--- title: "Square Payroll Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Square Payroll the right Payroll solution for you? Explore 622 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/170266/Square-Payroll/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Square Payroll 4.7 (622) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/170266/Square-Payroll/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated September 16th, 2026 # Reviews of Square Payroll Ease of use 4.6 Customer Service 4.4 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews ES Emily S OwnerRetail, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I like that staff can clock in and clock out for their shifts with Square Payroll, their tips are automatically added to their paycheck along with commission, and I receive test messages when a payroll run is about to happen so I can double check it.“ July 7, 2025 CC Carolyn Black-Coffey C Owner, PresidentConsumer Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The transition was harder for me, as my former payroll company had a more manual system, and the formatting process was harder for me to understand than Square.“ June 10, 2025 CC Carolyn Black-Coffey C Owner, PresidentConsumer Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Square has been immeasurably helpful with getting and keeping me organized in regard to payroll.“ June 10, 2025 CS Cameron S PresidentEntertainment, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “They have screwed up my tax filings every month since switching to Square Payroll. “ October 26, 2023 MS Michelle S OwnerRestaurants, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I also love that they automatically withhold and remit Payroll Taxes.“ November 25, 2024 JD Jammi D ownerTransportation/Trucking/Railroad, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “it is a little pricey for a app compared to other payroll apps“ November 24, 2023 PO Paola O HR ManagerHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I like this payroll product as it offers amazing payroll features.“ December 16, 2024 MH Matthew H general managerHospitality, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “This does not matter to me, but it does not do the HR items that Paychex and ADP do. If you need a more comprehensive service, one of them might be better.“ January 26, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 622 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Ashley D. President Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Love the square payroll app it's a life saver." September 28, 2022 5.0 Pros I love that The square payroll app makes it easy and my life so much more simpler. Cons There is absolutely nothing that I do not like about the square payroll app. Review Source PO Paola O. HR Manager Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "My Experience With Square Payroll" December 16, 2024 5.0 Pros I like this payroll product as it offers amazing payroll features. It is effortless to deploy and customization is easy too. It integrates well with other software we use. Cons Square Payroll has been very helpful and I have no complaints. Switched from [TrackSmart Attendance](https://www.capterra.com/p/120374/TrackSmart-Attendance/)[Youmanage](https://www.capterra.com/p/160449/Youmanage/) We made the switch as Square Payroll offers better features not to mention it comes at a manageable cost. Review Source LN Laura N. Owner Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great in some ways, very expensive in others" August 23, 2022 3.0 I loved this software, ease of use, money paid UNTIL I had a change in employee status and found out, after 3 months and 3 different customer service agents, that you cannot go from using payroll, to not using it without completely closing the account. And if you close the account, you won't get the tax forms. Pros The ease of paying employees when I want to and knowing all the tax forms are done for me is great! Cons Lack of flexibility. You cannot open/close your payroll account more than once. If you have part of the year you don't run payroll or have employees for, you must keep the account open the entire year, until January of the next year if you want your tax forms. If you then bring employees back, after closing the account, you cannot reactivate it. The second thing I have issue with is lack of customer service. They respond in 3-5 days, with a stock response, and it took me 3 agents before this was explained to me. I have no employees for 6 months, but I have to pay the $45/month if I want my tax forms at years end. Alternatives considered [Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/) Reason for choosing Square Payroll I use their cc processing Review Source RP Ryan P. Owner Restaurants Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Square Payroll makes payroll simple" November 20, 2024 5.0 I've been utilizing Square Payroll for a number of years. It's very easy to onboard new staff, monitor hours and ultimately run payroll with very little effort. Pros It's turnkey, ready to roll with very little effort needed on my part to operate. Cons Waiting on upgrades to scheduling and availability. The incoming changes will have a significant positive impact on usability. Switched from [QuickBooks Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/174981/QuickBooks/) Price and capabilities weren't up to par and weren't being improved. Review Source AK Alexandria K. owner Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "easy to use and affordable!" November 20, 2024 5.0 I love it. I can't recommend it to enough people Pros easy to use! they handle filing all relevant information for me Cons Support sometimes doesn't understand the rare problem that pops up and it may talk speaking with a few people to get it resolved. I've never had an issue not resolved same day though. Alternatives considered [ADP GlobalView Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/209686/ADP-Globalview-Payroll/) Reason for choosing Square Payroll Cost was the biggest reason. The second biggest was that it directly integrates with my POS system Review Source BH Bryan H. Owner Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "The Perfect Solution for a Small Business Owner" June 15, 2021 5.0 We could not be happier with the Value of Square Payroll for our small business. It was exactly what our business needed and we love it. We were very nervous about taxes and getting folks paid correctly not being business owners before. Square Payroll made it incredibly easy to get setup, and then they just take care of it all. Then we get nice reports to get to my accountant, and all of the information you may need you can dowload at any time. It's an incredible value. Pros The ease of use and setup of Square Payroll was incredible. It honestly is a plug and play type of software. Being a new small business owner Square Payroll was exactly what we were looking for. It's also great to have a one stop shop. We use Square Point of Sale in our shop, and to be able to get all of the sales information as well as payroll information from the same place is incredibly convenient. Cons Our small business runs payroll once a month. We wanted to run payroll on the 15th of each month. Changing/customizing the date on the monthly payroll was not an option (monthly runs on the 1st of each month). Not a show stopper by any means. Alternatives considered [QuickBooks Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/174981/QuickBooks/)[Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/) Reason for choosing Square Payroll We went with Square Payroll for the value and also already using square for our Point of Sale system it made it super convenient to have all in one place. Review Source BM Barbara M. Owner Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Our 100% Go-To payroll software!" October 9, 2022 5.0 We have tried other payroll programs and always come back to Square! Pros So quick and easy to use. Set up is quick and easy! Reports are perfect! Payrolls are always timely and accurate. Agency reporting at state, local and federal level have always been accurate and timely Cons WE NEED AN ACCOUNTANT LOGIN FEATURE!!!!!!! Need a way to customize the weekly summary to load into the client bookkeeping! One sheet that explains the Federal and local withholdings for bookkeeping purposes. For example (a breakdown of EMPLOYER FICA and Employee Fica, Federal unemployment, State unemployment and state withholding need to be printed on the summary sheet) Reason for choosing Square Payroll We came BACK to Square from other payroll processors! Switched from [Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/) Square is so much quicker and easier to use. Review Source MJ Michelle J. Owner/Hairstylist Cosmetics Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Effecient and Timely" July 15, 2021 5.0 My overall experience with payroll has been amazing. Even when my account was compromised, Square still made sure that my employees got paid. Pros Square is the most effecient product that I have ever used. I can make my appointments, and the fact that my team can clock in and out, make appointments, and get paid in a timely manner, leaves alot of the stress off of me as the owner. I can work in one program, I don't believe that Square is missing any features as far as payroll is concerned. Payroll pays my taxes for me and it pays it in a timely fashion. Cons Nothing bad that I can really say about square payroll. Alternatives considered [ADP Workforce Now](https://www.capterra.com/p/155895/WorkforceNow/)[DaySmart Salon](https://www.capterra.com/p/9167/DaySmart-Salon/) Reason for choosing Square Payroll It gave me everything they had but at a more economical price. Switched from [Paychex](https://www.capterra.com/p/119841/Paychex-Flex/) I heard that this product was better Review Source SS Shannon S. Operator Restaurants Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Square Payroll is perfect for my small business" February 12, 2023 5.0 It's a fanstastic and solid product. I've used square payroll for over 7 years after using several other services like Quickbooks, paychex, ADP and nothing beats it in terms of price and quality. Pros We use square for our POS, scheduling employees, and payroll. It's a fantastic all in one product for a small business. Cons I've used so many other products and I don't find anything about this one I don't like or that I feel like it needs in addition to what it already provides. Reason for choosing Square Payroll Square has been my final destination for payroll products. Its beats all competitors on price, ease of use and integration. Switched from [QuickBooks Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/174981/QuickBooks/)[ADP Workforce Now](https://www.capterra.com/p/155895/WorkforceNow/)[Paychex](https://www.capterra.com/p/119841/Paychex-Flex/) Pricing was a big factor in the beginning. Now it is more that I like all my software is bundled together and is compatible together. Having multiple systems to manage similar parts of the business adds a layer of complexity I do not like. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer President Entertainment Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Ignores problems and has terrible customer support" October 26, 2023 1.0 Terrible. Their customer service agents don't take the time to understand or resolve the problem. Pros Running payroll is simple and I could automate the entry of payroll data to avoid mistakes. Cons They have screwed up my tax filings every month since switching to Square Payroll. I've reported it to them every time. Now they want me to pay extra to have them amend my filings. Reason for choosing Square Payroll I could be in control of and automate the payroll data entry so it wouldn't get messed up. Other providers required manual data entry for every employee pay item. Switched from [Paychex](https://www.capterra.com/p/119841/Paychex-Flex/) While I was extremely thorough in providing accurate and detailed payroll information to Paychex, their manual information entry by their agents always resulted in a mistake on my payroll and in some cases some employees wouldn't even get a paycheck. With Square I am able to automate my data entry so it doesn't get screwed up, but they have screwed up my employee tax filings on nearly every paycheck. Review Source MF Megan F. Owner Sports Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Love it, makes everything easy" June 16, 2025 4.0 Pros Makes paying employees super easy with no complex issues. Inputting new employees and setting up payroll is simple everytime Cons Honestly, no complaints. Square is the best payroll system I have had and did a lot of research to determine which system to use. Review Source JT Joseph T. CEO Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Essential system to execute payroll payments in an automated way." February 1, 2023 5.0 Square managed to ensure that our employees could receive their salary at the right time and without any kind of delay, in addition, our company is of medium size, so the manual payroll process was quite complex, we had to spend a lot of time to inspect and make payments, plus we had to hire more people to run these payrolls, so Square has replaced all of that, with their automated Payroll system. I'm happy with the results obtained with the help of Square, I have been able to make unlimited payroll payments, I have been able to make deductions from salaries and many other things. Pros Square made the payroll process so much easier for our entire company. I loved the way this platform allows me to use the trip monitoring function, this function was very important to me since it works in real-time and allows me to monitor all the trips scheduled by our employees, I can see the amount spent on that trip and many more details. I also liked how accurate and without delays the payroll payments are executed, this way fantastic because it allowed our employees to be able to receive their payroll simultaneously, all payments are executed through this system on the same date and same time. I liked the automated service to send payment report to our employees mail, this helped a lot so that our employees could see what debits there were in their payroll, or any added bonus. Cons The only problem with Square is that it is difficult to correctly configure this service to integrate it with the time measurement service, it was so difficult that after a weed trying to do this integration, we were not successful. However, we currently export the time reports and import them into the Square platform to execute the corresponding payments, but it would be great if this integration was easier, so that we can enjoy it in our company. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Operations Director Retail Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best Bang for Your Buck, No Headaches" June 15, 2021 5.0 I completely set up the system, enrolled all my employees, and processed my first payroll in half the time it normally took me to run a pay period using my old system. Pros Hands-down is the high compliance standards for very low cost. Close runner-up reasons are ease of use, both from the employer side as well as the employee side. This software is really great, offers a lot of protection, and cuts my payroll processing manhours from tens of hours every week to roughly 45 mins of double-checking things before hitting "PROCESS". Seamless direct depositing, set-up and managed by the employees themselves (though I can go in and make changes if they need help - only had that happen once so far, but still important). Very very VERY intuitive if you have spent even a little time in any other payroll software (yes, including manual spreadsheets). Cons I haven't had a chance yet to test the multi-state or international aspects (assuming international even exists). Reason for choosing Square Payroll We ultimately chose Square Payroll because we liked its POS interface and decided to give another product by the same company we already liked a try. Review Source Kaylie D. Chief Human Resources Officer. Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Structured and controlled management." February 10, 2023 5.0 Overall it is a very useful and easy to use platform, it helps to speed up administrative processes that should be secure and error free.It streamlines payroll and vacation pay and helps keep compliance under control.The support is fast and responsive. Pros It allows to organize all employees in a structured way and to control processes and working hours easily.It allows us to control employee time off, identify and manage sick time off and possible replacements.Includes online payments and tax deductions.Allows you to print checks facilitating payment to contractors. Cons I have no negative things to say about this platform. Review Source Jared K. CMO Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Square Payroll for Small Businesses" June 21, 2022 4.0 I enjoyed being able to send automated payments to contractors and also other businesses officially versus me having to pay somebody via check only and not have it reported as 1099. Pros The payroll portal is connected separate from the website and is easy to sort out money and wages and tips for small to large offline businesses. There is a seamless integration with timesheets and the employee app to clock and clock out hours worked. Cons It could be very automated with the square POS equipment. I know they're just beginning where they can clock in as an employee but it could be also allowed to pay those people automated without me having to process everything all the time. Alternatives considered [QuickBooks Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/174981/QuickBooks/)[ADP Comprehensive Services](https://www.capterra.com/p/175840/ADP-Comprehensive-Services/) Review Source MH Matthew H. general manager Hospitality Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use and great value" January 26, 2023 5.0 Pros It is so easy to use, either on the computer or mobile phoneVery inexpensive compared with Paychex and ADP (both of which I have used in the past)Comprehensive payroll service, I don't need to do anything other than input information Cons This does not matter to me, but it does not do the HR items that Paychex and ADP do. If you need a more comprehensive service, one of them might be better. For just payroll, Square is fantastic. Alternatives considered [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.capterra.com/p/185859/RUN/) Reason for choosing Square Payroll value for same services Switched from [Paychex](https://www.capterra.com/p/119841/Paychex-Flex/) cost Review Source HM Holly M. Business Owner Recreational Facilities and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Square Payroll make it easy for employers!" April 7, 2022 5.0 Square makes it easy to run payroll and file taxes! Pros The fact that the taxes are filed is a huge relief for an employer, square stays on top of tax rate changes and notifies you if there are any tax rate changes being made for state or federal taxes. Cons I really don't have any cons, it's easy to use and meets my business payroll needs. Review Source LM Lisa M. Owner Sporting Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Perfection has brand new meaning" June 15, 2021 5.0 Cant sing enough praises Pros Easy. Fast and right on time with a spirit of excellence Cons If i had to say anything not so great. I would say the reemployment tax rate was a bit of an issue. But in the end all was resolved Review Source Andrea E. CEO Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Recommend for Payroll" November 8, 2021 5.0 Pros Very low price, I feel like it is definitely worth it. The support you receive is really beneficial and I also like that I can have great accessibility from my iPhone. Cons The user experience wasn't the easiest at the beginning, it did change after a month or so. Very very basic reports. Review Source DO Donette O. Owner Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Square itself has been easy to use and mostly reliable." December 10, 2017 4.0 Pros The software is simple and pretty easy to use. Customer service is pretty strong and helpful with the exception of the payroll department. Cons The fact that an apple update, in which we couldn't control if the iPad updated EVEN when we had it set to "do not automatically update," completely messed up our system for a couple weeks was very inconvenient and was a total hinderance on our business. We had to wait for that second apple update to fix the issue but in the mean time we could't print receipts, use the reader, or open the drawer. It seems that Square should have made some kind of correction or glitch fix in the mean time to help their users continue using with ease. Also the system has gone down completely in the past, and even though you all apologize... it still puts our business at risk when we can't complete transactions, harming our customers and our reputation. We should have been compensated for all of the trouble that we faced. For payroll, it is extremely frustrating to not be able to talk to a live person when we have questions or issues. The customer service in the payroll department is not good. Review Source KP Keenan P. CEO Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I LOVE Square payroll! No more worrying about compliance issues!" May 20, 2021 5.0 My overall experience has been awesome! Great support, fair price, easy to use and it's integrated into all of my other systems. During the pandemic, Square made it extremely easy to file for PPP loans because they had all of my financial info already. Pros I love that Square Payroll tracks all of my employee time, can be used from any device and best of all, they file all required regulatory paperwork for me so I don't have to. Huge fan, I use it for 2 companies I own currently. Cons I can't think of anything I haven't liked so far... Review Source AH Angie H. Owner Retail Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Poor product and customer services" May 20, 2017 1.0 A lesson. Pros Clean and easy to use interface. Unfortunately that's all the positives I can think of after using it for more than 6 months. Cons 1\. Lots of mistakes - inaccurate state/city withholding at the beginning, even the dashboard numbers did not add up/balance (these were corrected after we raised the issues). A few months later, suddenly they double deducted certain taxes from our bank account for TWO consecutive payrolls (you'd think they would fix it after we raised the issue the first time). This is worrying as it makes us wonder if they actually got all the calculations behind the scene correctly. 2. Lack of reporting - no detail of when or what taxes have been paid. No actual PDF of all your tax forms (like form 940), only PDFs of tax forms in Square's own format are available. When we finally downloaded our state payroll forms directly from the state website, numbers on the forms are missing (Square said it's the state's problem). 3. Customer services is not great. We almost always have to repeat and explain our problems again because they would reply with some generic answers first and never really look into the specific problems when they receive your email. So you have to repeat and explain, and when they finally realize there were mistakes, they would not even contact you to let you know it is corrected (don't expect an apology). With all the time wasted, the Square payroll is probably one of the worst software we've used. The interface is clean and nice and easy to use, but it stops there. Don't let it fool you. The rest is a nightmare. Review Source LN Laura N. Owner Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Love it and need it" July 15, 2021 5.0 It has been easy to use and inexpensive. I love it! Pros Square provides us with payroll and credit card processing. Without them I do not think we could afford to have employees. The fact that they do all the work for me with taxes, forms, compliance, etc. is amazing. This service has helped my business grow. Cons Nothing problematic, we have not had any issues with square payroll. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Real Estate Agent Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Super easy to use!" October 27, 2018 5.0 Awesome! Quick, easy, entertaining! Everyone is super happy when its this convenient! Pros Super easy to use, swipe and payment / transaction is complete in a matter of seconds. Super easy with digital copies! Cons Slight delay at times but that is normal when working on such a device that runs through a phone! Review Source SB Sherri B. Owner Food & Beverages Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Square Payroll is the only way to go!" August 1, 2023 5.0 Been using it for four plus years because it is so simple. Pros Ease of use, simple to input time and tips for employees. No need to worry about taxes either! Cons I feel it has all the features it needs right now Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.