Patriot Software Payroll Review: Affordable and Capable for Small Businesses

This PCMag review evaluates Patriot Software Payroll, highlighting it as a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for small businesses with ten or more employees. The software excels in creating employee records, processing payroll runs, and handling tax submissions. Recent updates introduce significant enhancements, including auto-payroll features, improved document management, employee self-onboarding, geolocation for time and attendance tracking, and new health benefits integrations. While Gusto remains the Editors' Choice due to superior usability and HR tools, Patriot is praised for its affordability and tight integration with Patriot Software Accounting. Pricing structures are detailed, with the Basic plan starting at $17 per month plus $4 per worker, and the Full-Service tier at $37 per month plus $5 per employee. Additional HR and Time & Attendance add-ons are available for extra fees. The review compares Patriot favorably against competitors like OnPay, Square Payroll, QuickBooks Workforce, and Gusto in terms of cost, positioning it as an excellent option for budget-conscious managers who prioritize value and straightforward functionality over advanced HR ecosystems.