Paylocity vs Square Payroll: Which HR 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
Paylocity vs Square Payroll, in 15 seconds
Choose Paylocity if…
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You want deeper AI and automation features
- You have strict security & compliance needs
- You need the broader feature set
Choose Square Payroll if…
- You want to trial before paying
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Paylocity and Square Payroll score
Paylocity leads on 5 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
PaylocityNo reviewsSquareNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
Paylocity0Square0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
PaylocityCustomSquareCustom - Square Payroll
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
PaylocityPaid onlySquareFree trial - Paylocity
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Paylocity10Square6 - Paylocity
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Paylocity12Square0 - Paylocity
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Paylocity1Square, - Paylocity
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Paylocity4Square2 - Paylocity
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Paylocity5Square4
Feature Comparison
Paylocity vs Square Payroll feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Paylocity
Square PayrollPricing Comparison
Paylocity vs Square Payroll pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Paylocity
Custom to start- Full-service payroll
- Tax filing and compliance
- Core HR (HRIS)
- Employee self-service
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance
- Talent management
- Learning
- Recruiting (~$3–$5 PEPM)
- Advanced analytics
- Surveys and recognition
- Expense management
- Advanced HR analytics
- Dedicated support
- Advanced integrations
- Custom configuration
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
Paylocity vs Square Payroll: strengths and trade-offs
Paylocity
Pros
- Broad integration ecosystem (10)
- Compliance: SOC 1, SOC 2, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- 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)
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Buyer Fit
Who should use Paylocity 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
Paylocity
Paylocity connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Paylocity
Paylocity integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Paylocity
Paylocity is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (1)
Only in Paylocity (9)
Only in Square Payroll (5)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar hr software products buyers compare alongside Paylocity and Square Payroll.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Paylocity 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 recommendationPaylocity vs Square Payroll, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paylocity and Square Payroll?
Paylocity and Square Payroll are both HR Software solutions. Paylocity 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, Paylocity or Square Payroll?
Based on user ratings, Paylocity scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Paylocity or Square Payroll?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does Paylocity or Square Payroll have a free plan?
Neither Paylocity nor Square Payroll currently offers a free plan, but Square Payroll provides a free trial.
Can I switch from Paylocity to Square Payroll?
Switching between Paylocity 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 Paylocity vs Square Payroll?
Paylocity is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Square Payroll works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Paylocity 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
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Paylocity
Paylocity ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.