QuickBooks Payroll vs Square Payroll
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026. Last verified May 31, 2026.
The short answer
QuickBooks Payroll ranks higher on Top 11 (#3 vs #8) for Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR. The best option for QuickBooks users due to its unbeatable accounting integration and workflow.
At a glance
| QuickBooks Payroll | Square Payroll | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #3 / Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 | #8 / Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.8 | 7.9 |
| Best for | Existing QuickBooks users | Businesses using Square POS |
| Pricing | $$ ($75 to $200+/mo) | $$ ($41+/mo) |
| HQ | Mountain View, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 1983 | 2009 |
QuickBooks Payroll
The best option for QuickBooks users due to its unbeatable accounting integration and workflow.
quickbooks.intuit.com/payroll/See full entry in Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026
Square Payroll
Perfect for Square POS users, with seamless integration of hours, tips, and commissions.
squareup.com/us/en/payrollSee full entry in Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.