EPAY HCM vs Hive Payroll vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex Comparison
EPAY HCM
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
EPAY Handheld payroll software is the easiest way to view, manage and produce paychecks on the go. EPAY was developed with you in mind by people who believe convenience is number one. Every feature of EPAY payroll has be…
Hive Payroll
Starting at $17 /month
- Free Trial
- Medium Business
- Small Business
The Hive Payroll Software is powerful and simple to use, providing a complete range of payroll services for single or multi-site businesses. From calculating and issuing payslips to taking care of your statutory obligati…
Patriot Payroll
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
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…
Hive Payroll leads on user satisfaction with a 5.0-star rating across 1 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
EPAY HCMHive PayrollPatriot Payroll
The core difference between EPAY HCM and Hive Payroll lies in EPAY HCM's focus on larger organizations across various industries, while Hive Payroll offers a straightforward pricing model without specified company size or industry focus. EPAY HCM is ideal for mid to large-sized companies in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, whereas Hive Payroll may appeal to smaller businesses looking for a budget-friendly payroll solution.
- Designed for companies with 100–10,000+ employees - Suitable for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and retail - Targets HR Directors, Payroll Managers, and Compliance Officers - Comprehensive workforce management features - Emphasizes compliance and operational efficiency - Pricing details not publicly available
- Simple pricing at $17 per user - No specific company size or industry restrictions - Focuses primarily on payroll processing - Ideal for smaller businesses seeking cost-effective solutions - User-friendly interface for easy navigation - Limited information on additional features or integrations
EPAY HCM vs Hive Payroll vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex — at a glance
| Feature | EPAY HCM | Hive Payroll | Patriot Payroll | Paychex Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Reviews | 150 | 1 | 3,876 | 3,034 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | $17 /month | $14 /Month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Integrations | — | — | 11+ apps | — |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | — | — | Available | — |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep) | Online | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep) |
| Certifications | — | SOC 2, GDPR | — | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Data residency | US | US | US | US |
Key differences between EPAY HCM and Hive Payroll
- Pricing: Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month. EPAY HCM pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Hive Payroll offers a free trial; EPAY HCM does not.
- Target audience: EPAY HCM is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Hive Payroll targets Medium Business and Small Business.
- User satisfaction: Hive Payroll scores higher with a 5.0-star average.
- Deployment: EPAY HCM supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; Hive Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
Compare EPAY HCM vs Hive Payroll vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex — and walk away knowing which one fits.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business
Medium Business, Small Business
Best payroll software for small businesses needing simple, affordable solutions.
- 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.
- You require advanced, highly customizable payroll features for complex business needs.
- You are a large enterprise scaling beyond small to medium business capabilities.
Best for mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll and HR compliance.
- 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.
- You are a freelancer or very small business needing transparent, upfront pricing.
- You require highly customizable payroll workflows to fit unique business processes.
EPAY HCM typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Hive Payroll tends to fit Medium Business and Small Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | EPAY Handheld payroll software is the easiest way to view, manage and produce paychecks on the go. EPAY was developed with you in mind by people who believe convenience is number one. Every ... Read More about EPAY HCM | The Hive Payroll Software is powerful and simple to use, providing a complete range of payroll services for single or multi-site businesses. From calculating and issuing payslips to taking ... Read More about Hive Payroll | 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 |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||||
Best Company Size | 100–10,000+ employees | — | 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.
Key strengths
- Comprehensive Workforce Management: Combines payroll, time and attendance, HR, and benefits in a unified cloud platform designed for distributed workforces.
- Mobile-Enabled Self-Service: Empowers employees and managers with mobile access to schedules, time tracking, and payroll information anytime, anywhere.
- Robust Compliance & Reporting: Helps organizations stay compliant with labor laws while providing detailed, customizable reports to manage labor costs effectively.
No key benefits available yet.
- 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.
- 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
- 100–10,000+ employees
- Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and field services
- HR Directors, Payroll Managers, Workforce Coordinators, Compliance Officers, and Operations Managers
No best-fit guidance available yet.
- 1–100 employees
- Retail, construction, professional services, healthcare, nonprofit, and manufacturing
- Small Business Owners, Accountants, Payroll Managers, Office Managers, and HR Coordinators
- 1 to 1,000 employees
- HR Services, Professional Services, Retail, Healthcare, and Nonprofit Organizations
- HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Business Owners, and Operations Managers
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Organizations needing global payroll capabilities might consider providers with broader multinational compliance.
- Companies seeking full talent management suites including recruiting and learning management may prefer larger HCM platforms.
- Businesses prioritizing modern, intuitive mobile-first experiences could explore cloud-native workforce solutions.
No alternatives guidance available yet.
- 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.
- 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.
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How do EPAY HCM, Hive Payroll, Patriot Payroll and Paychex Flex Compare on Features?
Total Features | 8 Features | 6 Features | 10 Features | 29 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare EPAY HCM, Hive Payroll, 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.
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Pricing Page | Pricing information not available |  |  |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | — | ✗ No |
GDPR | — | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | — | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | — |
Data Encryption | — | — |
Audit Logs | — | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
EPAY HCM vs Hive Payroll vs Patriot Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||||
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Rating Distribution | ||||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is very strong across 143 reviews, with consistently positive feedback. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is very strong across 1 reviews, with consistently positive feedback. What buyers like
Common complaints
| 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
Common complaints
| 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
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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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. |
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List of Customers
Customers |  EPAY HCM_customers_0  EPAY HCM_customers_1  EPAY HCM_customers_2 | No Customers information available. | No Customers information available. |  Wells Fargo  First Citizens Bank  Huntington National Bank |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  10 Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |
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Videos |  3 Videos |  1 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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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, EPAY HCM or Hive Payroll?
- Hive Payroll edges out the other on user ratings (5.0 vs 4.7). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do EPAY HCM and Hive Payroll offer a free trial?
- Hive Payroll offers a free trial. EPAY HCM does not.
- What is the starting price of EPAY HCM vs Hive Payroll?
- EPAY HCM starts at Contact for pricing. Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month.
- What are the top alternatives to EPAY HCM?
- Top alternatives to EPAY HCM include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, BambooHR, UrHRM.
- What are the top alternatives to Hive Payroll?
- Top alternatives to Hive Payroll include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Payroo, CheckMark Payroll.