Square Payroll vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll 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.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
Square Payroll vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| 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 | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Square Payroll if...
- →Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Choose SurePayroll if...
- →Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
How Square Payroll and SurePayroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Square Payroll or SurePayroll?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll