stackswitch

Gusto

Payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses

$40
Starting price
4.5/5
G2 rating
3
Pricing plans
2011
Founded

Quick verdict

Gusto is built for growing teams and mid-market companies who need solid hr & payroll capabilities. Users consistently rate it highly against competitors like Rippling. There is no free plan, so you need to be fairly sure it fits before committing.

Gusto is the go-to payroll and HR platform for small US-based businesses. It handles payroll taxes automatically, offers health benefits, 401(k) management, and onboarding — all with a friendly, non-intimidating interface.

What we like

  • Easiest payroll for small businesses
  • Full-service tax filing
  • Great employee experience
  • Good benefits marketplace

Watch out for

  • US only
  • More expensive than DIY options
  • Limited international support

Key features

Automated payrollTax filingHealth benefits401(k) plansEmployee onboardingTime trackingHR compliance

Who should use Gusto?

If you are a Solo / freelancer...

At $40/mo, it is a real investment for a solo operator. Consider a free alternative first, then switch when you outgrow it.

If you are a 5-person startup...

For a team of five, expect to pay roughly $200/mo on the Simple plan. That is reasonable for a startup budget.

If you are a 50+ person company...

You will likely need the Plus plan or above. At this scale, check the time tracking and hr compliance capabilities — they matter more as teams grow.

Pricing: the honest take

Starting at $40/mo with no free tier, Gusto is positioned for buyers who already know they need this category of tool. The Simple plan is mid-range for the hr & payroll market.

See full Gusto pricing breakdown →
See Gusto pricing → See alternatives →

Top Gusto alternatives

Rippling All-in-one HR, IT, and finance platform
$8 Compare →
Deel Global payroll and compliance for remote teams
$49 Compare →
QuickBooks Accounting software for small and medium businesses
$17.5 Compare →
See all Gusto alternatives →

Our verdict

Gusto is a top-rated hr & payroll tool with 3 pricing plans. Starting at $40/mo, it is priced for growing teams. If the watch-outs above are dealbreakers, see the alternatives below.

Gusto: frequently asked questions

Is Gusto free?

No — Gusto does not have a free plan. Pricing starts at $40/mo.

How much does Gusto cost?

Gusto has 3 plans. Paid plans start at $40/mo. See full pricing →

What are the best alternatives to Gusto?

Top alternatives include Rippling, Deel, QuickBooks. See full comparison →