Patriot Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Patriot Payroll
Budget-friendly payroll software starting at $17/month. Basic and full-service options for very small businesses under 20 employees.
ADP Workforce Now
4.1(3,892 reviews)
Comprehensive HR suite for mid-size businesses with payroll, benefits, talent, and compliance.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Patriot Payroll | ADP Workforce Now |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Very small businesses under 20 employees where cost is the top priority | Mid-size businesses (50-1,000 employees) |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Contact Sales |
| Starting Price | $17/mo | Contact Sales |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.6/10 | 4.1/10 |
Pros & Cons
Patriot Payroll
Pros
- Cheapest payroll on the market — Full Service at $37/month + $4/employee is half the cost of Gusto
- Transparent pricing with no contracts, no setup fees, and no hidden costs
- Free US-based customer support that actually picks up the phone quickly
- Basic Payroll option at $17/month is perfect for businesses comfortable filing their own taxes
- Seamless integration with Patriot Accounting if you use both products
Cons
- Dated interface that looks like it was designed a decade ago
- No benefits brokerage — you need separate insurance and 401(k) providers
- Time tracking is a separate add-on product, not built into payroll
- No native mobile app — the mobile experience is a responsive web version
- Limited scalability — not designed for companies growing past 50-100 employees
ADP Workforce Now
Pros
- 70+ years of payroll expertise and compliance knowledge
- Guaranteed accurate and on-time payroll processing
- Strong benefits administration with carrier relationships
- Comprehensive platform covering all HR needs
- Robust integrations through ADP Marketplace
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Pricing is opaque and requires sales conversations
- Customer service quality varies by account team
- Can be complex to configure and customize
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot Payroll | subscription | $17/mo |
| ADP Workforce Now | contact sales | Contact Sales |
Our Verdict
Choose Patriot Payroll if...
Very small businesses under 20 employees where cost is the top priority
Choose ADP Workforce Now if...
Mid-size businesses (50-1,000 employees)
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.