Square Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform trusted by over 900,000 businesses worldwide. It covers payroll, benefits, talent management, time tracking, and compliance in one integrated suite. ADP is the industry standard for mid to large businesses that need enterprise-grade reliability.
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
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading reliability and compliance expertise
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ third-party apps
- ✓Strong reporting and workforce analytics
- ✓Dedicated support and implementation resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- ✗User interface is complex and can require significant training
- ✗Long-term contracts with early termination fees
Square Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | ADP Workforce Now |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $62/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor ADP Workforce Now 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 Square Payroll and ADP Workforce Now?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Which is better, Square Payroll or ADP Workforce Now?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR