Square Payroll Review: Affordable but Limited for Existing Users

This PCMag review evaluates Square Payroll, positioning it as a competent yet basic solution primarily designed for existing users of the Square ecosystem. The service integrates seamlessly with Square POS, Team Management, and Shifts, offering a user-friendly interface and reliable performance for both hourly and salaried workers. Key improvements in the latest version include enhanced payroll previews, comprehensive tax exemption support, and faster next-day payroll access. Pricing is highlighted as a major advantage, starting at $35 per month plus $6 per worker, making it significantly more affordable than competitors like Gusto and Intuit QuickBooks Workforce. However, the review notes significant limitations, such as a lack of deep customization options, limited reporting features, and few earnings types. Unlike some rivals, it does not support automatic historical data import from other payroll systems. While praised for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Square Payroll falls short of the Editors' Choice winner, Gusto, which offers superior HR tools and AI-assisted features. The article concludes that while Square Payroll is an efficient tool for small businesses already using Square products, it lacks the robust feature set required for organizations seeking extensive payroll customization and advanced human resources capabilities.