Best Gusto Alternatives (2026)
Gusto is payroll, benefits, and hr for small businesses, starting at $40/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from Gusto
- →US only
- →More expensive than DIY options
- →Limited international support
All-in-one HR, IT, and finance platform
Rippling
All-in-one HR, IT, and finance platform
Rippling is a workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance operations. Unlike Deel or Gusto which focus on payroll, Rippling also manages employee devices, app provisioning, and benefits in one system.
Deel
Global payroll and compliance for remote teams
Deel is a global HR platform that handles payroll, compliance, and contractor management across 150+ countries. It lets companies hire anyone, anywhere without setting up local entities.
QuickBooks
Accounting software for small and medium businesses
QuickBooks by Intuit is the most widely used accounting software for small businesses. It handles invoicing, expenses, payroll, tax filing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting — available in desktop and cloud versions.
Gusto vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto (current) | $40 | ✗ | paid | 4.5/5 |
| Rippling | $8 | ✗ | paid | 4.8/5 |
| Deel | $49 | ✗ | paid | 4.8/5 |
| QuickBooks | $17.5 | ✗ | paid | 4/5 |
How to switch from Gusto
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from Gusto — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Most alternatives above offer 14–30 day free trials. Sign up and run a real project — not a demo — before making a final decision.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel Gusto before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from Gusto, Rippling is our top pick — all-in-one hr, it, and finance platform, with a G2 score of 4.8/5. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
Gusto alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Gusto?
Rippling is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at $8/mo and scores 4.8/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to Gusto?
Most alternatives to Gusto are paid. See pricing details in the comparison table above.
What is the cheapest alternative to Gusto?
Rippling is among the most affordable at $8/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of Gusto pricing before you decide.
See Gusto pricing →