Patriot Payroll vs FreeAgent
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a cloud accounting platform designed specifically for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses in the UK. It offers automatic bank feeds, invoicing, expense management, and self-assessment tax return preparation. FreeAgent is particularly popular with UK freelancers and contractors for its excellent handling of UK tax requirements including Self Assessment and VAT returns.
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
- ✓Excellent UK tax compliance including Self Assessment and VAT returns
- ✓Designed specifically for freelancers and contractors
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Automatic bank feeds save significant time
Cons
- ✗Primarily suited for UK market — limited value for non-UK businesses
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks for complex business needs
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than larger competitors
- ✗Not suitable for larger businesses with complex accounting needs
Patriot Payroll vs FreeAgent: Side by Side
| Factor | Patriot Payroll | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $17/mo + $4/person | $12/mo |
| Best For | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
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
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Also Consider
If neither Patriot Payroll nor FreeAgent 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 FreeAgent?
Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Which is better, Patriot Payroll or FreeAgent?
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools