Updated July 2026

Paycom 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 6,100 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Both Paycom and Patriot Payroll are strong HR platforms targeting different business sizes and use cases.

At a Glance

Paycom
Single software for the entire employee lifecycle
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
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 Paycom 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 US
Best for Medium Business, Enterprise, 50-10000 Employees Micro Business, Small Business, 1-25 Employees

Pros & Cons

Paycom

  • Single database for all HR
  • Employee self-service Beti payroll review
  • Strong compliance tools
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Quote-based pricing only
  • US-only
  • Long implementation timeline
  • Steep learning curve

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?

Patriot Payroll User satisfaction matters most — Patriot Payroll holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.4).
Patriot Payroll You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.
Patriot Payroll You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

Paycom vs Rippling Patriot Payroll vs Gusto Paycom vs Deel Patriot Payroll vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons Paycom alternatives → Patriot Payroll alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Paycom → 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 Paycom better than Patriot Payroll?

It depends on your needs. Paycom 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 Paycom 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 Paycom 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 Paycom or Patriot Payroll offer a free trial?

Paycom does not currently offer a free trial. Yes, Patriot Payroll offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Paycom or Patriot Payroll?

Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.