Patriot Payroll vs Homebase Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Homebase Payroll is our recommended pick for most teams — restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Try Homebase Payroll →Read our full Homebase Payroll 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.
Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
Patriot Payroll vs Homebase Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Patriot Payroll | Homebase Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $17/mo + $4/person | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place |
| 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
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
Integrations
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
How Patriot Payroll and Homebase Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Patriot Payroll nor Homebase Payroll 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 Homebase Payroll?
Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Which is better, Patriot Payroll or Homebase Payroll?
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place