Square Payroll vs Workday
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.
Workday
Workday is an enterprise-grade HCM platform used by large organizations worldwide. It covers HR, payroll, finance, and planning in a deeply integrated suite. Workday is the gold standard for enterprise HR but requires significant implementation resources and budget.
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
- ✓Extremely powerful and configurable for complex enterprise needs
- ✓Best-in-class financial and workforce planning tools
- ✓Strong compliance and audit capabilities
- ✓Extensive global payroll coverage
Cons
- ✗Very expensive with long implementation timelines of 6-12 months
- ✗Overkill and unaffordable for companies under 500 employees
- ✗UI can feel dated and complex for everyday users
Square Payroll vs Workday: Side by Side
| Factor | Square Payroll | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $34/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution | Large enterprises with 500+ employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Square Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓reporting
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Best For
Small businesses and restaurants already using Square POS wanting a simple integrated payroll solution
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Also Consider
If neither Square Payroll nor Workday 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 Workday?
Square Payroll is best for small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Which is better, Square Payroll or Workday?
Choose Square Payroll if small businesses and restaurants already using square pos wanting a simple integrated payroll solution. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
How much does Square Payroll cost?
Visit Square Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/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 Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees