Patriot Payroll vs Bench

Patriot Payroll

Patriot Payroll is one of the most affordable full-service payroll solutions for small businesses. It offers basic payroll and full-service payroll tiers, with the full-service option handling all federal, state, and local tax filings. Patriot is popular with very small businesses and solo operators who want simple, reliable payroll without complex features.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Bench

Bench is a bookkeeping service that combines human bookkeepers with proprietary accounting software. Instead of doing your own bookkeeping, Bench assigns you a dedicated team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. Bench is designed for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without having to learn accounting software themselves.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Pros

• ✓One of the most affordable payroll solutions available
• ✓Simple and easy to use with minimal learning curve
• ✓US-based customer support available by phone
• ✓Free trial available before committing

Cons

• ✗Limited features compared to full HR platforms
• ✗No mobile app for running payroll
• ✗Benefits administration not included
• ✗Less suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs

Pros

• ✓Hands-off bookkeeping — a real human does your books every month
• ✓No accounting knowledge required from the business owner
• ✓Clean and simple software interface
• ✓Tax-ready financials delivered monthly

Cons

• ✗More expensive than DIY accounting software
• ✗Less control over your own books
• ✗Tax filing costs extra
• ✗Not suitable for businesses that want to manage their own accounting

Best For

Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution

Best For

Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software