Patriot Payroll vs Streak
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Streak is our recommended pick for most teams — solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Try Streak →Read our full Streak 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.
Streak
Streak is a CRM built directly inside Gmail, allowing users to manage their sales pipeline without ever leaving their inbox. It turns Gmail into a fully functional CRM with pipelines, contact tracking, and email tools. Streak is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams that do all their business communication through Gmail.
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
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail — zero context switching
- ✓Free plan is genuinely useful for individuals
- ✓Easy to set up in minutes
- ✓Great for solopreneurs and freelancers
Cons
- ✗Only works if your team uses Gmail
- ✗Not suitable for large teams or complex sales processes
- ✗Limited features compared to standalone CRM platforms
Patriot Payroll vs Streak: Side by Side
| Factor | Patriot Payroll | Streak |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| 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 | Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail |
| 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
Streak Features
- ✓Gmail-based pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓mail merge
- ✓contact management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓collaboration
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Streak
- →Gmail users wanting CRM built into their inbox
- →Small teams managing deals without switching apps
- →Businesses wanting a simple pipeline in Google Workspace
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Streak is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Teams not using Gmail as their primary email
- ✗Companies needing advanced reporting and forecasting
- ✗Businesses requiring dedicated mobile CRM apps
Integrations
Streak
Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Zapier, Slack
Our Take
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Best For
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Also Consider
If neither Patriot Payroll nor Streak 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 Streak?
Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Streak is best for solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Which is better, Patriot Payroll or Streak?
Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution. Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Streak cost?
Streak 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 Streak?
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail