Manatal vs Square Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Manatal is our recommended pick for most teams — recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting ai-powered ats at an affordable price.
Try Manatal →Read our full Manatal review →Manatal
Manatal is an AI-powered applicant tracking system designed for recruitment agencies and corporate HR teams. It offers one of the most affordable price points in the ATS market while including advanced AI features like candidate scoring, enrichment from LinkedIn and social profiles, and automated recommendations. Manatal is popular in Southeast Asia and with global recruiting agencies.
Square Payroll
Square Payroll is a simple and affordable payroll solution built for small businesses, especially those already using Square for payments. It handles full-service payroll, tax filings, and tip management automatically.
Pros
- ✓One of the most affordable ATS tools with genuine AI features
- ✓AI candidate scoring and profile enrichment save significant research time
- ✓Simple to set up and use
- ✓Good for recruitment agencies managing multiple clients
Cons
- ✗Less established in Western markets compared to Greenhouse or Lever
- ✗Some advanced features limited to higher tiers
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
- ✗Limited employer branding customization
Pros
- ✓Very easy to use
- ✓Affordable flat pricing
- ✓Seamless Square POS integration
- ✓Handles tips and hourly workers well
- ✓Full-service tax filing included
Cons
- ✗Limited features for complex payroll needs
- ✗Not suited for larger businesses
- ✗HR features are basic
- ✗Best value only for Square ecosystem users
Manatal vs Square Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Manatal | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Manatal Features
- ✓AI candidate scoring
- ✓social profile enrichment
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓job posting
- ✓collaboration tools
- ✓career page
- ✓analytics
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Manatal
- →Recruiting agencies managing multiple client pipelines
- →HR teams wanting AI-powered candidate scoring
- →Companies sourcing candidates from LinkedIn at scale
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Manatal is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies needing full HRIS beyond recruiting
- ✗Small businesses with occasional hiring needs
- ✗Teams wanting a free ATS option
Integrations
Manatal
LinkedIn, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zapier, Google Calendar, Zoom, Teams
Our Take
Choose Manatal if recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting ai-powered ats at an affordable price. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Best For
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Manatal and Square Payroll?
Manatal is best for recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting ai-powered ats at an affordable price. Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Which is better, Manatal or Square Payroll?
Choose Manatal if recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting ai-powered ats at an affordable price. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
How much does Manatal cost?
Manatal starts at $15/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use Manatal?
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution