviews
Dive deeper into each product.
For detailed ratings, features, and pros and cons, see our standalone reviews:
Best payroll software guides
Find the right fit by use case or trade.
FAQs
Quick answers.