Best Gusto Alternatives 2026

Modern payroll and HR for small businesses. Find free, indie, and cheaper options that work for your team.

HR$6 - $12/user/month + base feeUpdated 2025-01

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What is Gusto?

Gusto is a payroll and HR platform handling payroll processing, benefits administration, tax filing, and employee onboarding. Plans start at $6/user/month plus a base fee, making it accessible for small businesses.

Key Features

-Automated payroll processing with direct deposit

-Tax filing and compliance handled automatically

-Benefits administration including health insurance and 401(k)

-Employee onboarding with offer letters and document signing

-Contractor payment management with 1099 filing

Why Look for Gusto Alternatives?

Gusto is US-only, which becomes a dealbreaker as companies hire internationally. Growing companies also find that Gusto's HR features are too basic and need a platform that scales with more advanced workforce management capabilities.

Common Pain Points

•Limited to US-based employees and contractors
•Customer support quality has declined as the company has grown
•Benefits administration options are limited in some states
•Reporting capabilities are basic compared to enterprise platforms

Best Gusto Alternatives (3)

1

Rippling

Rippling

$8/user

Similar to Gusto but with IT management included.

PayrollBenefitsIT managementDevice management

Best for: Teams who want HR + IT in one

Visit Rippling →

2

Justworks

Justworks

$59/user

PEO model-they're the employer of record. Simpler compliance.

PEOPayrollBenefitsCompliance

Best for: Teams wanting to outsource HR compliance

Visit Justworks →

3

Wave Payroll

Wave Payroll

$20/mo

Simple payroll from Wave. Good for small teams.

Direct depositTax filingEmployee portalIntegrates with Wave

Best for: Small teams using Wave for accounting

Note: US only, limited states

Visit Wave Payroll →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Gusto vs Rippling

Tips for Switching from Gusto

-Time your migration to align with the start of a new quarter for clean tax reporting

-Download all historical payroll reports and tax filings before closing your account

-Verify that employee benefits enrollment transfers smoothly to avoid coverage gaps

-Ensure W-2s and 1099s for the current tax year will still be accessible after migration

Pro Tips

-Payroll is heavily regulated-don't DIY this

-Compare total cost including benefits admin

-Consider PEO (Justworks) if you want simpler compliance

Ready to Switch from Gusto?

See exactly how much you'll save by switching to one of these alternatives.

Calculate My Gusto Savings →

Looking for Something Similar?

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