ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll: Which Payroll Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll, in 15 seconds
Choose ADP Workforce Now if…
- You have strict security & compliance needs
Choose Square Payroll if…
- You want to trial before paying
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll score
ADP Workforce Now leads on 2 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
ADPNo reviewsSquareNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
ADP0Square0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
ADPCustomSquareCustom - Square Payroll
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
ADPPaid onlySquareFree trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
ADP6Square6 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
ADP0Square0 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
ADP,Square, - ADP Workforce Now
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
ADP3Square2 - ADP Workforce Now
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
ADP6Square4
Feature Comparison
ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
ADP Workforce Now
Square PayrollPricing Comparison
ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
ADP Workforce Now
Custom to start- Employee self-service
- Payroll and tax filing
- Time and attendance
- Core HR
- Talent management
- Marketplace integrations
- Benefits administration
- Analytics
Square Payroll
Custom to start- timecards from Square POS
- automatic payroll tax filing
- Standard support
- Integrations
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- contractor payments
- Everything in Professional
- benefits integrations
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll: strengths and trade-offs
ADP Workforce Now
Pros
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Square Payroll
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Buyer Fit
Who should use ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Either
Either integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Either
Either is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (1)
Only in ADP Workforce Now (5)
Only in Square Payroll (5)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar payroll software products buyers compare alongside ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll?
ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll are both Payroll Software solutions. ADP Workforce Now is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Square Payroll is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, ADP Workforce Now or Square Payroll?
Based on user ratings, ADP Workforce Now scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, ADP Workforce Now or Square Payroll?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does ADP Workforce Now or Square Payroll have a free plan?
Neither ADP Workforce Now nor Square Payroll currently offers a free plan, but Square Payroll provides a free trial.
Can I switch from ADP Workforce Now to Square Payroll?
Switching between ADP Workforce Now and Square Payroll is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll?
ADP Workforce Now is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Square Payroll works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on ADP Workforce Now vs Square Payroll
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.