Gusto vs Patriot Payroll for Teams Under 10 (2026 Cost Comparison)
Gusto vs Patriot Payroll for small teams: monthly cost for 1, 5, and 10 people, what to check, and which fits whom.
Published · 5 min read
Quick answer
Patriot's list prices are lower than Gusto Simple for small teams. Compare what each plan includes, especially tax filing, before choosing on price alone.
Monthly cost for teams under 10
Prices below are monthly list prices checked on October 20, 2026, excluding promotions, add-ons, and taxes. Confirm current pricing on each provider's site before deciding.
When Patriot may be worth a look
- Keeping monthly cost as low as possible is your top priority
- You only need core payroll
- You're comfortable handling more tasks yourself on a basic plan
When Gusto may be the better fit
- You want payroll, benefits options, and HR tools like onboarding in one place
- You expect to grow past a few employees and want room to upgrade plans
- You'd rather compare features than chase the lowest monthly price
Questions to ask before choosing
- Does the plan file payroll taxes for you, or only calculate them?
- Are HR tools an add-on?
- What support is included?
| Plan | 1 person | 5 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto Simple$49/mo + $6/person · Gusto's entry plan | $55 | $79 | $109 |
| Patriot Basic Payroll$17/mo + $4/person · Check which tax filings are included | $21 | $37 | $57 |
| Patriot Full Service Payroll$37/mo + $5/person · Patriot's full service plan | $42 | $62 | $87 |
Sources: Gusto pricing · Patriot pricing
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto cheaper than Patriot?
It depends on the plan and team size. See the cost table above, calculated from list prices on October 20, 2026.
See if Gusto fits your business
Compare plans, pricing, and eligibility directly with Gusto.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. GetBizFlow is an independent referral site and may receive a referral benefit if you sign up through our links.