When I Work vs Patriot Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
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
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
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
When I Work vs Patriot Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | $17/mo + $4/person |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
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 When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor Patriot Payroll is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between When I Work and Patriot Payroll?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Which is better, When I Work or Patriot Payroll?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution