4.8$40/moGusto
Best for: all-in-one payroll and HR
More HR and benefits; best if you're not tied to Square.
Best Square Payroll Alternatives (2026)
If Square Payroll isn't the right fit—because you're not on Square, need more HR features, or want a different ecosystem—these payroll alternatives offer strong options.
Read our Square Payroll review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Quick answer
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
Square Payroll fits businesses already using Square. Teams look for alternatives when they're not on Square, need more HR and benefits (Gusto, OnPay), or want different integrations. Gusto is the best all-in-one alternative. OnPay offers flat pricing. QuickBooks Payroll fits QuickBooks users; Patriot fits budget-conscious teams; Wave fits micro businesses.
Why people look for Square Payroll alternatives
Common reasons teams look for a change.
Not on Square
If you don't use Square for payments or POS, Square Payroll's main advantage is lost. Gusto and OnPay work with any accounting stack.
HR and benefits
Square Payroll focuses on payroll basics. Gusto and OnPay offer more HR, benefits, and PTO. Choose them if you need more than simple pay runs.
Integrations
Square is strongest within its own ecosystem. For deeper accounting or time-tracking integration, Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll may fit better.
Top Square Payroll alternatives
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.8$40/mo
4.5$40/moOnPay
Best for: value and flat pricing
Flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams.
4.6$30/moQuickBooks Payroll
Best for: QuickBooks ecosystem
Payroll inside QuickBooks. Best if you use QuickBooks for accounting.
4.2$17/moPatriot Payroll
Best for: budget payroll
Low-cost payroll for very small teams. No ecosystem lock-in.
4.3Payroll add-onWave
Best for: micro businesses
Free accounting plus payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Payroll types | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Payroll | businesses already using Square | $35/mo | W-2, 1099 | Square integration; simplicity | Read review |
| Gusto | all-in-one payroll and HR | $40/mo | — | Transparent pricing; modern UX | Read review |
| OnPay | value and flat pricing | $40/mo | — | Flat pricing; one plan | Read review |
| QuickBooks Payroll | QuickBooks ecosystem | $30/mo | — | Seamless QuickBooks integration | Read review |
| Patriot Payroll | budget payroll | $17/mo | — | Low cost; simplicity | Read review |
| Wave | micro businesses | Payroll add-on | — | Free accounting + payroll | Read review |
Detailed look at each alternative
When to choose each alternative.
Gusto
Best for all-in-one payroll and HR
Gusto offers more HR and benefits with published pricing. Best if you're not tied to Square and want a standalone payroll platform.
OnPay
Best for value and flat pricing
OnPay delivers flat pricing and straightforward payroll. Good for small teams that want predictability.
QuickBooks Payroll
Best for QuickBooks ecosystem
QuickBooks Payroll fits businesses that use QuickBooks for accounting. Payroll and books in one place.
Patriot Payroll
Best for budget payroll
Patriot offers low-cost payroll for very small teams. No ecosystem lock-in; good when cost is the priority.
Wave
Best for micro businesses
Wave provides free accounting and a payroll add-on. For solopreneurs and very small teams.
How to choose the right alternative
What to look for when comparing options.
Payroll types (W-2 / 1099)
Most small businesses need both employees and contractors. Choose a platform that handles both with clear tax treatment and contractor self-service. Confirm 1099 support and e-file if you pay subcontractors.
Pricing transparency
Prefer published base-plus-per-person pricing when you can budget upfront. Custom-quote providers (e.g. ADP, Paychex) are fine if you want full-service; compare total cost at your headcount.
Tax automation and support
Full-service payroll should calculate, file, and deposit taxes. Confirm what's included and whether you want self-serve or hands-on support. Some providers charge extra for 1099 e-file.
HR and benefits
If you offer health insurance or 401(k), choose a provider that can run benefits and deductions in sync with payroll. Gusto and OnPay bundle this; ADP and Paychex offer it at scale.
Integrations
Payroll should connect to your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) and optionally time tracking. Native integration avoids manual export. Match the tool to your stack.
Related comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons to narrow your choice.
Related resources
More ways to explore.
FAQs
Quick answers.