Gusto is a popular all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, and employee benefits—especially among startups and small to mid-sized businesses. But it’s not the only solution out there.
Whether you’re looking for more robust enterprise features, lower pricing, or better customer service, there are several excellent Gusto competitors that might better fit your business needs.
In this article, we’ll compare the top Gusto alternatives based on:
- Features & functionality
- Pricing models
- Ideal business size
- Integrations & usability
Why Look for Gusto Alternatives?
While Gusto is praised for its intuitive design and automation, some businesses may need:
- More advanced compliance support
- Global payroll features
- Custom reporting
- Lower-cost options for startups or freelancers
- Better integration with existing HR systems
That’s where these Gusto competitors come into play.
Top 10 Gusto Competitors (Ranked for 2025)
ADP (RUN & Workforce Now)
Best for: Midsize to large businesses
Strengths:
- Comprehensive HR suite
- Global payroll and tax compliance
- Time tracking & analytics tools
Why It’s a Competitor: ADP offers enterprise-grade features Gusto lacks.
Paychex for Gusto competitors
Best for: Growing businesses and franchises
Strengths:
- Robust payroll & tax filing
- Employee retirement and insurance options
- 24/7 customer support
Why It’s a Competitor: Scalable from solopreneurs to large firms.
QuickBooks Payroll for Gusto competitors
Best for: Businesses already using QuickBooks
Strengths:
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
- Automated payroll tax payments
- Same-day direct deposit
Why It’s a Competitor: Ideal for accountants or existing QuickBooks users.
Rippling
Best for: Tech-savvy businesses needing automation
Strengths:
- Unified HR + IT management
- Global workforce management
- Modular platform (payroll, apps, devices)
Why It’s a Competitor: Scales better than Gusto for tech startups.
Zenefits (by TriNet)
Best for: Benefits administration & HR compliance
Strengths:
- Strong benefits packages
- Affordable HR tools
- Built-in scheduling and time tracking
Why It’s a Competitor: Offers full HRIS suite for SMBs at lower cost.
OnPay
Best for: Budget-conscious small businesses
Strengths:
- Flat pricing ($40/month + $6/user)
- Includes multi-state payroll & tax filing
- Great customer reviews
Why It’s a Competitor: More affordable and equally reliable.
Justworks
Best for: Companies needing PEO services
Strengths:
- PEO (Professional Employer Organization) support
- Access to large-group health insurance
- Automated compliance
Why It’s a Competitor: Ideal for remote and distributed teams.
Square Payroll
Best for: Retail, restaurants, and hourly workers
Strengths:
- Built-in timecard syncing
- Tip and commission tracking
- Works seamlessly with Square POS
Why It’s a Competitor: Perfect for small retail and service businesses.
TriNet
Best for: Outsourced HR for growing businesses
Strengths:
- Full-service PEO
- Risk & compliance management
- Benefits negotiation power
Why It’s a Competitor: Ideal for scaling with HR complexity.
Patriot Payroll
Best for: Very small businesses and startups
Strengths:
- Simple user interface
- Free direct deposit
- Affordable pricing ($17/month base)
Why It’s a Competitor: Straightforward alternative for micro-businesses.
Gusto vs. Competitors: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature / Tool | Gusto | Rippling | ADP | OnPay | Zenefits |
| Payroll Automation | |||||
| HR Features | |||||
| PEO Services | (via TriNet) | ||||
| Global Payroll | |||||
| Price (Base + Per User) | $40 + $6 | Varies | Custom Quote | $40 + $6 | Starts at $8/user |
How to Choose the Right Gusto Alternative
Ask these questions:
- Do you need PEO or global payroll? → Consider Justworks or ADP.
- Need simple U.S.-based payroll at a lower cost? → OnPay or Patriot Payroll.
- Want strong benefits and HR tools? → Zenefits or Rippling.
- Using QuickBooks already? → QuickBooks Payroll is seamless.
SEO Keywords to Use in Content
When targeting search engines, include these keywords naturally:
- Gusto competitors
- alternatives to Gusto payroll
- best Gusto alternatives 2025
- Gusto vs ADP vs QuickBooks
- payroll software for small business
- HR and payroll software comparison
- Gusto vs Rippling vs Zenefits
Use these in meta titles, H2s, image alt tags, and internal anchor links.
Conclusion
While Gusto is a top-tier platform for small business payroll and HR, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your business size, location, and needs, you may find a better fit among the many Gusto competitors available in 2025.
From budget-friendly picks like OnPay and Patriot Payroll, to robust HR suites like Rippling and ADP, you have plenty of options to explore.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best Gusto competitors for small businesses?
OnPay and Patriot Payroll are ideal for small businesses due to their low cost, simplicity, and ease of use.
Q2: Is Rippling better than Gusto?
Rippling is better for companies that need IT management and automation along with HR, while Gusto excels in simple payroll and benefits for small teams.
Q3: Does Gusto support global payroll?
No, Gusto only supports U.S.-based employees. For international payroll, consider Rippling or ADP.
Q4: Which payroll software integrates with QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Payroll, OnPay, and Patriot Payroll all integrate well with QuickBooks accounting software.
Q5: Are there any free Gusto alternatives?
While none are truly free, Patriot Payroll and OnPay offer very affordable plans that may suit micro-business budgets.
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