HubSpot CRM vs Patriot Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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.
Pros
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
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
HubSpot CRM vs Patriot Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | HubSpot CRM | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $17/mo + $4/person |
| Best For | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Patriot Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing options
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓time and attendance add-on
- ✓HR software add-on
- ✓contractor payments
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither HubSpot CRM nor Patriot Payroll is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HubSpot CRM and Patriot Payroll?
HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Which is better, HubSpot CRM or Patriot Payroll?
Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution