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Head-to-head · Nonprofit Payroll Software

Patriot Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Patriot Payroll #3 in Nonprofit Payroll Software 8.5/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Try Patriot Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll #8 in Nonprofit Payroll Software 6.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 5 features Visit QuickBooks

Patriot Payroll leads on 1 check, QuickBooks Payroll on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePatriot Payroll · 8.5/10
  • Lowest starting pricePatriot Payroll · $17/mo
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresPatriot Payroll · 5 of 5

Patriot Payroll scores higher on our rubric for nonprofit payroll software: 8.5 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Patriot Payroll is cheaper to start at $17/mo against $50/mo.

Patriot Payroll is the better fit for budget-conscious nonprofits. QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for quickBooks-centered nonprofits.

  • Patriot Payroll fits best

    Budget-conscious nonprofits

  • QuickBooks Payroll fits best

    QuickBooks-centered nonprofits

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 Patriot Payroll 8.5/10 Visit ↗ QuickBooks Payroll 6.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 6.9
Ranking #3 in Nonprofit Payroll Software #8 in Nonprofit Payroll Software
Best for Budget-conscious nonprofits QuickBooks-centered nonprofits
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $17/mo (best) $50/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
Integrations 4 integrations 5 integrations
Features Patriot Payroll 5/5 · QuickBooks Payroll 2/5
Tax filing included ✓ ✓
Nonprofit tax support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Multi-state payroll ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Time tracking ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Employee limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • $17 monthly Basic Payroll plan with unlimited payrolls
  • Nonprofit FUTA and SUTA exemption settings
  • Contractor payments, portals, and multi-state payroll support
  • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
  • Provides direct deposit and employee self-service portals
  • Connects with QuickBooks Online, Square, and benefits platforms
Cons
  • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer
  • Full Service Payroll costs $37 per month
  • Time and attendance is an optional feature
  • Higher-tier plans are needed for time tracking and scheduling
  • The product is designed for small businesses, not only nonprofits
  • Less suited to buyers prioritizing tip management or one payroll frequency
Our verdict

Patriot Payroll is online payroll software for U.S. businesses, nonprofits, charities, and foundations. It handles payroll calculations, direct deposit, printable checks, automatic payroll, multiple pay rates, payroll reports, and…

Read the review →

QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud payroll service for small businesses, including nonprofits that already work in the QuickBooks ecosystem. It calculates, files, and pays payroll taxes; supports direct deposit; provides employee portals for…

Read the review →
  1. Patriot PayrollNonprofit Payroll Software 8.530-day trial
  2. QuickBooks PayrollNonprofit Payroll Software 6.930-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Patriot Payroll — where it wins

    • $17 monthly Basic Payroll plan with unlimited payrolls
    • Nonprofit FUTA and SUTA exemption settings
    • Contractor payments, portals, and multi-state payroll support

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer
    • Full Service Payroll costs $37 per month
    • Time and attendance is an optional feature

  • QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins

    • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
    • Provides direct deposit and employee self-service portals
    • Connects with QuickBooks Online, Square, and benefits platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Higher-tier plans are needed for time tracking and scheduling
    • The product is designed for small businesses, not only nonprofits
    • Less suited to buyers prioritizing tip management or one payroll frequency
  • Patriot Payroll8.5/10 · 30-day trial

    Affordable nonprofit payroll with exemption settings, contractor payments, and optional tax filing.

    Try Patriot PayrollFull verdict →
  • QuickBooks Payroll6.9/10 · 30-day trial

    A QuickBooks-focused payroll service with tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service.

    Visit QuickBooksFull verdict →

More comparisons

All nonprofit payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update