Updated July 2026

QuickBooks Payroll 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 5,300 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Patriot Payroll is more affordable for small teams starting out, while QuickBooks Payroll offers more advanced features for growing businesses.

At a Glance

QuickBooks Payroll
Payroll built right into QuickBooks accounting
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
$45/mo + $6/employee Free trial
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 QuickBooks Payroll 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 $45/mo + $6/employee $17/mo + $4/employee
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Quickbooks Users, 1-50 Employees Micro Business, Small Business, 1-25 Employees

Pros & Cons

QuickBooks Payroll

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration
  • Automatic tax filings
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • Easy to use
  • US-only
  • Best only if you use QuickBooks
  • Limited HR features
  • Can be buggy

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 You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Patriot Payroll User satisfaction matters most — Patriot Payroll holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.2).

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try QuickBooks Payroll Free → 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 QuickBooks Payroll better than Patriot Payroll?

It depends on your needs. QuickBooks Payroll is generally better for small business, QuickBooks users, while Patriot Payroll shines for micro business, small business. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost compared to Patriot Payroll?

$45/mo + $6/employee vs $17/mo + $4/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from QuickBooks Payroll 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 QuickBooks Payroll or Patriot Payroll offer a free trial?

Yes, QuickBooks Payroll offers a free trial. Yes, Patriot Payroll offers a free trial.

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

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