Square Payroll vs Keap
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Keap is our recommended pick for most teams — service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Try Keap →Read our full Keap 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.
Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
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
- ✓All-in-one platform covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Square Payroll vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $249/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Keap 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 Keap?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Keap?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/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 Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one