Gusto vs. QuickBooks
More small businesses rate Gusto higher than QuickBooks Payroll
Modern, intuitive platform- Automated payroll compliance for most kinds of businesses
- Instant, same-day, and next-day pay
- Seamless integrations with leading accounting tools
- Simple HR add-ons to grow your business your way
Payroll that fits your business, not their tiers
Choose a payroll partner that fits your business, not the other way around.
Dedicated payroll
Payroll add-on to accountingClear and upfront pricing
Tiered pricing, add-on fees may apply
Pay your team on your schedule (Instant, Same-Day, Next-Day)
Same-day only for premium and elite with stricter cutoffs
Run unlimited payrolls in any state
Additional state filing fees may apply
Year-end forms included (W-2s and 1099s at no extra cost)
Added fees in lower-tier QuickBooks plans
Federal, state, and local filings handled automatically
Local filings only for premium and elite
Have payroll taxes filed for you in every plan
Contracted terms with early cancellation fees
Saves 156 hours per year on payroll
No published SMB time-saving data
Clear and upfront pricingvs.
Tiered pricing, add-on fees may applyPay your team on your schedule (Instant, Same-Day, Next-Day)vs.
Same-day only for premium and elite with stricter cutoffsRun unlimited payrolls in any statevs.
Additional state filing fees may applyYear-end forms included (W-2s and 1099s at no extra cost)vs.
Added fees in lower-tier QuickBooks plansFederal, state, and local filings handled automaticallyvs.
Local filings only for premium and eliteHave payroll taxes filed for you in every planvs.
Contracted terms with early cancellation feesSaves 156 hours per year on payrollvs.
No published SMB time-saving data
#1 Most Innovative in HR
Fast Company 2025
Best SMB payroll service
for user experience 2025
10 best payroll services
for small business
#1 Payroll User Satisfaction SMB
G2 Software Review 2025
#1 Most Innovative in HR
Fast Company 2025
Best SMB payroll service
for user experience 2025
10 best payroll services
for small business
#1 Payroll User Satisfaction SMB
G2 Software Review 2025
Did you know...
Gusto customers saved an average of 220 hours/year on tax and compliance work after switching from Quickbooks.
Gusto is the better option. Compare the reviews.
“Far superior to QuickBooks. [The QuickBooks] payroll system is horribly clunky and not user friendly!”
Ex-QuickBooks Customer
Gusto Customer Review“It’s so convenient to manage benefits and renewals on your own without having to make an appointment or talk to a broker. With easy-to-understand plan comparisons, Gusto is simple to use.”
Lollipop Dental
Healthcare Industry
50 - 99 employees“With Gusto, a small business like ours can avoid taking on a lot of overhead and they give us all we need — payroll, HR, and benefits managed all in one place.”
Magpie Health Analytics
Technology Industry10-24 employees“Gusto was so user friendly and the most cost-effective solution, especially in comparison to some antiquated players in the space. It’s really nice to see a company with a good foundation continue to evolve the product.”
Floyd Lee Locums
Healthcare Industry50 - 99 employeesReliable payroll without the headaches
Unlimited payrolls included
Per-state add-ons in lower tiers
All year-end forms included
Add-on costs for mailing forms
Automatic local tax filings included
Only available in higher-tier plans
Transparent pricing
Tiered extra fees can add up
Intuitive, well-rated platform
Lower user ratings⁴
Need more than payroll?
We give you access to the tools you need without upselling you for ones you don’t.
Employee Benefits
Offer affordable health and financial benefits
It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. We’ll help you find a healthcare package that checks every box on your list.
Employee Benefits
Offer affordable health and financial benefits
It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. We’ll help you find a healthcare package that checks every box on your list.
Make payroll the easiest part of your day
No guessing games, no hidden fees. Let Gusto make your life easier and your business run smoother — start today for free (yep, no quotes necessary).
*Competitive data on this page was collected as of July 2025 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.
- Compare Gusto vs. QuickBooks Payroll | G2. https://www.g2.com/compare/gusto-vs-intuit-quickbooks-payroll
- Source: Survey of 538 Gusto Customers, September 2024
- 50+ Payroll Statistics Shaping Employee Experience in 2025. https://learn.g2.com/payroll-statistics
- Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2; Gusto Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2. https://www.g2.com/products/intuit-quickbooks-payroll/reviews; https://www.g2.com/products/gusto/reviews