Updated July 2026

ADP Workforce Now vs Patriot Payroll

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 9,700 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Both ADP Workforce Now and Patriot Payroll are strong HR platforms targeting different business sizes and use cases. If you hire internationally, ADP Workforce Now is the clear winner.

At a Glance

ADP Workforce Now
Enterprise-grade HR and payroll platform
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.1/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Contact for pricing
Patriot Payroll
Simple, affordable payroll for micro and small businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$17/mo + $4/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature ADP Workforce Now Patriot Payroll
Payroll processing ✓ ✓
Automated tax filing ✓ ✓
Direct deposit ✓ ✓
Benefits administration ✓ ✗
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✗
PTO management ✓ ✗
Contractor payments ✓ ✓
International payroll ✓ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✗
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price Contact for pricing $17/mo + $4/employee
Countries supported US, CA, UK, AU, DE, FR, 50+ countries US
Best for Medium Business, Enterprise, 50+ Employees Micro Business, Small Business, 1-25 Employees

Pros & Cons

ADP Workforce Now

  • Industry veteran
  • Robust compliance tools
  • Global reach
  • Deep reporting
  • Steep learning curve
  • Outdated UI
  • Mixed customer support
  • Quote-based pricing

Patriot Payroll

  • Cheapest full-service payroll
  • Highest rated for simplicity
  • Great for very small teams
  • Free trial available
  • No HR features
  • US-only
  • No mobile app
  • Very basic feature set

Who Should Use Each?

ADP Workforce Now You have remote employees or contractors in multiple countries.
Patriot Payroll User satisfaction matters most — Patriot Payroll holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.1).
Patriot Payroll You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.

Related Comparisons

ADP Workforce Now vs Rippling Patriot Payroll vs Gusto ADP Workforce Now vs Deel Patriot Payroll vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons ADP Workforce Now alternatives → Patriot Payroll alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try ADP Workforce Now → Try Patriot Payroll Free →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADP Workforce Now better than Patriot Payroll?

It depends on your needs. ADP Workforce Now is generally better for medium business, enterprise, while Patriot Payroll shines for micro business, small business. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does ADP Workforce Now cost compared to Patriot Payroll?

Contact for pricing vs $17/mo + $4/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from ADP Workforce Now to Patriot Payroll?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does ADP Workforce Now or Patriot Payroll offer a free trial?

ADP Workforce Now does not currently offer a free trial. Yes, Patriot Payroll offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — ADP Workforce Now or Patriot Payroll?

ADP Workforce Now supports international payroll; Patriot Payroll is primarily US-focused.