Gusto vs Square Payroll for Teams Under 10 (2026 Cost Comparison)
Gusto vs Square Payroll for small teams: monthly cost for 1, 5, and 10 people, and which fits shops and restaurants.
Published · 5 min read
Quick answer
Square Payroll's list price is $14/month lower than Gusto Simple for any team size, since both charge $6 per person. It's often considered by businesses already using Square for payments.
Monthly cost for teams under 10
Prices below are monthly list prices checked on October 20, 2026, excluding promotions, add-ons, and taxes. Confirm current pricing on each provider's site before deciding.
When Square Payroll may be worth a look
- You already use Square point of sale
- You want timecards and tips connected to payments
- A lower base fee matters most
When Gusto may be the better fit
- You want payroll, benefits options, and HR tools like onboarding in one place
- You expect to grow past a few employees and want room to upgrade plans
- You'd rather compare features than chase the lowest monthly price
Questions to ask before choosing
- Do you use Square for payments already?
- Do you need benefits and HR tools?
- How will tips and timecards flow into payroll?
| Plan | 1 person | 5 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto Simple$49/mo + $6/person · Gusto's entry plan | $55 | $79 | $109 |
| Square Payroll$35/mo + $6/person · Square's payroll plan | $41 | $65 | $95 |
Sources: Gusto pricing · Square Payroll pricing
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto cheaper than Square Payroll?
It depends on the plan and team size. See the cost table above, calculated from list prices on October 20, 2026.
See if Gusto fits your business
Compare plans, pricing, and eligibility directly with Gusto.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. GetBizFlow is an independent referral site and may receive a referral benefit if you sign up through our links.