Patriot Software vs. Gusto: 2026 Payroll Compare

Gusto costs more than Patriot Software for full-service payroll. Patriot's Full Service Payroll is $37/month + $5 per worker paid, while Gusto's Simple plan is $49/month + $6 per worker, making Patriot the lower-cost option for most small businesses. Patriot also only charges per worker paid, meaning you only pay for employees who are actually paid during the month. This can provide additional savings for businesses with fluctuating workforces, such as seasonal businesses.

For example, here's how the monthly cost breaks down based on team size:

In this example, small businesses with 5 - 50 employees save $17 - $62/month with Patriot, which adds up to $204 - $744 in annual savings. And that's compared to Gusto's Simple plan, which only supports single-state payroll. Businesses that need Gusto's Plus plan pay $80/month + $12 per worker, more than double Patriot's per-worker price.

No, Gusto does not offer accounting software. Patriot Software includes native accounting starting at $20/month, making it the better fit for small businesses that want payroll and accounting in one place.

Yes, but with very different pricing models. Patriot charges $12/month per additional state for payroll tax filing and deposits on its Full Service plan. Gusto's entry-level Simple plan only supports single-state payroll, so hiring even one employee in a second state requires upgrading to the Plus plan at $80/month + $12 per worker. For a 10-person team in two states, that's $200/month with Gusto Plus versus $99/month with Patriot ($87 + one additional state).

Yes, both offer time tracking, but at different price points. Patriot Software offers a native time tracking add-on for $6/month + $2 per worker paid on any plan. Gusto includes time tracking beginning with its Plus plan (starting at $80/month + $12 per worker); Simple plan users must purchase a separate time tracking add-on.

Yes, both offer HR add-ons, but at different price points. Patriot's HR software is $6/month + $2 per worker paid. There's also an HR Experts & Training add-on for a flat $45/month that gives you access to certified HR experts.

Gusto's HR Resources add-on is $50/month + $5 per worker. Gusto's Premium plan ($180/mo + $22 per worker) includes most HR features.

If you don't want Patriot Software to handle tax filings and deposits, Patriot offers a Basic Payroll plan starting at $17/month + $4 per worker paid that lets you self-file payroll taxes. Gusto does not offer a self-filing option; all of its payroll plans include tax filings and deposits.

Patriot offers a 30-day free trial plus 50% off for the first three months. Gusto does not offer a traditional free trial, though it occasionally runs limited-time promotions for new accounts.

Yes, both Patriot's Full Service Payroll and Gusto handle federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and deposits, and both include year-end filings (W-2s and 1099s) at no additional cost.

Patriot Software may be the better choice for small businesses that want full-service payroll at a lower price, native accounting software, affordable multi-state payroll without a plan upgrade, and low-cost time tracking and HR add-ons. Patriot also offers a Basic Payroll option for businesses that prefer to self-file taxes, includes free USA-based support on every plan, and carries a much higher Trustpilot rating. The best payroll software for small business depends on your specific needs, but Patriot's combination of lower pricing, bundled accounting, and highly rated support makes it a strong option for most small businesses.