Quicken vs Patriot Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Quicken
Quicken is a personal finance and small business accounting tool with decades of history. It helps small business owners track income, expenses, invoices, and taxes with a desktop-first approach.
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.
Pros
- ✓Long track record and trusted brand
- ✓Good for very small businesses and sole traders
- ✓Strong personal finance features
- ✓One-time or annual pricing
- ✓Desktop and mobile access
Cons
- ✗Feels dated compared to cloud-native tools
- ✗Desktop-first approach limits collaboration
- ✗Not suited for growing businesses
- ✗Limited integrations
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
Quicken vs Patriot Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Quicken | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $17/mo + $4/person |
| Best For | Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Quicken Features
- ✓Personal finance
- ✓budgeting
- ✓investment tracking
- ✓bill management
- ✓tax planning
- ✓reporting
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
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Best For
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither Quicken nor Patriot Payroll is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Quicken and Patriot Payroll?
Quicken is best for sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Which is better, Quicken or Patriot Payroll?
Choose Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
How much does Quicken cost?
Visit Quicken website for current pricing.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Quicken?
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution