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MYOB vs QuickBooks Payroll vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex Comparison

Last updated:

MYOB

4.3(121 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Individuals
  • Large Enterprises

MYOB is accounting software for Australian and New Zealand small businesses, built in compliance with ATO requirements. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, tax reporting, and supplier management, with direct…

QuickBooks Payroll

4.3(56 reviews)

Starting at $49 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Small Business

QuickBooks Payroll makes it easy to stay on top of your HR needs. It’s payroll software that gives you the power to handle all the payroll processing you need, from modeling an employee’s paycheck to tracking deductions…

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…

Paychex Flex

4.4(772 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…

QuickBooks Payroll leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 56 reviews.

MYOB vs QuickBooks Payroll vs Patriot Payroll vs Paychex Flex — at a glance

FeatureMYOBQuickBooks PayrollPatriot PayrollPaychex Flex
Rating4.3 / 54.3 / 54.9 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews121563,151772
Starting priceContact for pricing$49 /Month$14 /MonthContact for pricing
Free trial Yes Yes Yes No
Free version No No No No
Best forIndividuals, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessSmall BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryAccounting SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll Software
Integrations8+ apps11+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), OnlineBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep)
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyAustraliaUSUS

Key differences between MYOB and QuickBooks Payroll

  • Pricing: QuickBooks Payroll starts at $49 /Month. MYOB pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Target audience: MYOB is built for Individuals and Large Enterprises, while QuickBooks Payroll targets Small Business.
  • User satisfaction: QuickBooks Payroll scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
  • Deployment: MYOB supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; QuickBooks Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare MYOB vs QuickBooks Payroll 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 Accounting 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.

MYOB - Accounting Software
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QuickBooks Payroll - Payroll Software
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Talk to an expert

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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

MYOB

Best for small to mid-sized businesses needing comprehensive, automated accounting.

Choose if
  • You require strong integration with local tax authorities for compliance.
  • You want automated bank feeds and payroll to reduce manual bookkeeping.
  • Your team includes accountants or bookkeepers who benefit from collaboration features.
Consider alternatives if
  • You need a modern, highly intuitive user interface and design.
  • You have a tight budget sensitive to subscription and add-on costs.

QuickBooks Payroll

Best for

Small Business

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.

MYOB typically suits Individuals and Large Enterprises. QuickBooks Payroll tends to fit Small Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

MYOB is accounting software for Australian and New Zealand small businesses, built in compliance with ATO requirements. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, tax reporting, and ... Read More about MYOB

QuickBooks Payroll makes it easy to stay on top of your HR needs. It’s payroll software that gives you the power to handle all the payroll processing you need, from modeling an employee’s ... Read More about QuickBooks 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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Not Available
  • Starts from $49
  • Starts from $14
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available
  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

9.3/10

9.2/10

8.8/10

9.2/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.29

(121)

4.32

(56)

4.88

(3151)

4.42

(772)

Best Company Size

1-50 employees51-100 employees
1–500 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.

Strengths

Key strengths

MYOB

  • Streamlined Financial Management: With MYOB, we can easily manage our financial processes, from invoicing to payroll. This lets our team spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on growth.
  • Real-time Reporting: MYOB's reporting tools provide instant insights into our business performance. This allows us to make informed decisions quickly, helping us stay competitive.
  • User-friendly Interface: Built for easy use, MYOB is intuitive for all team members. Whether you're a seasoned accountant or a business manager, working with the software feels smooth and straightforward.

QuickBooks Payroll

  • Compliance and Tax Support: The platform keeps tax compliance current, automatically calculates taxes, and manages filings to reduce penalties.
  • Integrated Accounting Solutions: It integrates smoothly with QuickBooks Accounting software, providing real-time financial insights and simplifying bookkeeping.
  • Seamless Payroll Processing: QuickBooks Payroll automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits, reducing manual errors and saving time.

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

  • Simplified HR Management: With Paychex Flex, managers can easily handle payroll, benefits, and compliance all in one platform. This saves time and reduces errors—letting you focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Employee Empowerment: Employees appreciate the self-service capabilities that let them access pay stubs, manage benefits, and request time off at their convenience. This improves engagement and builds 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 lets you customize features to fit your company's specific needs, so you stay prepared for future growth.
Best fit

Best fit

MYOB

  • 1 to 100 employees
  • Fintech, Consulting, Retail, and Professional Services
  • Accountants, Financial Managers, Business Owners, and Bookkeepers

QuickBooks Payroll

  • 1–500 employees
  • Retail, professional services, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and nonprofits.
  • Payroll Managers, HR Managers, Accountants, Business Owners, and Finance Directors.

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

MYOB

  • Users may seek alternatives to MYOB if they require more advanced features, such as comprehensive reporting tools or integrations with other software, which may not be fully supported by MYOB’s offerings.
  • Businesses experiencing rapid growth might look for scalable solutions that can adapt to their evolving needs, as MYOB might not provide the necessary flexibility for larger operations.
  • Some users may find MYOB's user interface challenging or less intuitive, prompting them to explore alternatives that offer a more user-friendly experience and better customer support.

QuickBooks Payroll

  • Businesses requiring industry-specific payroll features may seek specialized platforms.
  • Companies looking for more robust HR management and employee benefits integration may explore other solutions.
  • Organizations with complex multinational payroll needs might prefer global payroll providers.

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 MYOB, QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Payroll and Paychex Flex Compare on Features?

Total Features

17 Features

12 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 MYOB, QuickBooks 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.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • Not Available
          • $49
          • $14
          • Not Available

          Pricing Plans

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

          Pricing Page

          MYOB pricing
          QuickBooks Payroll 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

          HIPAA

          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🇦🇺 Australia

          MYOB vs QuickBooks Payroll vs Patriot Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          Rating Distribution

          80

          25

          6

          0

          10

          30

          14

          6

          0

          2

          2925

          164

          24

          15

          22

          569

          136

          25

          9

          33

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlighting MYOB’s comprehensive features and ease of use, tempered by concerns over customer support and software reliability.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Comprehensive accounting features
          • Automation and bank feed integration

          Common complaints

          • Customer support delays and issues
          • Software bugs and outdated interface

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyer sentiment is positive across 52 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

          What buyers like

          • Automates tax filing, paycheck generation, and sends real-time notifications to reduce manual effort.
          • Interface includes step-by-step tutorials and works for both beginners and experienced users.
          • Integrates with QuickBooks for financial reporting and analytics.

          Common complaints

          • Steeper pricing compared to alternative payroll systems, especially for smaller businesses or limited payroll needs.
          • Complexity in resolving reporting errors or adjusting liabilities, often requiring external support or advanced accounting knowledge.
          • Occasional glitches, lag, and freezes, especially with the online version, impacting usability and efficiency.

          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

          • Comprehensive accounting features including payroll, expense tracking, and tax compliance

          • User-friendly interface that simplifies bookkeeping and reporting tasks

          • Automated processes and bank feed integrations reducing manual effort

          • Customer support issues including long wait times and unresolved queries

          • Frequent bugs and system glitches impacting usability

          • Simplifies payroll management with automation for tax filing, paycheck generation, and real-time notifications, reducing errors and manual effort.

          • Intuitive and user-friendly interface, suitable for both experienced users and beginners, with step-by-step tutorials for easy setup.

          • Offers robust integration with accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks), providing seamless financial reporting and analytics.

          • Steeper pricing compared to alternative payroll systems, especially for smaller businesses or limited payroll needs.

          • Complexity in resolving reporting errors or adjusting liabilities, often requiring external support or advanced accounting knowledge.

          • 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

          Negative 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

          Used MYOB, QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Payroll, or Paychex Flex? Tell buyers what actually differs.

          Integrations

          Integration with other apps

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          List of Customers

          Customers

          No Customers information available.

          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

          PowerBI Dashboard

          4 Screenshots

          Workers Payroll

          3 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          4 Videos

          video-0

          1 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, MYOB or QuickBooks Payroll?
          QuickBooks Payroll edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do MYOB and QuickBooks Payroll offer a free trial?
          Yes, both MYOB and QuickBooks Payroll offer a free trial.
          What is the starting price of MYOB vs QuickBooks Payroll?
          MYOB starts at Contact for pricing. QuickBooks Payroll starts at $49 /Month.
          What are the top alternatives to MYOB?
          Top alternatives to MYOB include Xero, Zoho Books, Quickbooks, Freshbooks, FreeAgent.
          What are the top alternatives to QuickBooks Payroll?
          Top alternatives to QuickBooks Payroll include Patriot Payroll, Paychex Flex, Paycor, Quickbooks, Freshbooks.