Many businesses are struggling with managing payroll complexities, from handling payroll taxes and tax filing to ensuring next-day direct deposit for employees. The challenge is even greater when managing a mix of W-2 employees, hourly employees, and salaried employees on tighter budgets or for businesses with international contractors. Fortunately, there is a solution: by comparing Gusto vs Patriot Payroll, business owners can select a payroll platform that streamlines processes, provides robust features, and fits within their financial commitment. In this blog post, we compare these two popular payroll providers, highlighting their core payroll functionality, integration options, and additional features to help you decide on the most affordable and efficient payroll software for your business operations.

Understanding the Landscape: Gusto and Patriot Payroll

When it comes to choosing a payroll service provider, business owners must consider several key features such as automatic payroll, payroll tax filing, and direct deposit options. Gusto and Patriot Payroll represent two of the most popular payroll companies in today’s market, both offering a full-service payroll option along with a self-service plan. Each of these platforms aims to simplify the process to process payroll for businesses with employees ranging from 1-10 employees to larger enterprises with 1,001-5,000 employees.

Key Features of a Modern Payroll Solution

A robust payroll platform should offer:

• Automatic payroll processing and tax filing: Avoid manual payroll taxes and complex W-2 employee processing with automatic payroll and federal taxes management.
• Unlimited payroll runs: Whether managing a few employees or a diverse workforce, unlimited payroll runs ensure that your payroll schedule is as flexible as needed.
• Direct deposit and next-day direct deposit: Ensuring employees get paid on time is paramount, with both platforms offering secure direct deposit options.
• Employee portal and self-service: Empower employees with an employee portal that provides access to employee reports, time-off requests, and benefits administration.
• Integration with accounting software: Integration with platforms like QuickBooks Online and native accounting software ensures smooth operations and reduced software integration costs.
• Mobile app and on-the-go access: Business owners and HR managers can manage payroll anytime, anywhere.

In the sections below, we will dive deeper into how Gusto and Patriot Payroll measure up across a wide range of categories—from compliance assistance and international payroll tools to pricing tiers and customer service reputation.

Payroll Tax Filing and Compliance

One of the most daunting tasks for business owners is managing payroll taxes and tax filing. Both Gusto and Patriot Payroll offer automatic tax filing systems designed to mitigate the risk of federal and local tax compliance issues.

• Gusto’s Approach: Gusto provides automatic payroll processing and tax filing, streamlining the process so that the payroll software handles wage garnishment, child-support wage garnishments, and even complex payroll requirements for multi-state payroll processing. The platform includes comprehensive compliance assistance for businesses with independent contractors and international contractors.
• Patriot Payroll’s Advantages: Patriot Payroll, part of Patriot Software, is known for its no-frills payroll process and competitive pricing. With features like unlimited payroll runs and affordable payroll options, Patriot Payroll helps business owners reduce additional costs and ensure tax compliance. Their setup process is designed to be straightforward, making it a favorite for startups and smaller companies with tighter budgets.

Both solutions offer robust tax filing functionalities, but the choice between them often comes down to the specific needs of your business, including the scale of payroll operations and the complexity of the benefits administration requirements.

Integration with Accounting Software and Other Tools

A strong payroll solution should integrate seamlessly with other software tools you already use, like QuickBooks Payroll and QuickBooks Online. Integration capabilities can often make or break a platform’s usability:

• Gusto and Accounting Software: Gusto is celebrated for its extensive integrations and compatibility with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks Online. This integration simplifies employee reports, tax filing, and financial data management by syncing with native accounting software to streamline business operations. In addition, Gusto offers a mobile app that extends its functionality, ensuring that business owners can access the necessary payroll data anytime and anywhere.
• Patriot Payroll Integration: Similarly, Patriot Payroll offers integration options that provide access to a comprehensive employee self-service portal and an array of additional payroll features. Their platform supports automated features like next-day direct deposit and seamless integration with accounting software, making it easier to process payroll and generate employee profiles without incurring extra integration costs. Although some users have noted limited integrations compared to other payroll software, Patriot Payroll remains a strong choice for strictly US-based payroll processing with reliable integration capabilities.

For business owners relying on financial software, both Gusto and Patriot Payroll can serve as the backbone of a streamlined payroll management system, simplifying tasks such as managing payroll taxes, benefits administration, and employee time tracking.

Pricing Structure and Packages

When evaluating payroll companies, pricing tiers and the starting price can be decisive factors, especially for businesses with tighter budgets or those in the startup phase looking for an affordable payroll solution.

• Gusto’s Pricing Options: Gusto offers both a full-service online payroll company model and a self-service plan. Their pricing tiers are often evaluated by customer reviews and user ratings, emphasizing an affordable price for comprehensive employee benefits administration and payroll service features. The 60-day free trial allows business owners to test out robust features without making a financial commitment immediately.
• Patriot Payroll’s Competitive Pricing: Patriot Payroll and Gusto are frequently compared in terms of their monthly base fee and service base fee. Patriot’s $37-a-month base price for its basic payroll plan is often highlighted in payroll reviews as one of the cheapest options available. In addition to its base cost, extra costs for benefits package add-ons such as health insurance options and workers' compensation insurance add-ons may be applied. However, Patriot Software offers a flexible range of options—including a full-service plan known as Patriot's full-service plan—for businesses that need a more comprehensive payroll solution.

Both platforms provide a variety of pricing options, such as pricing tiers per employee per month and contractor per month fees. The choice will depend on whether your organization is more inclined toward a self-service payroll option or requires a full-service payroll package that supports complex payroll and comprehensive employee benefits management.

Employee Benefits Administration and Additional Features

A modern payroll platform is much more than just a system for processing payroll—it also plays a crucial role in benefits administration, employee benefits management, and employee profiles.

• Gusto’s Robust Features: Gusto provides a full range of advanced features including employee benefits administration, comprehensive employee benefits, and integration with benefits packages that cover health insurance and traditional benefits. Furthermore, Gusto’s native employee portal empowers employees to view their payroll history, manage time-off requests, and access key features like Employee Time Tracking. This is especially valuable for businesses that require robust benefits administration and additional payroll features.
• Patriot Payroll’s Streamlined Approach: Patriot Payroll focuses on delivering a reliable core payroll functionality that prioritizes essential tasks such as payroll tax filing, automatic payroll runs, and direct deposit. Their platform caters to businesses with employees needing basic payroll features and includes additional tools such as storage for employee files and an employee portal. For companies looking for extra tools like background checks and detailed employee profiles, Patriot’s customizable payroll package can be an affordable payroll solution that scales as your business grows.

Both solutions aim to improve business efficiency and growth by streamlining benefits administration, providing easy access to employee reports, and enabling seamless employee self-service. The choice between Gusto and Patriot Payroll can be influenced by how your organization prioritizes additional payroll features like emergency payroll support and robust time tracking.

User Experience and Customer Support

The overall user experience and availability of customer support can greatly affect how well a payroll platform meets your business needs.

• Gusto’s User Experience: Gusto offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the setup process with a friendly startup wizard and detailed Knowledge base to assist new users. The platform’s intuitive design makes it simple for business owners to process payroll, manage employee time tracking, and integrate with accounting software. With a focus on customer service, Gusto boasts excellent customer reviews, highlighting aspects such as rapid customer service response, dedicated customer support hours, and even positive User Reviews.
• Patriot Payroll’s Customer Service: Patriot Payroll is renowned for its reliable access to customer support, typically through a customer service rep and detailed Knowledge base articles. Patriot users appreciate that the payroll provider is strictly US-based and understands the needs of local businesses, whether in San Francisco, South Carolina, or beyond. Even though some customer complaints have occasionally mentioned a lack of customer service when compared to larger competitors like ADP Workforce, Patriot Software maintains a solid reputation for a streamlined setup process and competitive user ratings.

In both cases, the platforms are designed to make it easier for business owners to request time and get assistance during business days, ultimately ensuring that businesses with employees can maintain smooth business operations and focus on growth.

Special Considerations for Different Business Sizes

Different businesses have varying payroll needs based on the number of employees, employee types, and the complexity of operations:

• Small Businesses and Startups: For entrepreneurs and startups seeking an option for startups, both platforms offer plans with a starting price and affordable base cost. Gusto and Patriot Payroll have competitive pricing tiers, with some plans charging per employee per month and some plans being priced as a contractor per month. The options range from simple payroll for 1-10 employees to more advanced solutions for 11-50 employees. Additionally, the 30-day free trial available on some plans allows these companies to explore features before fully committing financially.
• Mid-Size to Large Enterprises: Businesses with a larger personnel base, including full-time employees and independent contractors, need a payroll platform that can handle multi-state payroll processing and international payroll tools. Gusto excels in providing a wide range of integration capabilities with extensive accounting integration options, while Patriot Payroll offers multi-state payroll options and competitive pricing tailored for growth. Both platforms have robust features that accommodate business growth and deliver employee self-service portals that help in efficiently managing employee profiles and benefits administration.

Large enterprises may also benefit from the additional payroll features like automatic tax filing, time tracking integration, and background checks. The extensive integrations and customizable payroll packages allow these businesses to leverage both platforms to streamline their payroll and improve overall business efficiency.

Additional Integrations and Value-Added Services

Beyond payroll processing, modern payroll software offers value-added services that can greatly enhance the overall efficiency of your business operations:

• Integration with Software Tools: For example, QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll integrations help reduce administrative overhead by syncing payroll data directly into your accounting software. This ensures that employee reports, financial software data, and payment methods are updated automatically, helping businesses avoid errors and additional integration costs.
• Benefits and Insurance Options: Both platforms offer affordable insurance options and benefits packages designed to support employee well-being. From traditional benefits such as health insurance and compensation insurance to workers' compensation insurance add-ons, these payroll solutions are equipped to address a wide range of workforce costs.
• Advanced Technology Features: A mobile app feature in Gusto gives business owners flexibility, while Patriot Payroll’s employee portal and extensive integrations offer a self-service payroll option that is both reliable and user friendly. Additionally, features like Employee Time Tracking, storage for employee files, and employee profiles are essential for comprehensive employee benefits management.

These value-added features not only improve payroll service reliability but also contribute significantly to overall business growth by reducing the administrative burden and enabling better compliance with payroll taxes and federal taxes.

Comparing the Bottom Lines: Gusto vs Patriot Payroll

The decision between Gusto and Patriot Payroll ultimately comes down to the specific needs and budget constraints of your business. Here’s a summary of the comparison:

• Patriot Payroll:
  
  
  
  • Starting Price and Pricing Tiers: With a $37-a-month base fee on some plans, Patriot Payroll is often seen as one of the cheapest options available. It offers affordable payroll options and competitive pricing, making it ideal for businesses with tighter budgets.
  • Core Payroll Functionality: Focused on providing basic payroll features, such as unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, tax compliance, and automatic payroll tax filing, making it a solid choice for businesses in need of a reliable, cost-effective payroll solution.
  • Customer Support & Setup Process: Known for a streamlined setup process and access to customer support hours, which is particularly useful for businesses just starting out or for those located in regions like South Carolina or San Francisco.
• Gusto:
  
  
  
  • Extensive Features and Integrations: Gusto stands out with its robust features including a full-service payroll option, comprehensive employee benefits administration, and extensive integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks Online. Its mobile app and employee portal further enhance user experience, supporting a wide range of payroll options.
  • Ease of Use and User Experience: With a friendly startup wizard and a well-organized Knowledge base, Gusto provides an excellent user experience with positive User Reviews and high user ratings. This makes it suitable for businesses that demand advanced features and full-service payroll, including emergency payroll and customizable payroll packages.
  • Additional Payroll Features: From benefits administration (health insurance, compensation insurance, and workers' compensation insurance add-ons) to employee self-service and Employee Time Tracking, Gusto delivers a robust suite of tools for managing both payroll and benefits.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Payroll Solution

Choosing between Gusto vs Patriot Payroll depends on your business’s unique requirements. If you are looking for a feature-rich solution with extensive integrations, comprehensive benefits administration, and a high-quality mobile app—Gusto may be the best fit for your business growth and financial software needs. On the other hand, if you require a reliable, affordable payroll solution with a simple payroll process, automatic payroll features, and direct deposit functionalities tailored for a strictly US-based payroll provider, Patriot Payroll offers competitive pricing with a low starting price and a basic payroll plan that meets the needs of many small to mid-size businesses.

When evaluating both payroll platforms, consider factors such as:

• The core payroll functionality you require—whether you need multi-state payroll, unlimited payroll runs, or specialized payroll options for both full- or part-time employees.
• The type of integration with accounting software you need, including native accounting software integration options and extensive integrations.
• Additional payroll features that matter to your business such as benefits administration, employee self-service portals, time-off requests, and Employee Time Tracking.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your business growth goals, the complexity of your payroll requirements, and how you plan to manage workforce costs and employee benefits administration. Use the free trial options—whether it’s the 60-day free trial offered by Gusto or any introductory offer from Patriot Payroll—to test out the user experience and support options before making a final financial commitment.By carefully evaluating the key features, pricing tiers, and the overall user experience offered by both Gusto and Patriot Payroll, you can confidently choose a payroll solution that not only simplifies payroll processing and payroll tax filing but also enhances business efficiency and supports your company’s growth. From direct deposit and employee portals to background checks and automatic payroll, the right payroll provider can streamline your business operations and ensure that payroll processing becomes one less worry for business owners.In the competitive landscape of payroll companies, whether you prioritize a robust payroll platform with advanced features or a simple, affordable payroll process with a straightforward setup process, there is an option for every business—from those in San Francisco managing complex payroll challenges to companies in South Carolina focusing on cost-effective solutions. The ultimate goal is to have a payroll solution that meets your specific needs and ensures reliable payroll processing every month per employee, contractor per month, and for every full-time, hourly, and salaried employee.Making an informed decision between Gusto vs Patriot Payroll can transform your payroll management into a streamlined, efficient process that saves time, minimizes errors, and supports both business operations and employee satisfaction. Take advantage of free trials, compare user ratings and reviews, and consider the unique benefits offered by each provider to select a payroll software that propels your business forward.