Patriot Payroll vs HubSpot CRM
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.
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.
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 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
Patriot Payroll vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Patriot Payroll | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| 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
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Patriot Payroll if...
- →Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Choose HubSpot CRM if...
- →SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Our Take
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose HubSpot CRM if 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
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither Patriot Payroll nor HubSpot 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 HubSpot CRM?
Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, Patriot Payroll or HubSpot CRM?
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot 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 HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation