Gusto Payroll Software Review and Pricing

Why We Chose Gusto as Best for HR Integration

Most payroll services offer automated payroll and basic HR support. However, not all systems integrate with existing HR tools to provide seamless connections and continuity. This is where Gusto stands out. The platform works with dozens of third-party HR and business tools at no extra cost, allowing teams to stay connected without disrupting existing workflows.

Gusto stands out for the sheer range and simplicity of its integrations. It connects effortlessly with popular accounting software, applicant tracking systems, benefits providers, time-tracking tools and other key platforms. These integrations reduce double entry, improve data accuracy and make it easier to manage your workforce from a single platform — a level of interoperability many competitors don’t offer.

Additionally, its built-in HR tools are robust, providing everything employers need to effectively serve their teams. For example, Gusto helps simplify hiring and onboarding with custom offer letter templates, document storage and background check capabilities (via partner Checkr), as well as the ability to provision email addresses for new hires. New team members can use an intuitive employee self-service portal to enter their payroll details so they’re ready to hit the ground running on day one. We also liked Gusto’s mobile app, which offers essential self-service tools that let employees track their pay and benefits, clock in and out, access important documents and manage personal finances through budgeting and savings tools.

We were impressed that Gusto’s reasonably priced Plus plan includes built-in time tracking, job posting features, e-signature capabilities, an applicant tracking system (ATS) and a software provisioning service. At this level, you can customize paid time off (PTO) policies and automatically sync them to your work calendar while also managing performance reviews and employee surveys.

See active benefits or find new solutions in your administrator-level Gusto account. Source: Gusto

Ease of Use

Gusto is a user-friendly platform that most teams can pick up quickly. Here are a few features we noted during testing that make it especially easy to use:

• User interface: We found Gusto’s web interface exceptionally easy to navigate. The homepage highlights important reminders and upcoming tasks (which Gusto also sends via email). 
• Easy expense management: It’s easy to add bonuses and incentives to payroll and see the calculations update in real time. Plus and Premium users can also reimburse expenses, which is excellent for handling one-off payments. We also liked the ability to add personal notes to pay stubs and include comments in employee emails.  
• Automated payroll: We appreciated the payroll system’s easy Autopilot feature, which is a valuable option for small businesses with salaried employees. 
• Mobile app: Gusto’s employer-side mobile app lets users run regular and off-cycle payrolls, invite new team members, view employee information, receive and address payroll alerts, and access customer support. Employees can also use Gusto’s mobile app to easily view pay stubs, access tax documents, clock in and out, track time off, and manage their benefits.

The Gusto mobile app includes employer-side features that help business owners run payroll on the go. Source: Gusto

Gusto Features

Gusto makes it easy for HR teams to run payroll accurately and stay on top of tax filing deadlines. Some standout features include:

Integrations

Gusto’s vast array of integrations impressed us — the platform works with far more applications than many rivals we reviewed. Third-party app integrations include many of the best accounting software solutions as well as tools for: 

• Applicant tracking (like JazzHR and Greenhouse)
• Expense management (like Expensify)
• Employee performance management (like Lattice and 15Five)
• Time tracking (like When I Work and OnTheClock)
• Business operations (Like Notion)
• Data analytics (​​like ChartHop and Looker)
• Hiring (like Breezy HR and Workable)
• Collaboration (like Asana and Slack)
• Managing the onboarding process (like Sapling and Trainual)
• Legal and compliance management (Like Mineral)

These types of integrations are essential for saving time, reducing errors and ensuring different systems — like payroll, benefits and accounting — work together without the need for manual data entry.

Payroll Processing

Like most competitors, Gusto’s capable payroll software lets employees and contractors enter their bank details and tax withholdings. Business owners or HR teams can input pay rates and benefit deductions on the backend. You can enter hours worked manually or sync payroll with a time-tracking app each pay period. Gusto’s built-in time-tracking system, included with Plus and Premium plans or available as an add-on for Simple, also syncs directly with payroll.

We like that Gusto supports bonuses, commissions and tip credits. It also allows unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost, making it easy to pay freelancers or part-time workers on an irregular schedule. The automated payroll option (AutoPilot) is especially helpful for salaried employees.

Gusto allows business owners to view payroll funds to be withdrawn, cancel payroll or see a full summary after processing payroll. Source: Gusto 

Payment Options

Like most payroll providers, Gusto supports direct deposit, with next-day, two-day or four-day processing, depending on your subscription package. You can also print paper checks using personalized or blank check stock or pay employees via payroll cards (prepaid debit cards).

We appreciate that employees can set up a Gusto Wallet spending account, which comes with a debit card. Through the Gusto mobile app, employees can also split their paychecks between multiple accounts and access helpful financial tools.

The free Gusto Mobile app lets employees view pay stubs and set savings goals. Source: Gusto

Payroll Taxes

​​Most full-service payroll providers offer automated federal, state and local tax filing. However, some charge extra for end-of-year tax forms. We appreciate that Gusto automatically generates W-2 and 1099 payroll forms for employees and contractors. Digital copies are free to send or print, and Gusto can also mail physical copies for a fee.

Once payroll is processed, Gusto debits the required payroll taxes from your connected account and files quarterly and annual tax forms, including Form 941. You can view company and employee tax payments under payroll history, while employees can see their tax details on their pay stubs.

Multi-state payroll is available with Gusto’s top two subscription tiers. If you’re hiring in a new state, Gusto can assist with the required state and local tax setup, though this service comes at an additional cost.

Gusto allows you to see an overview of your important tax filing dates or click to view tax forms. Source: Gusto

Specialized HR Services

Depending on your plan and selected add-ons, you may have access to advanced features comparable to those in dedicated HR software.

• Recruiting and onboarding: We appreciate that all Gusto plans include hiring and onboarding tools, while the Plus and Premium tiers go further with an applicant tracking system and job posting support — features many competitors don’t offer. Gusto also includes background checks, custom offer letter templates, onboarding checklists, digital I-9 and W-4 forms, and secure document storage across all plans. Additionally, Gusto can complete and file the required state paperwork for every new employee your company brings on board.

Hire and onboard new employees without leaving the Gusto application. Source: Gusto

• Benefits administration: Gusto brokers medical, dental and vision insurance, or you can integrate your existing plans into your Gusto account. This service is included at no extra cost with the Premium plan or for $6 per employee per month on the Plus plan. Gusto also offers pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation insurance through AP Intego, along with life and disability insurance, which can be administered at no additional cost beyond the premiums. Other types of benefits are available as add-ons with additional administration fees, including:
  • Commuter benefits
  • Health savings accounts (HSAs)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • 401(k) retirement plans
  • Dependent care FSAs
• Time and attendance: Many Gusto plans include time tracking, project tracking, time-off requests and calendar syncing. You can set PTO policies and holiday pay, which sync with payroll automatically. The Time Kiosk feature, included with Plus and Premium plans or as an add-on to Simple, allows employees to clock in and out from any internet-connected device. They can also track time by project, pay rate or job type. Admins can track hours by employee, project or job type to support job costing, and all data syncs directly to payroll. Alternatively, employees can clock in and out using their mobile devices. 
• Employee management: We were impressed by Gusto’s wide range of employee management tools, including online offer letters, e-signatures, employee directories, org charts, anonymous surveys and custom reports. It also provides HR compliance support, access to HR professionals, employee relations guidance, policy templates, job description samples, harassment prevention training and proactive compliance updates. Performance review tools are included with the Plus and Premium plans or available as an add-on to the Simple plan. You can also add a learning management feature to your plan if desired.

Gusto’s interactive org chart makes it easy to visualize your team structure, assign managers and more. Source: Gusto

• R&D tax credit support: Gusto also offers an optional R&D tax credit add-on. Gusto’s tax experts will analyze your company data to determine if you’re eligible for the federal R&D tax credit — a valuable incentive for businesses focused on innovation. According to Gusto, qualifying companies save an average of $30,000 per year. The service costs 15 percent of the identified credit, with discounts available for Premium plan subscribers.
• Enhanced payroll features: Gusto also supports businesses with nontraditional payroll needs. It offers a contractor-only plan for companies without W-2 employees, as well as solutions for international teams. With Gusto Global, its employer of record (EOR) service, businesses can hire, pay and manage full-time employees in other countries — ideal for expanding into new markets. Gusto also enables international contractor payments in over 120 countries with no monthly per-contractor fee.

Gusto Pricing

Gusto offers three full-service payroll plans, each with unlimited payroll runs and automated tax filings. While contractor payments are supported in every plan, there’s also a dedicated contractor-only option. Here’s how the plans break down:

Additional pricing considerations include the following: 

• Gusto requires no contracts; you can use the platform on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time. 
• Health insurance is included at no extra cost when using Gusto as your broker; you only pay premiums. If using your own broker, plan management is available for an additional fee. 
• HR and other add-ons are available at various costs. For example, you can add HR Resources (certified experts, compliance alerts, etc.) to your Simple plan for $50 per month, plus $5 per person per month. Performance tools are available for $3 per person per month.

Implementation/Onboarding

Gusto is one of the easier payroll services to deploy and use. The company provides a clear overview of its self-onboarding process, with step-by-step instructions for business owners or administrators. Like most online payroll systems, setup involves adding employees, tax information and banking details.

You’ll also verify your account and sign necessary forms online. Gusto may request additional documentation to meet banking or financial compliance requirements. During setup, you’ll choose your pay schedule and enter any historical payroll data. Gusto representatives are available to answer questions or walk you through the process if needed.

We also found it easy to onboard employees during or after setup. While configuring Gusto, you can enter employees’ email addresses to trigger an automatic invite. Alternatively, you can wait and edit their profiles later. Once added, employees receive an email from Gusto with a link to complete their onboarding themselves.

Customer Support

We had excellent experiences each time we contacted Gusto’s support team, and many user reviews back this up. Representatives were patient, knowledgeable and responsive. We never experienced long wait times or felt pressured to upgrade or buy additional services.

Here’s what to expect: 

• Channels and availability: Gusto’s support team is available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST, via phone, email and live chat.
• Online resources: Gusto’s Help Center, available with all plans, is easy to navigate, with step-by-step guides that walk users through key processes. 
• Premium support: Premium plan subscribers receive a dedicated customer success manager, a direct line for phone and email support, and expedited service. They also get unlimited live access to certified HR professionals.
• Upgraded support: Plus plan subscribers can add the Priority Support and HR Resources add-on for $8 per person per month to access faster response times and additional HR perks. Similarly, Simple plan subscribers can pay $30 per month plus $3 per person for the Priority Support add-on and receive quicker response times.

Limitations

Gusto’s HR integrations and robust payroll tools serve small businesses well. However, we did identify the following limitations: 

• Limited automations: Gusto’s automation capabilities are more limited than those of some competitors. If your company prioritizes automating repetitive tasks across platforms, consider Rippling, which offers hundreds of integrations and pre-built automation workflows. Read our Rippling vs. Gusto comparison and our detailed Rippling review to learn more. 
• No same-day direct deposit: Gusto does not support same-day direct deposit. Depending on your plan, direct deposit speeds are next-day, two-day or four-day, with the contractor-only plan limited to the four-day option. This may be restrictive for companies that need more flexible payroll timing or are managing cash flow challenges. Read our QuickBooks Payroll review to explore a provider that offers same-day deposits.
• Limited screen customizability: While Gusto’s interface is intuitive, it lacks screen customization options. Users cannot rearrange dashboard widgets, unlike in platforms such as Paychex and ADP. See our Paychex review and ADP Payroll review for alternatives that offer a more customizable UI.
• Benefits administration add-on costs: Administration of 401(k) plans and tax-advantaged spending accounts (such as FSAs and HSAs) is only available as a paid add-on. These extra fees may be a barrier for small businesses that want to offer a broader range of employee benefits.
• Limited support hours: Gusto’s customer support hours and options are less extensive than those of some competitors, such as Paychex, which offer round-the-clock support. 

Methodology

We researched and analyzed dozens of the best online payroll services to identify the top solutions for small businesses. We evaluated usability, pricing, HR tool availability, payment options, direct deposit speeds, payroll tax support and other essential features to help organizations choose the right provider for their needs. Our research included hands-on testing when possible, along with software demos, product videos and direct interactions with customer support teams. To determine the best payroll platform for integrations, we closely examined the number of available integrations and how well they worked with popular tech stacks, including time tracking and accounting software.

Bottom Line

We recommend Gusto for …

• Small businesses that want robust HR tools alongside a full-service payroll provider.
• Companies looking to integrate third-party tools into a unified payroll and HR system.
• HR professionals who need tools to streamline onboarding, time tracking and performance management.

We don’t recommend Gusto for …

• Companies that require dedicated or 24/7 customer support.
• Growing organizations that need guided implementation and deployment assistance.
• Very small teams seeking the lowest-cost payroll option.

Erin Donaghue contributed to this article.