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Multiplier vs Gusto vs APS Payroll vs Patriot Payroll Comparison

Last updated:

Multiplier

Starting at $40 /month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Multiplier simplifies the process of hiring international employees, with a comprehensive platform that takes care of the global team's payroll, taxes, social contributions and local insurance policies. Expansion into fo…

Gusto

4.4(947 reviews)

Starting at $49 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Medium Business

Gusto is a comprehensive HR platform designed to help businesses of all sizes thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling rapidly, Gusto provides the tools and guidance you need to grow and nurture your team. Tru…

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…

Patriot Payroll

4.9(3,151 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…

Gusto leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 947 reviews.

Multiplier vs Gusto vs APS Payroll vs Patriot Payroll — at a glance

FeatureMultiplierGustoAPS PayrollPatriot Payroll
Rating4.4 / 54.6 / 54.9 / 5
Reviews9471,7763,151
Starting price$40 /month$49 /user/monthContact for pricing$14 /Month
Free trial No Yes No Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryPayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll Software
Integrations11+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyGlobalUSUSUS

Key differences between Multiplier and Gusto

  • Pricing: Multiplier starts at $40 /month, while Gusto starts at $49 /user/month.
  • Free trial: Gusto offers a free trial; Multiplier does not.
  • Target audience: Multiplier is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Gusto targets Freelancers / Consultants and Medium Business.
  • Deployment: Multiplier supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; Gusto supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Multiplier vs Gusto vs APS Payroll vs Patriot Payroll — 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.

Multiplier - Payroll Software
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Gusto - Payroll Software
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APS Payroll - Payroll Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Multiplier

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Gusto

Best for small to mid-sized businesses needing simple, integrated payroll and HR.

Choose if
  • You want an all-in-one platform combining payroll, benefits, hiring, and compliance.
  • Your team values a user-friendly interface with straightforward setup and workflows.
  • You need strong integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks Online.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your business requires highly complex or heavily customized payroll processing.
  • You are a large enterprise with extensive, process-heavy HR workflows.

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.

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.

Multiplier typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Gusto tends to fit Freelancers / Consultants and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Multiplier simplifies the process of hiring international employees, with a comprehensive platform that takes care of the global team's payroll, taxes, social contributions and local ... Read More about Multiplier

Gusto is a comprehensive HR platform designed to help businesses of all sizes thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling rapidly, Gusto provides the tools and guidance you need to ... Read More about Gusto

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

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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $40
  • Starts from $49 , monthly
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $14

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

7.6/10

9.7/10

8.7/10

8.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.36

(947)

4.88

(3151)

Best Company Size

50 to 500 employees
1-50 employees51-100 employees
50-1,000 employeesMedium Business
1-100 employeesSmall to medium businesses
Get pricing help
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

Multiplier

  • Streamlined Global Operations: With Multiplier, managers can effortlessly manage cross-border payroll and compliance, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in administrative details.
  • Cost Efficiency: By leveraging Multiplier's platform, administrators can reduce overhead costs associated with international hiring and compliance, enabling the organization to allocate resources more effectively.
  • Enhanced Employee Experience: Our users appreciate how Multiplier simplifies onboarding for international employees. A smooth onboarding process leads to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Gusto

  • Streamlined Payroll Processing: Gusto simplifies payroll management, allowing administrators to run payroll in just a few clicks. Managers can save valuable time and reduce errors, ensuring employees get paid accurately and on time.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Management: With Gusto, offering employee benefits becomes a breeze. From health insurance to retirement plans, you can easily manage and customize benefits packages that enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Both managers and employees appreciate Gusto's intuitive design. This user-friendly platform means less training time for staff and more focus on what really matters – growing your business.

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.

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.
Best fit

Best fit

Multiplier

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Fintech, SaaS, Consulting, and Sales Automation
  • roles such as Sales Managers, Account Executives, Business Development Representatives, and CRM Administrators

Gusto

  • 1-100 employees
  • Human Resources, Retail, Restaurants, Nonprofits, Professional Services
  • HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Business Owners, Office Managers

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

Patriot Payroll

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

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

Multiplier

  • Users may seek alternatives to Multiplier if they require more tailored solutions for specific industries, as certain platforms offer specialized features that cater better to unique business needs and compliance requirements.
  • Organizations looking for more flexible pricing models might consider alternatives, especially if their workforce fluctuates frequently, as some competitors provide pay-as-you-go or subscription-based plans that align with variable staffing levels.
  • Companies with a global presence may explore other options if they need enhanced multi-currency support and localized payroll features, as some alternatives excel in managing diverse financial regulations and currency conversions.

Gusto

  • Users may seek alternatives to Gusto if they require specific features not offered by the platform, such as advanced payroll reporting or industry-specific compliance tools that better meet their unique business needs.
  • Companies with larger workforces might explore alternatives for scalability, as they may find that other solutions provide more robust support for managing high employee volumes efficiently.
  • Budget-conscious businesses might look for more cost-effective payroll and HR solutions, especially if they find Gusto's pricing structure doesn't align with their financial goals or operational requirements.

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.

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.

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Multiplier, Gusto, APS Payroll and Patriot Payroll Compare on Features?

Total Features

21 Features

54 Features

12 Features

10 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare Multiplier, Gusto, APS Payroll and Patriot Payroll 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

          • $40
          • $49 , monthly
          • Not Available
          • $14

          Pricing Plans

          • Not Available
          • Simple

            $49

            /user/month

            • Full-service, single-state payroll

            • Unlimited runs & automated tax filings

            • Employee portal for paystubs & self-service

          • Plus

            $80

            /user/month

            • Everything in the Simple plan, plus

            • Multi-state payroll w/ Next-Day Direct Deposit

            • Time tracking & PTO management

            Show more +

          • Premium

            $180

            /user/month

            • All Plus features, plus:

            • Dedicated service advisor

            • Access to certified HR experts

            Show more +

          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Page

          Multiplier pricing
          Gusto pricing
          APS Payroll pricing
          Patriot Payroll 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

          • Not Available
          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          Get help choosing
          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
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          ISO 27001

          ✗ No

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🌐 Global
          🇺🇸 US
          🇺🇸 US

          Multiplier vs Gusto vs APS Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          No reviews available for the product

          Rating Distribution

          519

          87

          9

          0

          13

          677

          36

          12

          15

          117

          290

          56

          6

          0

          0

          2925

          164

          24

          15

          22

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          What buyers like

          • Responsive and efficient customer support, often praised for real-time solutions and professionalism.
          • User-friendly platform with an intuitive interface, making navigation and onboarding straightforward.
          • Streamlined payroll and compliance processes, especially for global operations, reducing complexity for users.

          Common complaints

          • Instances of confusion and challenges during the onboarding process for some users.
          • Limited clarity or inconsistency in support availability, with some staff members providing uneven experiences.
          • Initial setup and integration can be more complex without adequate guidance, impacting early impressions.

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and comprehensive features, tempered by some concerns over support consistency and limited advanced customization.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Customer support
          • Integration with accounting tools

          Common complaints

          • Support communication issues
          • Limited advanced customization

          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, 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

          Pros and Cons

          • Responsive and efficient customer support, often praised for real-time solutions and professionalism.

          • User-friendly platform with an intuitive interface, making navigation and onboarding straightforward.

          • Streamlined payroll and compliance processes, especially for global operations, reducing complexity for users.

          • Instances of confusion and challenges during the onboarding process for some users.

          • Limited clarity or inconsistency in support availability, with some staff members providing uneven experiences.

          • Simplifies payroll processing and tax compliance for non-experts

          • Robust integrations with accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online

          • Responsive and efficient customer support

          • Occasional errors or inconsistencies in support communication

          • Challenging transition process from other payroll providers without guidance

          • 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

          • 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

          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

          Uber

          Uber

          pwc

          pwc

          The Economist

          The Economist

          Handlebar Cyclery

          Handlebar Cyclery

          Dwg

          Dwg

          American Canning

          American Canning

          Central Christian

          Central Christian

          Antoine’s Restaurant

          Antoine’s Restaurant

          Faith Promise Church

          Faith Promise Church

          No Customers information available.

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          Multiplier

          6 Screenshots

          gusto

          4 Screenshots

          No screenshots available.

          Videos

          video-0

          2 Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

          video-0

          3 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, Multiplier or Gusto?
          Gusto edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Multiplier and Gusto offer a free trial?
          Gusto offers a free trial. Multiplier does not.
          What is the starting price of Multiplier vs Gusto?
          Multiplier starts at $40 /month. Gusto starts at $49 /user/month.
          What are the top alternatives to Multiplier?
          Top alternatives to Multiplier include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Pilot, Hive Payroll.
          What are the top alternatives to Gusto?
          Top alternatives to Gusto include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Freshbooks, BambooHR.

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