Square Payroll vs Justworks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →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.
Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
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
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
Square Payroll vs Justworks: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $59/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Justworks 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 Justworks?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Justworks?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/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 Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits