Gusto vs Patriot Software: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose Gusto if: Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing
Skip it if: You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app.
Visit GustoChoose 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 | Gusto (7.3 vs 7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Patriot Software (From $49/mo vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | Gusto (4.7 vs 3.1 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (Not confirmed vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing | Budget-minded small teams paid in one state |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app. | You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners. |
| Free plan or trial | No | 30 days |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone, chat, email; M-F 6am-6pm MST | Phone, chat, email; M-F 9am-7pm ET |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 51,124) | 3.7/5 (Google Play, 72) |
| Base price | $49/mo (Simple) | $37/mo Full Service ($17 Basic, no tax filing) |
| Per person | $6/mo per person (Simple) | $5/worker paid ($4 Basic) |
| Contractors only | No separate plan since Oct 2026; $49/mo + $6/contractor on Simple | No separate plan; Basic $17/mo + $4/contractor paid |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes, all plans (federal, state, local) | Full Service plan only |
| Workers in several states | Plus and Premium only | $12/mo per extra state |
| Direct deposit speed | 4-day at start, 2-day after 15 days; next-day on Plus | 4-day; 2-day for qualifying customers |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance, from $14/mo | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance (free integration) |
| Benefits | Health, dental, vision (premiums only); 401(k), HSA/FSA | Health via SimplyInsured; 401(k) via Vestwell |
| Time tracking | Included in Plus; $6/person add-on on Simple | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| HR tools | HR guidance and resources on Premium only | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| W-2s and 1099s | Included; filed for you | W-2s included; 1099 e-file optional (fees on Basic) |
| Setup fee | None (free account setup) | None listed; free setup help |
| Free trial | None listed | 30 days + 50% off for 3 months |
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What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto | $67 | $804 |
| Patriot Software | $52 | $624 |
Cheapest full-service plan, list prices, before promotions. State registration and workers' comp are extra.
Gusto
- Public pricing: Simple plan is $49/mo + $6 per person.
- Files federal, state and local payroll taxes plus W-2s and 1099s.
- Unlimited payroll runs; no extra fee for off-cycle payrolls.
- Month-to-month; contractors billed only in months you pay them.
- Simple covers one state; multi-state requires Plus at $80/mo + $12/person.
- New accounts start on 4-day deposit; next-day costs $15/mo + $3/person on Simple.
- Mobile app is English-only; phone support weekdays 6am-6pm MST.
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 Gusto or Patriot Software cheaper?
Patriot Software starts lower: From $49/mo for Gusto vs From $17/mo for Patriot Software. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
Gusto, with 4.7/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Gusto: 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.