Paymo vs Square Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
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
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
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
Paymo vs Square Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Paymo | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither Paymo nor Square Payroll is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paymo and Square Payroll?
Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Which is better, Paymo or Square Payroll?
Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution