---
description: Compare Square Payroll vs QuickBooks Desktop. Learn more about each of the software’s price, features, and helpful software reviews for Canadian business users.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress
title: Square Payroll vs QuickBooks Desktop Comparison - Capterra Canada 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Benefits Administration Software](/directory/10025/benefits-administration/software) > [Square Payroll \<span\>vs\</span\> QuickBooks Desktop](https://www.capterra.ca/compare/170266/173879/square-payroll/vs/quickbooks-desktop-pro)

# Compare Square Payroll vs QuickBooks Desktop

Canonical: https://www.capterra.ca/compare/170266/173879/square-payroll/vs/quickbooks-desktop-pro

> Detailed comparison between Square Payroll and QuickBooks Desktop. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Square Payroll | QuickBooks Desktop |
| **Overall rating** | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 620 | 2552 |
| **Starting Price** | US$35.00 | US$1,922.00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base Software, Phone Support, Chat | - |
| **Training Software** | - | - |

## Best for

### Square Payroll

Small to medium size business employers with up to 100 employees.&#10;Salaried or hourly employees.&#10;Pay W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, or both.

### QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop caters to businesses across multiple industries.

## Key features

### Square Payroll

- API
- Accounting Software
- Benefits Dashboard
- Customizable Reports
- Dashboard Software
- Employee Self Service
- For Small Businesses
- Payroll Management
- Reminders
- Tax Calculation
- Third-Party Integrations
- Time Tracking Software
- Timesheet Management
- W-2 Preparation
- Web-based Deployment

### QuickBooks Desktop

- Accounting Software
- Accounts Receivable Software
- Cash Flow Management
- Dashboard Software
- Financial Reporting Software
- For Small Businesses
- Online Invoicing
- Payroll Management
- Project Accounting Software
- Reminders
- Tax Calculation
- Third-Party Integrations
- Time Tracking Software

## Links

- [View Square Payroll Profile](https://www.capterra.ca/software/170266/square-payroll)
- [View QuickBooks Desktop Profile](https://www.capterra.ca/software/173879/quickbooks-desktop-pro)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.capterra.ca/compare/170266/173879/square-payroll/vs/quickbooks-desktop-pro)

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