Patriot Payroll vs Employment Hero

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 →

Employment Hero

Employment Hero is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform with a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand. It offers a free HR plan alongside paid payroll and benefits modules, making it accessible for businesses at any stage. Employment Hero also operates a job marketplace called Swag for employees.

Freemium 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

• ✓Free HR plan available with core employee management features
• ✓Strong compliance tools for Australian and NZ employment law
• ✓All-in-one platform covering HR, payroll, and benefits
• ✓Employee benefits marketplace with discounts and perks

Cons

• ✗Payroll module costs extra and is best suited for AU/NZ companies
• ✗Limited support and compliance coverage outside Australia and New Zealand
• ✗Some users report the platform can feel complex to navigate

Best For

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

Best For

Australian and NZ businesses needing full HR suite