OnTheClock vs Square Payroll Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated Apr 2026 8 min read

OnTheClock

0.0 (0 reviews)

OnTheClock is a cloud-based time tracking software providing small businesses with GPS-enabled employee punching, automated payroll integration, and shift scheduling to simplify workforce management and ensure accurate labor reporting.

Starting at Free
Free Trial 30 days
VS

Square Payroll

0.0 (0 reviews)

Square Payroll is a full-service payroll software that automates tax filings, employee payments, and benefits management for small businesses using integrated time tracking and point-of-sale data.

Starting at Free
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature OnTheClock Square Payroll
Website ontheclock.com squareup.com
Pricing Model Freemium Subscription
Starting Price Free Free
FREE Trial ✓ 30 days free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✓ Has free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment cloud mobile desktop saas mobile
Integrations QuickBooks Gusto ADP Paychex Xero Square Thomson Reuters Millennium SurePayroll Square POS QuickBooks Online Xero Homebase Deputy TSheets 7shifts Guideline SimplyInsured AP Intego
Target Users small-business mid-market solopreneur small-business
Target Industries construction retail healthcare retail restaurant professional-services
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 2004 2009
Headquarters Clinton Township, USA San Francisco, USA

Overview

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OnTheClock

OnTheClock is a versatile time tracking solution designed to take the headache out of managing your workforce. You can track employee hours from any device, whether your team is in the office, on a construction site, or working remotely. By using GPS geofencing and fingerprint biometrics, you ensure that your staff is punching in from the right location at the right time, eliminating time theft and manual entry errors.

The platform streamlines your entire back-office workflow by automatically calculating PTO, tracking breaks, and generating audit-ready reports. You can seamlessly sync this data with popular payroll providers like QuickBooks or Gusto, cutting down the time you spend on administrative tasks. It is built specifically for small to mid-sized businesses that need a reliable, easy-to-use system to manage attendance without the high costs of enterprise infrastructure.

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Square Payroll

Square Payroll simplifies how you pay your team by automating the most complex parts of business ownership. You can pay employees and contractors in just a few clicks, whether they are hourly or salaried. The platform automatically calculates, files, and pays your federal and state payroll taxes, ensuring you stay compliant without manual paperwork. Because it integrates directly with Square POS, your team's hours sync automatically, eliminating the need for manual data entry or messy spreadsheets.

You can manage everything from a single dashboard, including workers' compensation, health insurance, and 401(k) plans. The system supports flexible payment options like Instant Payments, allowing you to send funds to employees the same day they work. Whether you are running a single coffee shop or managing multiple retail locations, you get a straightforward tool that handles the back-office heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your business.

Overview

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OnTheClock Features

  • GPS Geofencing Set specific geographic boundaries so you can ensure your employees are at the actual job site before they can punch in.
  • Biometric Fingerprint Prevent buddy punching by requiring a fingerprint scan, giving you peace of mind that the right person is on the clock.
  • Payroll Integrations Connect your time data directly to Gusto, QuickBooks, or ADP to process your payroll in just a few clicks.
  • PTO Tracking Manage vacation time and sick leave requests within the app so you can keep your staffing levels balanced automatically.
  • Shift Scheduling Create and publish employee schedules online so your team can view their upcoming shifts from their own mobile devices.
  • Mobile Punching Allow your remote or mobile teams to clock in and out using the native iOS or Android apps from anywhere.
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Square Payroll Features

  • Automated Tax Filings. Let the software calculate, file, and pay your state and federal payroll taxes automatically to ensure total compliance.
  • Time Card Sync. Import employee hours directly from Square POS or the Team App to eliminate manual data entry errors.
  • Instant Payments. Access your funds immediately and pay your team the same day they work using your Square Balance.
  • Benefits Integration. Offer and manage health insurance, 401(k) plans, and workers' comp directly through your payroll dashboard.
  • Contractor Payments. Pay your independent contractors via direct deposit and let the system generate and file 1099-NEC forms.
  • Employee Mobile App. Give your team a dedicated app to track their hours, view pay stubs, and manage their tax forms.

Pricing Comparison

O

OnTheClock Pricing

Free
$0
  • Up to 2 employees
  • Mobile app access
  • GPS tracking
  • Payroll exports
  • PTO management
S

Square Payroll Pricing

Contractors Only
$0
  • $5 per person paid monthly
  • No monthly base fee
  • Direct deposit included
  • 1099-NEC generation and filing
  • Self-service contractor account

Pros & Cons

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OnTheClock

Pros

  • Extremely easy for employees to learn and use
  • Highly accurate GPS tracking for mobile workforces
  • Seamless integration with major payroll software providers
  • Excellent value for money for small teams

Cons

  • Mobile app interface feels slightly dated
  • Limited customization for complex overtime rules
  • Occasional lag when syncing large data sets
A

Square Payroll

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Square Point of Sale
  • Automatic tax filing saves hours of manual work
  • Simple and transparent per-employee pricing model
  • Easy setup process for new business owners

Cons

  • Customer support can be difficult to reach
  • Limited advanced HR features for large corporations
  • Account freezes can occasionally delay payroll processing
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