Patriot Payroll vs Agile CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Agile CRM is our recommended pick for most teams — startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Try Agile CRM →Read our full Agile CRM review →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.
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM platform that combines sales, marketing, and customer service tools at an affordable price point. It offers a generous free plan for up to 10 users, making it one of the best free CRM options for small teams. Agile CRM is popular with startups and small businesses looking to consolidate their tools.
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
- ✓Generous free plan for up to 10 users
- ✓All-in-one platform covering sales, marketing, and support
- ✓Affordable paid plans with strong feature sets
- ✓Built-in telephony included
Cons
- ✗Interface feels outdated compared to modern CRMs
- ✗Customer support quality is inconsistent
- ✗Can feel overwhelming with too many features for simple use cases
Patriot Payroll vs Agile CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Patriot Payroll | Agile CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $17/mo + $4/person | Free |
| Best For | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution | Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
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
Agile CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓deal tracking
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓telephony
- ✓web engagement
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Agile CRM
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Solo: $16/user/mo · Team: $19/user/mo · Enterprise: custom
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Agile CRM
- →Small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM
- →Startups needing free CRM with marketing automation
- →Teams replacing spreadsheets with a proper CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Agile CRM is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced reporting
- ✗Teams requiring complex workflow automation
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated customer support
Integrations
Agile CRM
Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, Twilio, SendGrid, Zapier, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Our Take
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price
Also Consider
If neither Patriot Payroll nor Agile CRM is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Patriot Payroll and Agile CRM?
Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Agile CRM is best for startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Which is better, Patriot Payroll or Agile CRM?
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Agile CRM cost?
Agile CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Who should use Agile CRM?
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price