Compare/Head to head

Gusto vs Patriot Payroll

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Starting price

Gusto

$49/mo

US small-business payroll, benefits and onboarding in one stack, from around $49/mo plus a per-seat charge.

Where Gusto fits

  • US small companies running payroll in-house
  • HR teams that want benefits next to pay
  • Desks that want MCP on payroll data
  • A first HRIS after spreadsheets

Patriot Payroll

$17/mo + $4/worker 30 day free trial

US small-business payroll. Basic is $17/mo plus $4 per worker paid. 30 days free.

Where Patriot Payroll fits

  • US micro-businesses that want the $17 Basic rate
  • Owners willing to do more payroll work to save
  • Teams that will take 30 days free before paying
  • Employers stepping up to Full Service at $37 plus $5

At a glance

DetailGustoPatriot Payroll
Starting price$49/mo$17/mo + $4/worker
Free tier–No–No
Free trialNot on record30 day free trial
MCP server✓Yes–No
Public API✓Yes–No
Listed underBenefits administration, HR compliance, HRIS, Onboarding, Payroll, Time & attendancePayroll
Capterra4.6 from 4,225 reviewsNot enough reviews

Where they pull apart

Gusto

Stands out: Payroll sitting next to HR for US small companies, with a first-party MCP.

Watch out: It is US-only, so it is not a route to hiring people in other countries.

Not the right fit for

  • Global employer-of-record buyers
  • Enterprise HRIS selection processes

Patriot Payroll

Stands out: The lowest printed full-service-adjacent US payroll base: $17 plus $4, or Full Service at $37 plus $5.

Watch out: 50 percent off for three months is a promo, not the ongoing rate. Full Service is $37 plus $5 per worker if you want the vendor to handle more tax work.

Not the right fit for

  • Companies that need a global payroll or EOR
  • HR teams that want a full HCM suite

Pros and cons

Gusto

  • Payroll, benefits and onboarding in one US stack
  • MCP and API available
  • Fits small-business HR and finance buyers
  • US-only
  • Per-person charges on top of the base
  • Recruiting is basic: no interview scheduling or automated candidate emails

Patriot Payroll

  • Basic $17/mo plus $4 per worker
  • 30 days free
  • Full Service option at $37 plus $5
  • Promo 50% off is temporary
  • US small business only
  • Not a full HRIS

What each one costs

Gusto

$49/mo

Simple is $49/mo plus $6 per person, Plus is $80/mo plus $12 per person, and Premium is $180/mo plus $22 per person. Gusto Recruiting (job posting to 100+ boards, applicant tracking and offer letters) is included on Plus and Premium. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

Patriot Payroll

$17/mo + $4/worker

Basic Payroll is $17/mo + $4 per worker paid. Full Service is $37/mo + $5 per worker. 30 days free. 50% off for 3 months is a promo (Basic then $8.50 + $2) and is not the ongoing rate. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

Common questions

Is Gusto cheaper than Patriot Payroll?
Patriot Payroll starts lower, at $17/mo + $4/worker against $49/mo for Gusto. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Gusto or Patriot Payroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. Patriot Payroll offers a 30 day free trial.
Does Gusto or Patriot Payroll have an MCP server?
Gusto ships a first party MCP server, so an AI assistant can work the product directly.

Not the pair you wanted?

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Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?