20 Best Gusto Alternatives of 2025
10 Best Gusto Alternatives Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Gusto is a well-known HR and payroll system that offers core HR management solutions covering benefits, talent management, time and attendance, and workforce management. While it is a worthwhile solution, you may be interested in considering the other Gusto competitors out there due to specific feature needs, pricing concerns, or a preference for different user interfaces. In this article, I’ll walk you through my suggestions for the best Gusto alternatives to manage your employee data and basic payroll functions within one system.
What is Gusto?
Gusto offers a combination of HR software and services that are designed to manage payroll, benefits, and human resources for businesses. Their software solution is commonly used by small to medium-sized businesses that need to handle employee compensation, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws, but want extra support managing these functions efficiently.
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Best Gusto Alternatives: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Gusto alternative selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global payroll and compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for managing HR, IT, and finance in one platform | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for multi-currency payments | Free demo available | From $15/employee/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for multi-jurisdiction tax filing | 90-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for budget-conscious remote team expansion | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for customizable HR solutions with robust analytics | Free demo available | From $9/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for affordable and easy-to-use payroll software | 30-day free trial | From $17/user/month + $4/employee | Website | |
| 8 | Best EOR in India | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for automatic tax payments | Free plan available | From $14/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for unlimited payroll runs and tax filing guarantee | Up to 6 months free | From $4/month/employee + $19.99/month base fee | Website |
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Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
ClearCompany
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Gusto Alternative Reviews
Below are in-depth summaries of my recommendations for the best Gusto alternatives. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each tool, their features, and their best use cases to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Deel is a global payroll and compliance management solution designed to streamline hiring and payments for international teams. HR professionals and payroll specialists use it to manage remote workers and contractors. It automates compliance processes, handling things like local tax laws, and provides a unified platform for managing contracts, payments, and documentation.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: What sets Deel apart from Gusto is its ability to manage international payroll and compliance. Deel is particularly well-suited for companies that employ remote workers or contractors across multiple countries, providing tools to handle complex compliance issues, local tax laws, and multi-currency payments. For businesses in industries with a significant number of international hires, Deel offers a solid solution to manage global teams effectively. In contrast, Gusto excels in managing payroll, benefits, and HR needs for U.S.-based businesses, making Deel the better choice for organizations with a global workforce.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include global mobility support, integrated Slack tools, and advanced integrations. Their global mobility service helps companies with visa sponsorship, allowing them to bring in candidates from abroad. Deel is one of the largest international payroll solutions out there, with the company reporting over 100,000 active worker contracts. They offer 24/7 online support and dedicated account managers for specific requests.
Integrations are available with Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibon, NetSuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, Xero, Workday, and Workable. They also have an Open API to support additional custom integrations too.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pay employees in 150+ currencies, including crypto
- Advanced employer of record (EOR) services also available
- Covers up to $25,000 if a misclassification/legal case arises
Cons:
- No mobile app available
- No free trial available
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management system that integrates features for managing HR, finance, and IT.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: While Gusto focuses on US-based businesses and core HR and payroll functionalities, Rippling takes workforce management a step further to include extensive IT management capabilities, such as device management and app provisioning, making it an all-in-one platform for companies looking to streamline HR, finance, and IT operations. Additionally, Rippling supports international payroll and HR management, catering to businesses with a global workforce.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tax filing, expense management, time tracking, benefits administration, automated payroll processing, employee onboarding, performance management, compliance automation, app provisioning, and device management.
Integrations include Jira, Trello, Asana, Okta, Duo Security, Dropbox, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, QuickBooks, Xero, Zendesk, Lever, ADP, PayPal, Stripe, and Expensify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The software is scalable
- Automated workflows for HR, finance, and IT departments
- Comprehensive global payroll management
Cons:
- Extensive features may present a learning curve
- Limited language support within the platform
Papaya Global is a comprehensive platform designed to manage global payroll, workforce, and contractor payments. It simplifies the complexities of international payroll by offering a unified solution that ensures compliance with local regulations.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: Unlike Gusto, which primarily focuses on the U.S. market, Papaya Global offers robust support for global payroll and compliance in over 160 countries, providing localized expertise and ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations. It also supports multi-currency payments and multiple employment types, including full-time employees, contractors, and freelancers, allowing businesses to manage a diverse workforce through a single platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee classification, contractor management, automated payments, global benefits administration, tax filing and reporting, workforce analytics, multilingual support, consolidated reporting, and workforce analytics.
Integrations include SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, NetSuite, BambooHR, SAP Fieldglass, Namely, HiBob, Expensify, OKTA, and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates many HR processes
- Strong compliance features
- Supports global payroll
Cons:
- Navigating the platform may come with a learning curve
- Initial setup can be complex
RUN by ADP is a comprehensive payroll and HR software solution designed to simplify payroll processing and human resource management for small businesses.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: RUN by ADP differentiates itself with its extensive tax filing support across multiple jurisdictions, automated compliance updates, and a dedicated team of experts to help navigate complex tax laws, which can be a significant advantage over Gusto’s more simplified tax services. Additionally, RUN by ADP offers advanced HR tools like employee background checks, access to legal assistance, and custom reporting capabilities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include direct deposit, an employee self-service portal, HR compliance support, time and attendance tracking, garnishment payment services, new hire reporting, retirement plan services, workers' compensation management, payroll and tax reports, and mobile app access.
Integrations include Quickbooks, Wave, Xero, ClockShark, Points North, TruSaic, Compy, Wex, Synerion, JazzHR, 7Shifts, Snappy Gifts, Absorb LMS, SmartRecruiters, and hundreds more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee self-service option
- Good mobile app
- Automates tax calculations and filing
Cons:
- Setup can be complex
- Most HR functions are only available on higher-tier plans
RemoFirst is an Employer of Record (EOR) service that helps you hire and manage employees and contractors in over 180 countries. By handling local compliance, payroll, and benefits, it allows your team to focus on growth without the complexities of international employment.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: I chose RemoFirst as a solid alternative to Gusto because of its extensive global reach. While Gusto primarily serves U.S.-based businesses, RemoFirst enables you to hire full-time employees and contractors worldwide, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and regulations. This global capability is crucial if you're looking to expand your team internationally while on a budget and without the hassle of establishing foreign subsidiaries. It also handles payroll processing in multiple currencies, tax filings, and offers benefits like health insurance and retirement plans tailored to each region.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include visa and work permit assistance, helping your team members obtain the necessary documentation to work legally in their respective countries. They also offer background checks to ensure potential hires meet your standards and comply with local regulations. Additionally, it provides intellectual property protection, ensuring your company's assets are safeguarded across different jurisdictions.
Integrations include ADP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust employee support
- Ability to provide locally relevant employee benefits
- Comprehensive compliance management
Cons:
- Service availability may vary by region
- No mobile app available
Namely is a comprehensive HR platform that offers solutions for talent management processes, including HR, benefits administration, compliance, payroll, and time tracking. It also provides managed payroll and benefit management services, and self-help resources such as their blog, library, product video tours, and events. Namely is designed for small- and mid-sized businesses and is known for offering customization, scalability, and comprehensive solutions for HR processes.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: I chose Namely for the list because it offers a high degree of customization and robust analytics, making it a strong alternative to Gusto. Namely stands out with its comprehensive HR solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different businesses, providing a more personalized experience.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its intuitive HR technology, compliance tools, and benefits insurance expertise. The platform offers a unified system for managing HR, benefits, compliance, payroll, time tracking, and performance management, which helps streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Integrations include Workday, ADP, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, DocuSign, and many others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good at tracking historical employee data
- Robust analytics tools
- Customizable HR solutions
Cons:
- Implementation can be time-consuming
- Pricing can be high for smaller businesses
Patriot Software provides affordable and easy-to-use payroll and accounting solutions for small businesses. It is best for its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly interface, making payroll management straightforward and accessible.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: I chose Patriot Software for its affordability and ease of use, which are critical for small businesses and startups. Its straightforward pricing and comprehensive features make it a strong contender when comparing payroll solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include accurate tax calculations, free payroll setup, customizable payroll, and unlimited payroll runs. It also includes free direct deposit or check printing and supports both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, TSheets, Gusto, ADP, Paychex Flex, Square, Stripe, PayPal, and FreshBooks
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent customer support
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- No mobile app
- Basic payroll reporting capabilities
Remunance offers Employer of Record (EOR) services to help businesses hire and build a team in India without the need to establish a local entity. They handle employment-related tasks such as hiring, payroll, and compliance, allowing you to focus on your core operations.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: Unlike Gusto's EOR services, Remunance brings a comprehensive, focused approach to managing HR services in India. They handle remote hiring and onboarding, ensuring your new team members are integrated into your operations. Additionally, Remunance takes care of legal and regulatory compliance matters. This includes staying updated with local labor laws and ensuring all employment practices meet legal requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include talent acquisition, employee onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, tax compliance, legal support, performance management, employee training and development, leave and attendance management, and IT and infrastructure management.
Integrations are not listed on Remunance's website.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient payroll processing ensures timely compensation
- Expertise in local compliance reduces legal risks
- Comprehensive EOR services
Cons:
- Limited to India
- Dependence on Remunance may limit direct control
Wave offers a comprehensive payroll solution tailored for small businesses, featuring automatic tax payments and filings. It simplifies payroll management by integrating seamlessly with Wave's accounting and invoicing software.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: I chose Wave for its robust features that cater specifically to small businesses, making it a strong contender against Gusto. Its automatic tax payment and filing capabilities, combined with a user-friendly interface, make it a practical choice for small business owners.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include direct deposit, automatic tax remittances, and employee self-service portals. Plus, Wave offers additional accounting and invoicing tools, reducing manual bookkeeping efforts.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee self-service portals
- Integrated accounting software and bookkeeping tools
- Automatic tax payments and filings
Cons:
- No dedicated mobile app for payroll
- Limited to certain states for tax services
SurePayroll, a service offered by Paychex, provides comprehensive payroll solutions for small businesses. It offers automated payroll, tax management, HR, and benefits services, with features such as free unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, and in-depth reporting. SurePayroll stands out because it ensures that businesses can run payroll as many times as needed without additional costs and guarantees accurate tax filings.
Why it's a good Gusto alternative: I chose SurePayroll for the list because it offers a robust set of features that cater specifically to small businesses, making it a strong alternative to Gusto. Its unlimited payroll runs and tax filing guarantee stand out, providing peace of mind and flexibility for business owners. It also offers up to 6 months for free, making it even more attractive for startups.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll processing, same-day payments, tax management, and comprehensive reporting. It also offers HR support, benefits management, and the ability to run payroll directly from their mobile app, making it a well-rounded solution for small business owners on the go.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Sage, NetSuite, Intacct, AccountEdge, Kashoo, LessAccounting, and Zoho Books.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS devices
- Tax filing guarantee
- Unlimited payroll runs
Cons:
- Limited HR tools
- Limited to small businesses
Other Gusto Alternatives
If you’d like a few more options to consider, here are several other worthwhile Gusto alternatives that are also worth checking out:
- Justworks Payroll
For PEO-run payroll solutions with human support
- UKG Ready
For AI-powered HR and workforce management solutions
- Paychex
For comprehensive payroll and HR solutions
- Paylocity
For paying hourly workers or contractors
- BambooHR
For all-in-one HR software with extensive integrations
- Trinet
For comprehensive HR outsourcing services
- OnPay
For full-service payroll and HR for small businesses
- Oyster HR
For hiring remote employees
- TimeTrex
For complex pay structures and time tracking
- Paycor
HCM for tailored industry solutions
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Selection Criteria for Gusto Alternatives
Selecting alternatives to Gusto requires a detailed understanding of the features and functionalities that serve common use cases, buyer needs, and pain points. As a software-testing expert, I’ve personally tried and researched many different payroll and HR service providers to make sure my recommendations are accurate.
Here’s a summary of the selection criteria I used to create this list:
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Core Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:
- Payroll processing
- Benefits administration
- Time tracking
- Employee self-service
- Compliance management
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me find the best software out of numerous available options, I also kept a keen eye out for unique features, including the following:
- Integration with third-party apps
- Customizable reporting
- Mobile app functionality
- Advanced analytics
- AI-driven insights
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Role-based access configuration
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Chatbots for instant help
- Webinars for in-depth training
- Pre-built templates for quick setup
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels (phone, email, chat)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive help center
- Fast response times
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing structure
- Flexible subscription plans
- Discounts for annual commitments
- Free trial availability
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Reviews on feature effectiveness
- User testimonials on ROI
By focusing on these criteria, I was able to identify the best Gusto competitors that are well-suited to specific business requirements, ensuring a smoother transition and better overall experience.
Why Look for a Gusto Alternative?
While Gusto is certainly a popular and well-known HR platform, there are several reasons why you might want to consider an alternative option, including:
- Cost: Gusto's pricing may not fit your budget.
- Features: You need specific features that Gusto lacks.
- Scalability: Gusto may not scale well with your growing business.
- Customer Support: You require more responsive or personalized support.
- Integration: Gusto might not integrate with your existing HR tools.
There are alternatives out there that offer unique benefits that Gusto may not provide, such as more affordable pricing, specialized features, and better scalability. These alternatives may also offer superior customer support and integration with your current systems.
Key Features to Look for in Gusto Alternatives
Here are some key features of Gusto that your alternative software should be able to replicate or improve upon to be a good fit:
- Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations and tax filings.
- Employee Benefits: Manages health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.
- Time Tracking: Tracks employee hours and integrates with payroll.
- Onboarding: Simplifies new hire paperwork and processes.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to labor laws and tax regulations.
- Direct Deposit: Facilitates direct deposit payments to employees.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to access pay stubs and update personal information.
- Reporting: Generates detailed payroll and HR reports.
- Customer Support: Provides assistance through various channels.
- Integration: Connects with other business software and tools.
Are There Any Free Gusto Alternatives?
When it comes to managing payroll, Gusto is a popular choice for many small businesses. However, it comes with a cost that might not be feasible for every business. Fortunately, there are several free alternatives to Gusto that offer robust features to help you manage your payroll without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best free payroll software worth considering:
- Payroll4Free: This software is ideal for small businesses with up to 25 employees. It offers features like tax calculations, direct deposit, and an employee portal. However, it only works on Windows and includes ads.
- TimeTrex: TimeTrex offers a free Community Edition that includes time tracking, scheduling, and payroll processing. It is cloud-based and supports unlimited employees, but it does not file payroll taxes.
- HR.my: This platform is completely free and supports unlimited employees. It offers multilingual capabilities, time tracking, and an employee portal. However, it does not calculate or file payroll taxes.
- eSmart Paycheck: eSmart Paycheck provides a free payroll calculator that can handle federal and state tax calculations. It also offers paid plans for additional features like e-filing.
- ExcelPayroll: This is a free, spreadsheet-based payroll solution that works with Microsoft Excel. It supports up to 50 employees and includes features like tax form printing and deduction management.
- Homebase: Homebase offers a free plan that includes scheduling and time tracking. Payroll services are available as an add-on, starting at $6 per employee per month.
- Zoho Payroll: Zoho Payroll offers a free plan for small teams with up to 10 employees. It includes features like automatic payroll calculations and direct deposits.
These tools provide a range of features that can help you manage your payroll and HR tasks efficiently without the need for a paid service like Gusto.
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