Compare Gusto to other payroll providers.
Learn how Gusto stacks up against other payroll providers when it comes to pricing, payroll, benefits, HR tools, customer service, and more. (Spoiler: They got nothing on us.)
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Editors’
Choice
Jan 2022
Rated Excellent
9.9/10
Sep 2022
#1 Payroll Software
of 2022
Dec 2021
Best HR &
Payroll Platform
Feb 2022
What to consider when choosing a payroll provider
- How large is your team?
Some payroll platforms are perfect for corporations or large enterprises, but overlook the needs of small and midsize businesses. Select a service that meets your needs where you currently are — and one that can grow with you down the line.
- What’s included in pricing?
Many platforms offer additional features, but those costs can add up quickly. Look for a payroll platform that doesn’t charge for every little change you want to make.
- Is it easy to switch?
Migrating your payroll data could be a daunting task, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Ask about this process, and more importantly, who on your payment provider’s end oversees this task.
- How can I get help when I need it?
Getting in touch with customer support should be simple and easy, with ample resources at your fingertips to help you get the most of your new payroll software. Ask about online, email, chat, and phone support.
Compare payroll providers
Gusto stands out with unlimited monthly payroll runs for no extra charge, free account setup, W-2 filing, and so much more.
| Gusto | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly fee | Starting at $40/mo + $6/mo per person | No upfront pricing No upfront pricing Starting at $45/mo + $5/mo per user Starting at $29/mo + $5/mo per user Starting at $49/mo per employee (for businesses with <25 employees) No upfront monthly pricing |
| Setup fee | Free |  Extra feesExtra feesFree Free Free Free for simple migration |
| Payroll | ||
| Unlimited payrolls |  | Pay per payrollPay per payroll |
| Automated federal and state tax filing | | |
| Direct deposit | | 4-day ACH |
| File W-2s | | Extra feesExtra fees |
| File 1099s | | Extra feesExtra fees |
| Multiple pay rates and schedules | | |
| Multiple states | (Plus and Premium) | Extra feesExtra feesExtra fees (free with Elite) |
| Contractor payments | | $15/mo up to 20 contractors+$2ea. additional |
| E-sign I-9 and W-4 | | Extra fees(Premium and Elite) |
| Lifetime access for employees | | |
| Household employer payroll | | |
| International payroll | (International contractor add-on) | Extra feesExtra feesExtra fees |
| Benefits | ||
| Health benefits | Pay premiums only | Premiums + fees Pay premiums only Through SimplyInsured Pay premiums only Pay premiums only (Plus) Premiums + fees |
| Workers’ comp | Pay premiums only | Premiums + fees Premiums + fees Premiums + fees (fees waived for Premium and Elite) Pay premiums only Pay premiums only Premiums + fees |
| Available add-ons |
|
|
| HR tools | ||
| Time tracking | (Plus and Premium) | Extra fees(Paychex Flex)(Premium and Elite)Extra fees |
| Team directory and org chart | (Plus and Premium) | Extra fees |
| Time-off requests | (Plus and Premium) | Extra fees(Time & Attendance subscribers) |
| Online offer letters | | Extra fees |
| Secure document vault and e-signing | | (Run Complete & HR) |
| Custom employee handbook | (Premium and HR add-on) | (Run Complete & HR)(Paychex Flex)(Elite)Extra fees |
| Job description and policy templates | (Premium and HR add-on) | (Run Complete & HR)(Premium and Elite)Extra fees |
| Proactive compliance updates | (Premium and HR add-on) | (Run Complete & HR)(Premium and Elite)Extra fees |
| Certified HR pros | (Premium and HR add-on) | (Run Complete & HR)(Paychex Flex)(Elite)Extra fees |
| Direct phone line for dedicated support | (Premium and HR add-on) | (Run Complete & HR)(Elite) No phones |
| Custom Onboarding Checklist | (Plus and Premium) | |
| Software Provisioning | (Plus and Premium) | Extra fees |
| Integrations | ||
| QuickBooks | | |
| Xero | | |
| Google (G-suite) SSO | | Extra fees |
*Competitive data on this page was collected as of June 27th, 2022 and is subject to change or update. Gusto does not make any representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the information on this page. All Gusto services listed in the payroll features comparison chart are provided by Gusto or by one of Gusto’s trusted partners.
Easy-to-find information, accessible help, clear instructions. We definitely find Gusto easier to use than our previous providers.
Payroll is now complete in a manner of minutes as opposed to multiple hours. I love that if I ever have any questions – it’s just a quick call or email, and I have an answer.
A+ Charter Schools
“Gusto can scale with my growing business.”
94% of surveyed Gusto customers1
88% of customers say Gusto is easier
than their previous software1
“It gives me more time to run my business.”
85% of surveyed Gusto customers1
¹Based on a 2022 TechValidate survey of 450+ Gusto customers