Square Payroll vs Paymo
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.
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling 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
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
Square Payroll vs Paymo: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Paymo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Paymo 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 Paymo?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Paymo?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo 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 Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing