Choosing the best payroll software for Mac when you’re running a business on a Mac, isn’t just about price, it’s also about how easily the software works across devices, how well it handles compliance, and whether it actually saves you time.
Two names that come up often for small businesses in the U.S. are OnPay and Patriot Payroll.
Both are cloud-based, both are built for small teams, and both promise to simplify paying your employees and staying compliant. But they take very different approaches under the hood.
If you’re stuck choosing between them, this guide breaks down what actually matters, beyond the marketing.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Feature | OnPay | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Growing teams that want HR tools + integrations | Budget-conscious businesses that want basic payroll with room to grow including HR add-ons. |
| Mac Compatibility | Excellent (web-based, works well in Safari & Chrome) | Excellent (web-based, works well in Safari & Chrome) |
| Ease of Use | Clean, modern interface | More functional than intuitive |
| Full-Service Payroll | ✅ Included | ✅ (extra charge for full service) |
| HR Features | ✅ Built-in (org charts, PTO, docs) | HR add on $6 per month plus $2 per employee |
| Integrations | QuickBooks, Xero, TSheets, Deputy, more | QuickBooks, Patriot Accounting only |
| Customer Support | Excellent (phone, email, chat) | Excellent (phone, email, chat) |
| Monthly Cost | $49 base + $6 per person | $17–$37 base + $4 per person |
Platform Compatibility: Mac Users Take Note
Both OnPay and Patriot Payroll are cloud-based, which means there’s no need to install anything. If you’re using macOS, you’ll be able to access both via Safari or Chrome.
- OnPay feels a bit more refined on a Mac, with better support for modern browsers and retina displays. It’s responsive, clean, and has no weird UI glitches when used on Safari.
- Patriot Payroll, also works well in browsers although sometimes feels like a system designed for Windows-first.
If you’re working on a MacBook or iMac full-time, both work well although OnPay arguably feels a bit slicker.
Payroll Features: What You Actually Get
OnPay Includes It All (No Upselling)
OnPay offers full-service payroll in all 50 states, meaning:
- Automatic tax filing and payment
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Direct deposit included
- New hire reporting
- W-2s and 1099s at no extra cost
The key advantage? There’s only one pricing tier, no surprises later.
Patriot’s Pricing Is Flexible
Patriot gives you two options:
- Basic Payroll ($17/month + $4 per employee): You do the tax filing yourself.
- Full-Service Payroll ($37/month + $4 per employee): They file taxes for you.
If you don’t want the full service payroll you can use the basic payroll.
This pricing is very competitive, especially for very small businesses but if you choose the lower tier, be ready to handle tax filings manually or risk non-compliance.
Integrations: What Connects Where?
If your business already runs on accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero, this section matters a lot.
- OnPay offers native integrations with:
- QuickBooks Online
- Xero
- TSheets/QuickBooks Time
- Deputy
- When I Work
- Think HR
These work well and don’t require weird Zapier workarounds.
- Patriot Payroll, by contrast, mostly sticks to its own accounting product (Patriot Accounting) but it does also offer full support for QuickBooks Online and Desktop versions.
If you need more integrations than QuickBooks, then OnPay offers more options.
HR & Employee Management
OnPay doubles as a lightweight HR platform, something. Patriot also offers an HR add-on costing $6 per month plus $2 per employee.
OnPay also includes:
- Org charts
- Time-off tracking
- Custom onboarding workflows
- Employee document storage
- Built-in employee self-service portal
Patriot has an entire HR center for making employee handbooks, a compliance library, LMS system and reporting.
Even if you add in the HR software to Patriot’s Full Service payroll ($37/mo +$5 per worker) the starting cost is $50/mo compared to what Onpay offers (less features and starting price at $55/mo), making it excellent value.
Customer Support
Both offer solid U.S.-based support, but the experience is different.
- Both OnPay and Patriot give you phone, email, and live chat support with real humans.
For new users or during tax season, that real-time chat makes a difference.
Pricing Breakdown (With Examples)
Let’s say you have 5 employees.
- OnPay:
$49 base + $6 × 5 = $275/month, all inclusive
Includes all filings, forms, direct deposit, etc. - Patriot Basic:
$17 base + $4 × 5 = $185/month, but you file taxes - Patriot Full-Service:
$37 base + $4 × 5 = $205/month, tax filing included
But HR tools are extra.
For most growing businesses, OnPay’s extra $13/month buys you HR tools and peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose What?
Go with OnPay if:
- You want HR and payroll in one subscription
- You’re running a Mac-based setup and want a slightly slicker user experience
- You need QuickBooks, Xero, or time-tracking integrations
Choose Patriot Payroll if:
- You’re a sole proprietor or tiny team with a tight budget
- You don’t mind paying extra for HR tools
- You’re comfortable filing payroll taxes yourself (or have an accountant)
- You’re already using Patriot Accounting
Conclusion
OnPay is the better long-term investment if you’re running your business from a Mac and plan to grow. It’s not just payroll, it’s a bridge into HR and automation, without the corporate bloat or enterprise price tag.
Patriot Payroll is still a great option for cost-conscious users who don’t need bells and whistles, but if you’re on a Mac and want something that just works, OnPay will probably save you more than it costs.