Rippling ATS vs Square Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
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 connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
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
Rippling ATS vs Square Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling ATS | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither Rippling ATS nor Square Payroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Rippling ATS and Square Payroll?
Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
Which is better, Rippling ATS or Square Payroll?
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution