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APS Payroll vs Paycom vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex Comparison

Last updated:

APS Payroll

4.6(1,776 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

APS Payroll provides the functionality, precision, and security you need to help you manage your payroll. It is an easy-to-use yet robust system that meets the needs of even the most complex organizations while deliverin…

Paycom

4.1(2,268 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Paycom revolutionizes HR and payroll with fully automated, employee-first technology. Our single database ensures a seamless flow of employee data, enabling streamlined management of the entire employee life cycle.

Patriot Payroll

4.7(3,876 reviews)

Starting at $14 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

The Patriot's secure payroll solution is designed to lower the total cost of payroll administration, while helping you reduce your staffs' workload. With its fully integrated interface with Patriot's fund accounting and…

Paychex Flex

3.7(3,034 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll software for mid- to large-sized employers, delivering the tools you need to run your business and support your people. This payroll system provides everything you need in just one s…

APS Payroll leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 1,776 reviews.

APS Payroll vs Paycom vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex — at a glance

FeatureAPS PayrollPaycomPatriot PayrollPaychex Flex
Rating4.6 / 54.1 / 54.7 / 53.7 / 5
Reviews1,7762,2683,8763,034
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing$14 /MonthContact for pricing
Free trial No No Yes No
Free version No No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryPayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll Software
Integrations11+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness HoursBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep)
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyUSUSUSUS

Key differences between APS Payroll and Paycom

  • User satisfaction: APS Payroll scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: APS Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Paycom supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare APS Payroll vs Paycom vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Payroll Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

APS Payroll - Payroll Software
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Paycom - Payroll Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

APS Payroll

Best for medium businesses needing reliable, integrated payroll and HR management.

Choose if
  • You are a medium-sized healthcare, nonprofit, or professional services organization.
  • You want a unified payroll and HR platform with attendance and recruiting features.
  • You value strong integration with Sage Intacct and responsive customer support.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require highly customizable deduction fields and benefits management.
  • You need rapid, seamless QuickBooks integration and extensive benefits carrier connections.

Paycom

Best for medium businesses needing integrated, automated HR and payroll management.

Choose if
  • You manage payroll and HR for 50 to 5000 employees in healthcare, finance, or manufacturing.
  • You want a single database system that ensures seamless employee data flow across HR functions.
  • You need real-time workforce insights and automatic compliance updates to reduce administrative risk.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your company relies heavily on niche third-party HR software requiring deep integration.
  • You are a very small business with simple payroll needs and limited budget transparency.

Patriot Payroll

Best payroll software for small businesses needing simple, affordable solutions.

Choose if
  • You run a small to medium business with up to 100 employees.
  • You want a user-friendly, streamlined payroll system with strong US-based support.
  • You need integration with fund accounting and compliance tools for payroll automation.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require advanced, highly customizable payroll features for complex business needs.
  • You are a large enterprise scaling beyond small to medium business capabilities.

Paychex Flex

Best for mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll and HR compliance.

Choose if
  • You manage a company with 51-1000 employees requiring streamlined payroll and tax filing.
  • You want a cloud-based platform with employee self-service for paystubs and tax forms.
  • You value integrated payroll and HR management with strong customer support.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small business needing transparent, upfront pricing.
  • You require highly customizable payroll workflows to fit unique business processes.

APS Payroll: Best for medium businesses needing reliable, integrated payroll and HR management. Paycom: Best for medium businesses needing integrated, automated HR and payroll management.

Description

APS Payroll provides the functionality, precision, and security you need to help you manage your payroll. It is an easy-to-use yet robust system that meets the needs of even the most ... Read More about APS Payroll

Paycom revolutionizes HR and payroll with fully automated, employee-first technology. Our single database ensures a seamless flow of employee data, enabling streamlined management of the ... Read More about Paycom

The Patriot's secure payroll solution is designed to lower the total cost of payroll administration, while helping you reduce your staffs' workload. With its fully integrated interface with ... Read More about Patriot Payroll

Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll software for mid- to large-sized employers, delivering the tools you need to run your business and support your people. This payroll system provides ... Read More about Paychex Flex

Entry Level Pricing

  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $14
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.7/10

9.8/10

8.8/10

9.2/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

Best Company Size

50-1,000 employeesMedium Business
50-5000 employeesMedium Business
1-100 employeesSmall to medium businesses
51-500 employees501-1000 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

APS Payroll

  • Unified Payroll & HR Platform: Offers a centralized system for payroll, HR, attendance, and recruiting, enhancing efficiency across employee management.
  • Compliance & Tax Automation: Manages payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments across federal, state, and local jurisdictions with accuracy.
  • Customizable Reporting & Analytics: Provides robust, real-time insights into workforce data to support informed HR and finance decisions.

Paycom

  • Streamline your HR and payroll tasks effortlessly—Paycom's intuitive software consolidates everything from payroll processing to employee onboarding, giving you more time to focus on strategic initiatives.
  • I appreciate Paycom's real-time data insights; executives and managers can quickly view critical workforce metrics, empowering smarter, informed decisions.
  • Enhance compliance and reduce risk—Paycom automatically updates with the latest regulatory requirements, helping administrators stay worry-free and compliant.

Patriot Payroll

  • Flexible Payroll Options: Choose between basic and full-service payroll, depending on whether you want to handle tax filing yourself or let Patriot do it.
  • Easy-to-Use Interface: Designed with small business owners in mind, the platform simplifies payroll processing with intuitive navigation and clear workflows.
  • Affordable Pricing & U.S. Support: Offers competitive rates with no hidden fees and access to expert, U.S.-based customer support when needed.

Paychex Flex

  • Streamlined HR Management: With Paychex Flex, managers can effortlessly handle payroll, benefits, and compliance all in one platform. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors—ensuring you can focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Employee Empowerment: Employees appreciate the self-service capabilities that allow them to access pay stubs, manage benefits, and request time off at their convenience. This not only boosts engagement but also fosters a culture of responsibility and ownership.
  • Scalable Solutions: Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Paychex Flex grows with you. Its flexible architecture allows you to tailor features that fit your company’s unique needs, ensuring you’re always equipped for what lies ahead.
Best fit

Best fit

APS Payroll

  • 50–1,000 employees
  • Healthcare, nonprofits, education, professional services, manufacturing, and hospitality
  • HR Directors, Payroll Managers, Finance Leaders, Operations Managers, and Compliance Officers

Paycom

  • 50 - 5,000 employees
  • Healthcare, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Consulting
  • HR Managers, Payroll Specialists, Benefits Administrators, Talent Acquisition Specialists, Finance Managers, Operations Managers

Patriot Payroll

  • 1–100 employees
  • Retail, construction, professional services, healthcare, nonprofit, and manufacturing
  • Small Business Owners, Accountants, Payroll Managers, Office Managers, and HR Coordinators

Paychex Flex

  • 1 to 1,000 employees
  • HR Services, Professional Services, Retail, Healthcare, and Nonprofit Organizations
  • HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Business Owners, and Operations Managers
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

APS Payroll

  • Companies needing international payroll support may consider platforms with global compliance capabilities.
  • Businesses seeking highly customizable HR workflows or advanced talent management tools might opt for full-suite HCM systems.
  • Organizations prioritizing rapid deployment and out-of-the-box integrations could explore more plug-and-play solutions.

Paycom

  • Users might seek alternatives if Paycom's pricing structure is not cost-effective for smaller businesses, prompting them to find solutions offering more flexible or scalable pricing options.
  • Companies requiring extensive customization or integration with existing software may consider alternatives if Paycom's capabilities don't align with their specialized technical needs.
  • Organizations experiencing difficulties with Paycom's customer support might prefer alternative providers known for more responsive or personalized client service.

Patriot Payroll

  • Small businesses looking for simple payroll solutions with affordable, transparent pricing and U.S.-based support.
  • Companies needing basic or full-service payroll options with the flexibility to manage taxes internally or outsource.
  • Businesses prioritizing user-friendly software without the complexity of enterprise-level platforms.

Paychex Flex

  • Users may seek alternatives to Paychex Flex due to its pricing structure, as smaller businesses or startups often find the costs prohibitive compared to other payroll solutions that offer similar services at lower rates.
  • Some businesses might require more customizable features than Paychex Flex provides, leading them to explore platforms that allow for tailored payroll configurations to better meet their unique operational needs.
  • Integration capabilities with existing accounting or HR systems can be a concern; users may prefer alternatives that offer seamless connectivity to their preferred software tools for streamlined operations and data management.

Software Demo

Demo

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How do APS Payroll, Paycom, Patriot Payroll and Paychex Flex Compare on Features?

Total Features

12 Features

68 Features

10 Features

29 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare APS Payroll, Paycom, Patriot Payroll and Paychex Flex on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • $14
          • Not Available

          Pricing Plans

          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Page

          APS Payroll pricing
          Paycom pricing
          Patriot Payroll pricingPaychex Flex pricing

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)

          Modes of support

          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

          • Available
          • Not Available
          • Available
          • Not Available
          Get help choosing
          Get help choosing

          Security & Compliance

          Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✗ No
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🇺🇸 US
          🇺🇸 US

          APS Payroll vs Paycom vs Patriot Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          Rating Distribution

          290

          56

          6

          0

          0

          919

          183

          57

          23

          34

          2845

          164

          24

          15

          22

          568

          136

          25

          9

          33

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyers generally praise APS Payroll for its ease of use, integration capabilities, and customer support, though some express concerns about implementation delays and limited customization.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Customer support
          • Integration with third-party software

          Common complaints

          • Implementation delays
          • Limited customization options

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Paycom's ease of use, robust features, and excellent customer service, with some concerns about integration limitations.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Comprehensive payroll and HR features
          • Customer support quality

          Common complaints

          • Integration challenges
          • Pricing transparency

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall, users praise Patriot Payroll for its ease of use, affordability, and strong customer support, with minor setup challenges noted.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Customer support
          • Affordability

          Common complaints

          • Initial learning curve
          • Limited advanced features

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and comprehensive features, tempered by concerns about pricing transparency and some feature inflexibility.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance
          • Employee self-service capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Pricing opacity
          • Limited payroll process flexibility

          Pros and Cons

          • Integration with Sage Intacct reduces manual work

          • User-friendly interface for admins and employees

          • Responsive and knowledgeable customer support

          • Implementation can be disorganized with delays

          • Limited customization in deduction fields, reporting, and benefits

          • Intuitive and user-friendly interface simplifying payroll processing

          • Real-time data insights enabling informed workforce decisions

          • Automatic updates for regulatory compliance reducing risk

          • Potential integration issues with some third-party HR software

          • Pricing is quotation-based and not publicly available

          • User-friendly interface that simplifies payroll tasks

          • Excellent and responsive U.S.-based customer support

          • Affordable pricing with no hidden fees

          • Learning curve for newcomers during initial setup

          • Limited advanced features for larger or complex businesses

          • Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance support including federal and state regulations

          • Employee self-service portal for paystubs and tax forms

          • Accessible cloud-based platform allowing anytime, anywhere access

          • Pricing is quotation-based and not publicly disclosed, complicating budgeting

          • Some users report a learning curve requiring training to use all features effectively

          Positive Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Integrations

          Integration with other apps

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          List of Customers

          Customers

          Central Christian

          Central Christian

          Antoine’s Restaurant

          Antoine’s Restaurant

          Faith Promise Church

          Faith Promise Church

          No Customers information available.

          No Customers information available.

          Wells Fargo

          Wells Fargo

          First Citizens Bank

          First Citizens Bank

          Huntington National Bank

          Huntington National Bank

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          No screenshots available.

          Paycom

          6 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          3 Videos

          video-0

          2 Videos

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          Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

          Frequently asked questions

          Which is better, APS Payroll or Paycom?
          APS Payroll edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do APS Payroll and Paycom offer a free trial?
          Neither APS Payroll nor Paycom currently lists a free trial.
          What is the starting price of APS Payroll vs Paycom?
          APS Payroll starts at Contact for pricing. Paycom starts at Contact for pricing.
          What are the top alternatives to APS Payroll?
          Top alternatives to APS Payroll include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Freshbooks, SurePayroll.
          What are the top alternatives to Paycom?
          Top alternatives to Paycom include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Freshbooks, WebHR.

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