Head to head

Patriot Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll

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

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

QuickBooks Payroll

$88/mo + $6.50/employee Free trial

US payroll inside QuickBooks. Workforce Payroll plus Simple Start is $88/mo plus $6.50 per employee.

Where QuickBooks Payroll fits

  • US SMBs already on QuickBooks Online
  • Owners who want ADP-style tax filing without leaving Intuit
  • Teams adding 401(k) and health benefits later
  • Companies that will pay $6.50 per employee on top of $88

At a glance

DetailPatriot PayrollQuickBooks Payroll
Starting price$17/mo + $4/worker$88/mo + $6.50/employee
Free tier–No–No
Free trial30 day free trialYes
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underPayrollPayroll

Where they pull apart

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

QuickBooks Payroll

Stands out: Full-service tax filing next to the books you already keep in QuickBooks, with optional Payroll AI prep.

Watch out: The $88 figure is the regular bundle, not the 50 percent intro. Per-employee fees stack on top. Background checks via Checkr start at $29.99 per report.

Not the right fit for

  • Employers outside the US
  • Teams that skip Intuit as the system of record

Pros and cons

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

QuickBooks Payroll

  • $88/mo plus $6.50 per employee
  • Full-service US tax filing
  • Lives next to QuickBooks books
  • Intro 50% off is temporary
  • Per-employee fees on every plan
  • US-only payroll

What each one costs

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 19 Sep 2026

QuickBooks Payroll

$88/mo + $6.50/employee

Workforce Payroll + Simple Start is $88/mo + $6.50/employee (intro 50% off for 3 months is $44). Essentials bundle $125 + $6.50. Premium $203 + $10/employee. The starting price is the regular rate, not the intro. Try-free is offered without a printed day count. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is Patriot Payroll cheaper than QuickBooks Payroll?
Patriot Payroll starts lower, at $17/mo + $4/worker against $88/mo + $6.50/employee for QuickBooks Payroll. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Patriot Payroll or QuickBooks Payroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. Patriot Payroll offers a 30 day free trial. QuickBooks Payroll offers a free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All Patriot Payroll alternatives All QuickBooks Payroll alternatives Every Payroll tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?