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Head-to-head · Direct Deposit Payroll

OnPay vs Patriot Payroll

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score OnPay #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit OnPay
Patriot Payroll #4 in Direct Deposit Payroll 8.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Patriot

OnPay leads on 0 checks, Patriot Payroll on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOnPay · 8.8/10
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresOnPay · 2 of 2

OnPay scores higher on our rubric for direct deposit payroll: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

OnPay is the better fit for small employers with multi-state payroll needs. Patriot Payroll is the better fit for small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit.

  • OnPay fits best

    Small employers with multi-state payroll needs

  • Patriot Payroll fits best

    Small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature OnPay 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Patriot Payroll 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll #4 in Direct Deposit Payroll
Best for Small employers with multi-state payroll needs Small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $17/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Email, Live chat, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Compliance 2FA, SSO/SAML SOC 2
Integrations 5 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market
Features OnPay 2/2 · Patriot Payroll 1/2
Payroll tax filing ✓ ✓
Employee self-service ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Pay frequency Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deposit speed Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll countries Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Runs payroll across all 50 states with tax filings and payments
  • Supports W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tips, and overtime
  • Offers unlimited pay runs, multiple schedules, and employee self-service
  • Basic Payroll includes free direct deposit and unlimited payrolls.
  • Automatic payroll, employee and contractor portals, and payroll reports are included.
  • Full Service adds federal, state, and local tax filings and deposits.
Cons
  • HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
  • No ongoing free plan is available
  • 24/7 support is not offered
  • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer.
  • Tax filing requires the $37-per-month Full Service Payroll plan.
  • Time and attendance is optional rather than included.
Our verdict

OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR service for small businesses, restaurants, and bars. It handles W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, with direct deposit, checks, and prepaid debit cards for employee payments. Payroll Essentials…

Read the review →

Patriot Payroll is online payroll software for U.S. businesses, nonprofits, charities, and foundations. It handles payroll calculations, direct deposit or printable checks, and supports both employees and contractors through separate…

Read the review →
  1. OnPayDirect Deposit Payroll 8.830-day trial
  2. Patriot PayrollDirect Deposit Payroll 8.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OnPay — where it wins

    • Runs payroll across all 50 states with tax filings and payments
    • Supports W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tips, and overtime
    • Offers unlimited pay runs, multiple schedules, and employee self-service

    Where it doesn't

    • HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
    • No ongoing free plan is available
    • 24/7 support is not offered

  • Patriot Payroll — where it wins

    • Basic Payroll includes free direct deposit and unlimited payrolls.
    • Automatic payroll, employee and contractor portals, and payroll reports are included.
    • Full Service adds federal, state, and local tax filings and deposits.

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer.
    • Tax filing requires the $37-per-month Full Service Payroll plan.
    • Time and attendance is optional rather than included.
  • OnPay8.8/10 · 30-day trial

    A multi-state payroll service with direct deposit, tax filings, and optional HR tools.

    Visit OnPayFull verdict →
  • Patriot Payroll8.7/10 · 30-day trial

    A low-cost payroll option for small businesses that can handle tax remittance themselves.

    Visit PatriotFull verdict →

More comparisons

All direct deposit payroll comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update