Head to head

Patriot Payroll vs Wave 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

Wave Payroll

$40/mo + $6/employee

US payroll inside Wave. $40/mo plus $6 per active employee and $6 per contractor paid.

Where Wave Payroll fits

  • US freelancers and SMBs already invoicing in Wave
  • Owners paying a mix of employees and 1099s
  • Teams that want a printed $40 plus $6 grid
  • Simple US payday without a full HCM

At a glance

DetailPatriot PayrollWave Payroll
Starting price$17/mo + $4/worker$40/mo + $6/employee
Free tier–No–No
Free trial30 day free trialNot on record
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

Wave Payroll

Stands out: Payroll that sits next to Wave invoicing, with a printed US rate of $40 plus $6 heads.

Watch out: Canada is a different CAD price. Contractors also cost $6 each when paid. There is no numbered payroll trial.

Not the right fit for

  • Canadian payroll buyers (that is a CAD SKU)
  • Companies that need benefits admin and talent modules

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

Wave Payroll

  • US $40/mo plus $6 per employee
  • Same $6 for contractors paid
  • Lives next to Wave invoicing
  • No numbered trial
  • Canada is a different CAD price
  • Not a benefits-heavy HCM

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

Wave Payroll

$40/mo + $6/employee

US payroll is $40/mo + $6 per active employee + $6 per independent contractor paid. Canada is $25 CAD + $6 per employee + $6 per contractor. USD figures are the US product. No numbered trial. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is Patriot Payroll cheaper than Wave Payroll?
Patriot Payroll starts lower, at $17/mo + $4/worker against $40/mo + $6/employee for Wave 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 Wave Payroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. Patriot Payroll offers a 30 day free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All Patriot Payroll alternatives All Wave 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?