Patriot Software vs Gusto: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Patriot Software is built for budget payroll, while Gusto suits us startups under 50. For most users Gusto is the stronger default, but Patriot Software can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Patriot Software has the lower entry price.
If you're weighing Patriot Software against Gusto, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Patriot Software | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Payroll & Accounting | Payroll & HR |
| What it's known for | Budget-friendly US payroll and accounting for small businesses with free setup and strong support. | Friendly full-service US payroll with benefits, onboarding and contractor payments; favorite of small startups. |
| Pricing | Payroll from ~$17/mo + ~$4/employee; accounting from ~$20/mo. | From ~$49/mo base + ~$6/employee (Simple) up to Plus/Premium tiers. |
| Best audience | US small businesses wanting low-cost payroll and simple accounting. | US startups and small businesses (typically under 50 employees) wanting easy full-service payroll. |
| Best for | Budget payroll, US small business, Simple accounting | US startups under 50, Full-service payroll, Contractor pay |
| Entry price | ~$17/mo + $4/employee | ~$35/mo + $6/contractor |
| Biggest strength | Among the cheapest full-service US payroll options. | Friendly, easy-to-use interface popular with small startups. |
| Main caveat | Basic Payroll does not include tax filing (DIY). | Single-state payroll only on the entry Simple plan. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
Patriot Software key features
- Affordable US payroll (Basic and Full Service)
- Free direct deposit, employee portal and unlimited payroll runs
- Full Service files federal, state and local payroll taxes
- Accounting product (Basic and Premium) with invoicing and payments
Gusto key features
- Full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs
- Automatic federal, state and local tax filing
- Benefits administration (health, financial benefits)
- Hiring/onboarding tools and contractor payments
Pricing tiers side by side
Patriot Software plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Payroll | ~$17/mo + $4/employee | DIY tax filing |
| Full Service Payroll | ~$37/mo + $5/employee | Patriot files federal/state/local taxes |
| Accounting Basic | ~$20/mo | Unlimited invoices and customers |
| Accounting Premium | ~$30/mo | Adds advanced accounting features |
Gusto plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Only | ~$35/mo + $6/contractor | 1099-only businesses |
| Simple | ~$49/mo + $6/employee | Single-state full-service payroll |
| Plus | ~$80/mo + $12/employee | Multi-state payroll, next-day deposit, HR tools |
| Premium | ~$180/mo + $22/employee | Dedicated CSM, HR experts, priority support |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Patriot Software wins
Budget-friendly US payroll and accounting with unlimited runs and free setup.
- Among the cheapest full-service US payroll options.
- Unlimited payroll runs and free direct deposit.
That makes it the stronger pick for uS small businesses wanting low-cost payroll and simple accounting.
Where Gusto wins
The favorite full-service payroll for small US startups, with unlimited runs and a clean UX.
- Friendly, easy-to-use interface popular with small startups.
- Unlimited payroll runs with no off-cycle fees.
That makes it the stronger pick for uS startups and small businesses (typically under 50 employees) wanting easy full-service payroll.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Patriot Software if you fit its core audience — uS small businesses wanting low-cost payroll and simple accounting.
- Choose Gusto if you fit its core audience — uS startups and small businesses (typically under 50 employees) wanting easy full-service payroll.
FAQ
Is Patriot Software better than Gusto?
Gusto is the stronger default for most users, but Patriot Software can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Patriot Software and Gusto?
Patriot Software is budget-friendly US payroll and accounting with unlimited runs and free setup. Gusto is the favorite full-service payroll for small US startups, with unlimited runs and a clean UX.
Which is cheaper, Patriot Software or Gusto?
Entry pricing differs: Patriot Software starts at ~$17/mo + $4/employee, while Gusto starts at ~$35/mo + $6/contractor. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Patriot Software and Gusto: