QuickBooks Payroll vs Square Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
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
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
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
QuickBooks Payroll vs Square Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks Payroll | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
How QuickBooks Payroll and Square Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks Payroll nor Square Payroll is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between QuickBooks Payroll and Square Payroll?
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Square Payroll?
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution