Patriot Software vs. OnPay: 2026 Payroll Compare
Compare the differences between Patriot Software and OnPay on pricing, features, reviews, and support to pick the best payroll software.
Compare Pricing for Patriot Software and OnPay
Examples of Savings by Team Size (Full Service Payroll)
5 employees
Patriot: $62/mo
OnPay: $79/mo
10 employees
Patriot: $87/mo
OnPay: $109/mo
25 employees
Patriot: $162/mo
OnPay: $199/mo
50 employees
Patriot: $287/mo
OnPay: $349/mo
Compare Features for Patriot Software and OnPay
[Patriot Software is] absolutely the best payroll company out there … I have worked with 6 other payroll providers and none of them even come close to the attention, detail and service that Patriot provides.”
—Erin Meise
Is Patriot Software or OnPay Better for Small Businesses?
The comparison process can be difficult, so we’ve put both providers head to head to highlight whether OnPay or Patriot Software is the best payroll provider based on what your business actually needs.
Patriot may fit better if you…
- Want the lowest full-service payroll price
- Want accounting and payroll in one place
- Need native time tracking
OnPay may fit better if you…
- Pay employees in three or more states
- Need new hire reporting
- Want to pay employees via debit cards
Patriot Software and OnPay Payroll for Accountants
For accounting firms managing multiple clients, Patriot Software provides an attractive wholesale model offering 5% - 30% discounts for all accountants. In contrast, OnPay offers 10% - 20% discounts, but accountants must have a minimum of three clients to receive the special pricing.
Patriot's straightforward discount structure is appealing for accountants looking to maximize their margins while providing excellent service to their clients.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Patriot Software vs. OnPay
OnPay costs more than Patriot Software for full-service payroll. Patriot's Full Service Payroll is $37/month + $5 per worker paid, while OnPay is $49/month + $6 per worker, making Patriot the lower-cost option for most small businesses.
For example, here's how the monthly cost breaks down based on team size:
| Employees | Patriot Software Cost | OnPay Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 employees | $62/mo | $79/mo |
| 10 employees | $87/mo | $109/mo |
| 25 employees | $162/mo | $199/mo |
| 50 employees | $287/mo | $349/mo |
In this example, small businesses with 5 - 50 employees save $17 - $62/month with Patriot, which adds up to $204 - $744 in annual savings.
No, OnPay 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.
No, OnPay does not offer a mobile app for employees. Patriot Software includes one at no additional cost, giving workers access to pay stubs and payroll information from their phones.
Patriot Software offers a native time tracking add-on starting at $6/month + $2 per worker paid. OnPay does not offer native time tracking, so OnPay users would need a separate third-party solution.
Yes, both offer HR add-ons, but at different price points. Patriot's HR software is $6/month + $2 per worker paid, while OnPay's is $15/month + $2 per worker, making Patriot the more affordable option.
Patriot offers up to 30% wholesale discount for accountants, whereas OnPay only offers up to 20%. OnPay also requires a minimum of 3 clients to receive discounts. Accountants can benefit from Patriot's wholesale discount program, which allows for greater savings compared to OnPay's minimum client requirement.
Patriot Software offers a Basic Payroll plan starting at $17/month + $4 per worker paid that lets you self-file payroll taxes and save money. OnPay does not offer a self-filing option; its single plan always includes tax filings and deposits.
Yes, both offer free trials. Patriot offers a 30-day free trial plus 50% off for the first three months. OnPay offers the first month free.
Yes, but with different pricing models. Patriot charges $12/month per additional state, while OnPay includes unlimited multi-state filing in its base price. Depending on employee count, OnPay may be the better value for businesses with employees in three or more states.
Yes, both 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 backs its tax filing accuracy with a reliability guarantee.
Patriot Software is often considered the best choice for small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use.
Yes, Patriot Software is a strong alternative to OnPay, offering similar features at a lower price point.
Patriot Software may be the better choice for small businesses that want full-service payroll at a lower price, native accounting software, native employee time tracking, and a mobile app for employees, features OnPay does not offer. Patriot also offers a Basic Payroll option for businesses that prefer to self-file taxes, and it carries a higher Trustpilot rating (4.8 vs. 4.0). The best payroll software for small business depends on your specific needs, but Patriot's combination of lower pricing and broader feature set makes it a strong option for most small businesses.
*Comparisons are based on publicly available information as of July 24, 2026 and may change. Features and pricing vary by plan and jurisdiction.