Salesforce vs Patriot Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Salesforce
Salesforce is the world's leading CRM platform used by over 150,000 businesses of all sizes. It offers a highly customizable suite of sales, service, marketing, and analytics tools. Salesforce is the gold standard for enterprise CRM but has solutions for businesses of all sizes through its Starter and Pro plans.
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
- ✓Most powerful and customizable CRM on the market
- ✓Massive ecosystem with 3,000+ AppExchange integrations
- ✓Industry-leading reporting and analytics
- ✓Strong community and support resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive and complex for small teams
- ✗Long implementation timelines for enterprise deployments
- ✗Requires dedicated admin resources to get the most out of it
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
Salesforce vs Patriot Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Salesforce | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $17/mo + $4/person |
| Best For | Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Salesforce Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓opportunity tracking
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓AI insights
- ✓reporting and dashboards
- ✓AppExchange integrations
- ✓mobile app
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 Salesforce if mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Best For
Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither Salesforce nor Patriot Payroll is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Salesforce and Patriot Payroll?
Salesforce is best for mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm. Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Which is better, Salesforce or Patriot Payroll?
Choose Salesforce if mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
How much does Salesforce cost?
Salesforce starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Salesforce?
Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution