Square Payroll vs BambooHR
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.
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software platform focused on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking. It is widely used by small to mid-size companies for its intuitive interface and strong reporting tools. BambooHR excels at centralizing employee records and streamlining HR workflows.
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
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that HR teams love
- ✓Excellent onboarding tools with e-signatures and task management
- ✓Strong analytics and customizable reporting
- ✓Good mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- ✗Payroll is a US-only add-on that costs extra
- ✗Limited functionality for international teams
- ✗Performance management module is basic compared to dedicated tools
Square Payroll vs BambooHR: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $6/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor BambooHR 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 BambooHR?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Which is better, Square Payroll or BambooHR?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/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 BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR