Square Payroll vs Countingup
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.
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
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
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
Square Payroll vs Countingup: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Countingup |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Countingup 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 Countingup?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Countingup?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app