Patriot Payroll vs OnPay

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.

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OnPay

OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.

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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

• ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
• ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
• ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
• ✓US-based customer support included on all plans

Cons

• ✗US-only — no international payroll support
• ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
• ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms

Best For

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

Best For

Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees