Payroll Comparison 2026
Gusto vs. Square Payroll
Square Payroll is a great fit if you already run Square for point-of-sale — timecards flow straight from the register into payroll. Outside the Square ecosystem, its HR and benefits tooling is lighter than Gusto's. For businesses that aren't tied to Square hardware, Gusto is the more complete payroll and HR platform.
| Feature | Gusto | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $40/mo | $35/mo |
| Per employee | $6/employee/mo | $6/employee/mo |
| Contractor payroll | $35/mo + $6/contractor | $6/contractor, no base fee |
| Payroll tax filing | Automatic, all 50 states — included | Included, all 50 states |
| Benefits administration | Health, dental, vision, 401(k), HRA | Health & retirement via partners |
| Time tracking | Built in (Plus & Premium) | Built in (syncs with Square POS) |
| Intro offer | First month free + $300 offer | Varies |
| Support | Phone, email, chat | Phone & email (business hours) |
| Best for | Small businesses that want payroll + HR + benefits in one place | Retail & restaurants already using Square POS |
Pricing as of 2026 from each provider's public pricing pages. Confirm current rates before purchasing.
Where Gusto wins
- Deeper benefits and HR tooling
- Not locked to one POS ecosystem
- Stronger onboarding and compliance features
Where Square Payroll wins
- Seamless if you already use Square POS
- Great contractor-only pricing ($6/person, no base)
The bottom line
Square Payroll is the obvious pick if your business already runs on Square POS — timecards flow straight into payroll. Away from that ecosystem, Gusto offers deeper benefits and HR and doesn't lock you to one hardware stack. Note that Square's contractor-only pricing ($6/person, no base) is genuinely strong.
New customers can earn a $300 Visa card (up to $600 for teams of 10+) for running their first payroll with Gusto. Choose Square Payroll if retail & restaurants already using square pos.
Gusto vs. Square Payroll — FAQs
Is Gusto cheaper than Square Payroll?
Close. Square Payroll starts at $35/mo + $6/employee vs Gusto's $40/mo + $6. Square's contractor-only plan ($6/contractor, no base) can be cheaper if you pay only 1099 workers.
Should I use Square Payroll or Gusto?
Use Square Payroll if you already run Square POS and want timecards to sync automatically. Choose Gusto if you want deeper benefits and HR, or you're not tied to Square hardware.
Is Gusto better than Square Payroll for employees?
For W-2 employees with benefits, Gusto's broader benefits marketplace and HR tools give it the edge. Square is strongest for retail and restaurant teams already on Square and for contractor-only payroll.