Square Payroll vs HubSpot CRM
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.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
Square Payroll vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor HubSpot CRM 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 HubSpot CRM?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, Square Payroll or HubSpot CRM?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Square Payroll?
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation