Free payroll software setup in minutes.
Get full access to Gusto’s user-friendly payroll platform completely free. Set up your account, try out our awesome features—from built-in time tracking to robust reporting options—and don’t pay a penny until you’re ready to run payroll. No commitment, no sweat.
Free payroll setup
Set up your account in minutes with no commitment.
All-access pass
Explore powerful features like time tracking and built-in benefits—all completely free.
No hidden fees
Don’t pay a cent until you run payroll.
Free payroll setup
No commitments, no contracts, no strings attached.
See how our intuitive platform is here to make your life easier before you pay a penny out of pocket. Get set up and onboarded and try us on for size while you get familiar with all our great features. And when you’re ready to run payroll, there are zero long term contracts or commitments. Cancel anytime, no muss no fuss.
No-cost features
Free payroll tax filing, onboarding, and compliance with every plan.
Other payroll companies upcharge by the feature, but with Gusto, it’s all built right in. We don’t charge extra for paying and filing state and local taxes, and we don’t charge based on how many payrolls you run each month. Compliance is automated, and payroll is a breeze—so you can let us handle the tough stuff while you enjoy all that time and money you’re saving.
Upfront pricing
When you’re ready to run, everything you need is included at one low price.
Gusto’s transparent pricing means what you see is what you get. You can create your account for free, explore all of our features before making a commitment, and kick back knowing you’ll never get hit with hidden fees. Every Gusto plan comes with lifetime employee access, time-off management, benefits administration, top-notch software integrations, and, of course, unlimited payroll runs—all for one unbeatable low price.
88%
of businesses say Gusto is easier to use than their previous software.
5 hours
Average time saved per month running payroll and HR after switching to Gusto.
2 weeks
Average time it takes to switch to Gusto (and often less).
Frequently Asked Questions
Gusto’s free payroll software setup allows you to create an account and explore our easy-to-use payroll platform with no commitments, no credit cards, and no contracts. You can test out our powerful features and see how much time and money you could save running payroll with Gusto.
Gusto’s payroll software is completely free until you hit that “Run Payroll” button. You can get your business set up and explore our robust reporting and built-in benefits options. You can have your employees onboarded and see how our entire platform makes your life easier all without paying a dime. And when you are ready to run payroll, there are zero commitments. Cancel anytime, no muss no fuss.
You betcha! Our user-friendly payroll platform is yours to explore. Time tracking, benefits, and more are all at your fingertips while you decide if Gusto’s the payroll provider for you.
Trusted by 500,000+ businesses and their teams
#1 Highest Satisfaction Software
G2 Review | 2026
#1 Best payroll software
TrustRadius | 2025