Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll Comparison
Square Payroll
Starting at $34 /User/Month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Square Payroll is payroll software for small businesses and sole proprietors, particularly those already running payments or point-of-sale through Square's ecosystem. It automates pay runs, tax filings, and direct deposi…
Hive Payroll
Starting at $17 /month
- Free Trial
- Medium Business
- Small Business
Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for each function. It consolidates p…
Spotsaas Analysis
Square PayrollHive Payroll
The core difference lies in the target audience and functionality, with Square Payroll tailored for small to medium service businesses requiring comprehensive payroll solutions, while Hive Payroll appears to be a more budget-friendly option without specified features or target users. Ideal buyers for Square Payroll are business owners and HR professionals in service industries, whereas Hive Payroll may suit cost-conscious businesses looking for basic payroll services.
- Best for small to medium service businesses - Ideal for businesses with hourly or tipped employees - Effortless integration with Square POS - Suitable for retail, food service, salons, and hospitality - Designed for business owners, payroll managers, and HR assistants - Price: $34
- Budget-friendly payroll solution - Specific features and target audience not detailed - Potentially suitable for various business sizes - Focus on cost-effectiveness - Lacks extensive integration options - Price: $17
Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll — at a glance
| Feature | Square Payroll | Hive Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Reviews | 15 | 1 |
| Starting price | $34 /User/Month | $17 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud |
| API | Available | — |
| Support modes | Business Hours | Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Data residency | US | US |
Key differences between Square Payroll and Hive Payroll
- Pricing: Square Payroll starts at $34 /User/Month, while Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month.
- Target audience: Square Payroll is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Hive Payroll targets Medium Business and Small Business.
- Deployment: Square Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Hive Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Payroll Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll: Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for small to medium service businesses needing simple payroll and time tracking.
- You run a small to medium business with hourly or tipped employees.
- You want effortless integration with Square POS and existing payroll providers.
- You need a simple, user-friendly payroll system with built-in time tracking.
- You require advanced payroll reporting, customization, or analytics.
- You manage complex pay structures, multiple locations, or international staff.
Medium Business, Small Business
Square Payroll typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Hive Payroll tends to fit Medium Business and Small Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Square Payroll is payroll software for small businesses and sole proprietors, particularly those already running payments or point-of-sale through Square's ecosystem. It automates pay runs, ... Read More about Square Payroll | Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for ... Read More about Hive Payroll |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability | ||
SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 1-100 employeesMedium Business | — |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Seamless Integration with Square POS: Syncs easily with Square’s point-of-sale system, making it ideal for hourly or tipped workers in service industries.
- Contractor & Employee Support: Easily pay W-2 employees and 1099 contractors with direct deposit and generate tax forms from a single dashboard.
No key benefits available yet.
Best fit
- 1–100 employees
- Retail, food service, salons, hospitality, and other service-based small businesses
- Business Owners, Payroll Managers, Accountants, Restaurant Managers, and HR Assistants
No best-fit guidance available yet.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Businesses already using Square for POS may seek deeper payroll integrations or industry-specific HR features.
- Employers needing more advanced reporting, analytics, or benefits management might explore broader HR platforms.
- Companies managing multi-state or international employees could require tools with expanded compliance capabilities.
No alternatives guidance available yet.
Software Demo
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How do Square Payroll and Hive Payroll Compare on Features?
Total Features | 13 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Square Payroll and Hive Payroll on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll: Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
|---|---|---|
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | — |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
Square Payroll User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Users appreciate Square Payroll's ease of use, integration capabilities, and time-saving automation, though some desire more advanced features for larger or more complex businesses. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is very strong across 1 reviews, with consistently positive feedback. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  6 Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  1 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Square Payroll and Hive Payroll in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Square Payroll or Hive Payroll?
- Square Payroll and Hive Payroll are closely matched with equal user ratings of 5.0. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific Payroll Software needs.
- Do Square Payroll and Hive Payroll offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Square Payroll and Hive Payroll offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Square Payroll vs Hive Payroll?
- Square Payroll starts at $34 /User/Month. Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month.
- What are the top alternatives to Square Payroll?
- Top alternatives to Square Payroll include OnPay, APS Payroll, Heartland Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, Justworks.
- What are the top alternatives to Hive Payroll?
- Top alternatives to Hive Payroll include 247HRM, Paybooks, PayrollPanda, CheckMark Payroll, Heartland Payroll.