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Gusto Payroll vs Square — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Gusto Payroll and Square to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Gusto Payroll takes the lead with a 4.6 rating and is best for small businesses with 1-100 employees. Square (4.4) is the better pick if you need brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Gusto Payroll | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6(220) | ★★★★ 4.4(310) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | freemium |
| Starter Price | $40/mo + $6/person/mo | $29/mo (Plus) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Hardware |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small businesses with 1-100 employees | Brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants |
| Verdict | Best Small Business Payroll | Best POS Ecosystem |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Gusto Payroll | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| Benefits Admin | — | |
| Tax Filing | — | |
| Time Tracking | — | |
| HR Tools | — | |
| POS System | — | |
| Payment Processing | — | |
| Invoicing | — | |
| Banking | — |
Gusto Payroll
Pros
- ✓Incredibly easy to use
- ✓Automatic tax filings
- ✓Great employee self-service portal
Cons
- ✕Gets expensive as team grows
- ✕Limited international payroll
- ✕Benefits only in US
Square
Pros
- ✓All-in-one ecosystem
- ✓Beautiful hardware
- ✓Easy to set up
Cons
- ✕Higher processing fees than dedicated processors
- ✕Account stability issues reported
- ✕Can freeze funds without warning
The Bottom Line
Both Gusto Payroll and Square are solid tools in the Accounting & Finance space. Gusto Payroll edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.6 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for small businesses with 1-100 employees. However, if you prioritize brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants, Square is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gusto Payroll better than Square?▼
Gusto Payroll scores higher overall with a 4.6 rating vs 4.4. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Gusto Payroll is best for Small businesses with 1-100 employees, while Square is best for Brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants.
Can I switch from Gusto Payroll to Square?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Square offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Gusto Payroll or Square?▼
Gusto Payroll starts at $40/mo + $6/person/mo, while Square starts at $29/mo (Plus). Gusto Payroll offers a free tier. Square offers a free tier.