OnPay vs Patriot Software: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose OnPay if: Small teams across states wanting one flat price
Skip it if: You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan.
Visit OnPayChoose Patriot Software if: Budget-minded small teams paid in one state
Skip it if: You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners.
Visit Patriot SoftwareQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | OnPay (7.7 vs 7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Patriot Software (From $49/mo vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | OnPay (4.8 vs 3.1 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (Not confirmed vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Small teams across states wanting one flat price | Budget-minded small teams paid in one state |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan. | You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners. |
| Free plan or trial | 1 month | 30 days |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone, chat, email; weekdays 9am-8pm | Phone, chat, email; M-F 9am-7pm ET |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 614) | 3.7/5 (Google Play, 72) |
| Base price | $49/mo | $37/mo Full Service ($17 Basic, no tax filing) |
| Per person | $6/worker per month | $5/worker paid ($4 Basic) |
| Contractors only | Same plan: $49/mo + $6/contractor | No separate plan; Basic $17/mo + $4/contractor paid |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes: federal, state, local | Full Service plan only |
| Workers in several states | All 50 states, no extra cost | $12/mo per extra state |
| Direct deposit speed | 2-day or 4-day; no next-day | 4-day; 2-day for qualifying customers |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go via partner; premiums only | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance (free integration) |
| Benefits | Health, dental, vision, 401(k); premiums only | Health via SimplyInsured; 401(k) via Vestwell |
| Time tracking | Add-on $15/mo + $4/worker | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| HR tools | Add-on $15/mo + $2/worker; onboarding included | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| W-2s and 1099s | Included, with year-end filings | W-2s included; 1099 e-file optional (fees on Basic) |
| Setup fee | None; free setup and data migration | None listed; free setup help |
| Free trial | First month free | 30 days + 50% off for 3 months |
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What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| OnPay | $67 | $804 |
| Patriot Software | $52 | $624 |
Cheapest full-service plan, list prices, before promotions. State registration and workers' comp are extra.
OnPay
- One $49/mo + $6/worker plan includes full-service tax filing.
- Pay workers in all 50 states at no extra cost.
- Free setup, data migration and automatic state tax registrations.
- First month free; support by phone, chat, email weekdays 9am-8pm.
- No next-day or same-day deposit; fastest is 2-day.
- Time tracking adds $15/mo + $4/worker; HR adds $15/mo + $2/worker.
- No free plan; paying one worker costs $55/month.
Patriot Software
- Full Service payroll is $37/mo + $5 per worker paid.
- 30 days free, then 50% off for three months.
- Only the base fee is charged in months with no payroll.
- Free US-based phone, chat and email support, M-F 9-7 ET.
- Each extra state costs $12/month on Full Service.
- Basic plan doesn't file taxes; you file and deposit them yourself.
- No owner app; employee app rated 2.4/5 on App Store (30 ratings).
Also worth a look
Questions
Is OnPay or Patriot Software cheaper?
Patriot Software starts lower: From $49/mo for OnPay vs From $17/mo for Patriot Software. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
OnPay, with 4.8/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
OnPay: Not confirmed. Patriot Software: Not confirmed.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.