Square Payroll vs Rippling ATS
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.
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
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
- ✓Seamless connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
Square Payroll vs Rippling ATS: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Rippling ATS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Rippling ATS 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 Rippling ATS?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Rippling ATS?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS starts at Custom pricing. 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 Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll