Updated March 31, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Gusto 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing
Written by Bruno Peláez
Senior Content Analyst
Edited by Lindsay Page
Editor
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- Our Summary
- Pricing and Plans
- Features
- Integrations
- Key Sentiments
- User Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Summary
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Automated payroll
Cons:
- Customer support
- Pricing model
Pricing
Starting at $35.00 per month
What is Gusto:
Gusto combines payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools in one platform. The software handles tax calculations and filings across all states, processes direct deposits, and manages employee onboarding. Business owners can track time, manage PTO, and access HR experts.
Why we like Gusto:
Gusto stands out with a 4.6/5 overall rating from over 4,000 users. The platform earns praise for its direct deposit functionality, payroll reporting, and automated tax filing. Users value its ability to handle both W-2 employees and international contractors. Gusto has also been recognized in our list of the best human resources software in 2025.
Who should use Gusto:
Small and midsize businesses, particularly those with 2-50 employees, make up Gusto's core user base. The platform works well for companies needing streamlined payroll and benefits management. Service-based businesses and startups often choose Gusto for its straightforward interface.
Gusto Screenshots

Gusto Overview
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your fast-growing business, Gusto is the partner you need to grow and nurture your team. With Gusto, you get modern HR features like payroll, benefits, hiring, management resources, and more — all in one place. Gusto is proud to serve more than 400,000 businesses across the US with a single trusted system, competitive compensation tools, and expert guidance to help you empower your team. Because when your people thrive, your business thrives too.
Effortless Payroll: Pay your employees and contractors with smart technology. Wit...
h Gusto, payroll takes just a few clicks. Plus, we automatically file your taxes, help with compliance, and identify tax credits to help save you money you may never have known you qualified for. Time Tracking: With Gusto’s automated time tools, your team’s hours, PTO, holidays, and more are automatically calculated and entered. We even integrate with the latest time tracking software and help you stay compliant. Talent Management: Keeping your team engaged is crucial—especially working remotely. Give your employees a clear path for growth with performance reviews, trainings, developmental tools, and more.Gusto Pricing and Plans
Simple
$49.00
Plan includes:
- Payroll
- Unlimited payrolls per month
- Tax Filings & Payments
- Health Benefits Administration
- Online Benefits Enrollment
- 2-day and 4-day direct deposit
- Third-Party Integrations
- Employee Mobile App
- Multiple Pay Rates & Schedules
- PTO Policy Tracking
Plus
$80.00
Plan includes:
- Everything in Simple Plan
- Full-Service Multi-State Payroll Including W-2s and 1099s
- Next-day Direct Deposit
- Advanced Hiring & Onboarding Tools
- PTO Management & Policies
- Time Tracking & Project Tracking
- Time Kiosk
- Expenses & Reimbursements
- Workforce Costing & Custom Reports
- Time off requests and approvals
Premium
$180.00
Plan includes:
- Everything in Simple and Plus plans
- Priority Support
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager
- Full-service Payroll Migration
- Federal and state compliance alerts
- Health Insurance Broker Integration
- HR Resource Center
- Access To Certified HR Experts
- R&D Tax Credit Discount
Contractor
$35.00
Plan includes:
- Unlimited contractor payments across all 50 states
- 4-day direct deposit
- 1099-NECs at the end of the year
- Global contractor payments
- Reporting
- New hire reporting (if required in your state)

Confused about pricing? We've got you covered.
Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates.
Our Analysis of Gusto's Pricing Plans
We've dug deep into Gusto's payroll and HR software pricing plans to help you determine which option aligns best with your company's needs and budget. We've also outlined the key advantages and limitations of each plan.
Gusto provides three primary pricing tiers: the Simple Plan, the Plus Plan, and the Premium Plan. In addition to these three, there is also a Contractor Only Plan. Each tier is tailored to accommodate businesses of different...
sizes and complexities, and grasping the nuances of each is essential for making a well-informed choice. **Simple Plan** Gusto's Simple Plan is tailored for new businesses and startups with employees in a single state. At $49 per month plus $6 per person, it offers an affordable entry point into payroll management. **Pros:** - **Budget-friendly:** The low monthly base fee and per-person cost make it accessible for small businesses with tight budgets. - **Streamlined setup:** Designed for single-state payroll, it simplifies the onboarding process for new users. - **Essential features:** Provides core payroll functionalities to meet the needs of small teams. **Cons:** - **Limited scalability:** As businesses expand to multiple states, they may quickly outgrow this plan. - **Basic functionality:** Lacks advanced features like built-in time tracking and HR tools, which growing businesses may require. - **Minimal support:** Doesn't include the dedicated success liaison offered in the Premium Plan, leaving users to navigate the system independently. **Plus Plan** The Plus Plan, at $80 per month plus $12 per person, caters to businesses operating across two or more states. It introduces time tracking and HR tools to support more complex payroll needs. **Pros:** - **Multi-state coverage:** Enables businesses to manage payroll efficiently across multiple states. - **Time-saving tools:** Built-in time tracking and HR features streamline workforce management processes. - **Expanded functionality:** Offers a more comprehensive set of tools compared to the Simple Plan, supporting business growth. **Cons:** - **Increased costs:** The higher base fee and per-person cost may strain the budgets of smaller businesses. - **Learning curve:** Additional features may require more time for users to master, especially for those transitioning from the Simple Plan. - **Potential overkill:** Businesses with straightforward payroll needs may find the extra features unnecessary. **Premium Plan** Gusto's Premium Plan, priced at $180 per month plus $22 per person, targets businesses with complex payroll requirements. It includes a dedicated success liaison for personalized support. **Pros:** - **White-glove service:** The dedicated success liaison provides individualized assistance, ensuring smooth payroll management. - **Comprehensive solution:** Offers the most extensive set of features to handle intricate payroll scenarios. - **Scalability:** Accommodates businesses with more sophisticated needs as they grow and evolve. **Cons:** - **Steep pricing:** The high monthly base fee and per-person cost may be prohibitive for many small and medium-sized businesses. - **Potential underutilization:** Smaller businesses may not fully leverage the advanced features, leading to a lower return on investment. - **Dependency on support:** Reliance on the dedicated success liaison may create challenges if that individual becomes unavailable or the business needs to downgrade plans. **Add-ons and Integrations** Gusto offers various add-ons and integrations, such as Secureframe, Xero, Practice Ignition, and Okta, among others. These additional services typically start at around $46 to $55 per month, allowing businesses to extend Gusto's functionality to meet their specific needs. **Conclusion** After analyzing Gusto's pricing structure, it's evident that they offer a range of plans designed to cater to businesses of various sizes and complexities. - **For startups and small businesses:** The Simple Plan is an attractive option, providing essential payroll features at an affordable price point. However, as a business grows and expands into multiple states, the limitations of this plan may become apparent. The Plus Plan offers a more comprehensive solution, with additional HR tools and multi-state payroll capabilities, making it a better fit for businesses experiencing growth. - **For larger enterprises:** The Premium Plan is the ideal choice for companies with more intricate needs. The higher price tag is justified by the dedicated support and personalized guidance provided by a success liaison. This plan ensures that complex payroll and HR requirements are met with efficiency and expertise. Ultimately, the decision lies in carefully evaluating your company's current needs, growth trajectory, and budget. By aligning these factors with Gusto's pricing plans, you can select the option that best supports your business's financial well-being and long-term objectives. It's crucial to consider not only your present circumstances but also your anticipated growth, ensuring that the chosen plan can scale alongside your organization.Compare Pricing
Compare pricing across our most frequently recommended Payroll products.
recommendations
recommendations
recommendations
recommendations
*Defined as the price above any available free plan
Gusto Features
Drawn from insights across 4167 verified reviews, we've outlined Gusto's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating.
Gusto's Best Rated Features
Mobile App
3.65 category average
API
3.36 category average
Life Insurance Administration
4.30 category average
Gusto's Worst Rated Features
Training Management
3.43 category average
Employee Handbook
4.10 category average
Check Printing
3.09 category average
- Popular features found in Payroll401(k) TrackingBenefits ManagementCheck PrintingCompensation ManagementCompliance ManagementDirect DepositEmployee DatabaseSelf Service PortalThird-Party IntegrationsW-2 PreparationWage Garnishment
- More features of Gusto1099 PreparationACA ReportingAccess Controls/PermissionsAccountingAccounting IntegrationActivity DashboardAlerts/NotificationsAPIApplicant TrackingAttendance ManagementAttendance TrackingAudit TrailBenefits Administration OutsourcingBenefits DashboardBillable & Non-Billable HoursBudget ManagementCalendar ManagementCareer DevelopmentCOBRA AdministrationCollaboration ToolsCompensation Plan ModelingCustomizable ReportsDashboardData Import/ExportDeduction ManagementDisability Insurance AdministrationDocument ManagementDocument StorageElectronic FormsEmail RemindersEmployee Benefits AdministrationEmployee HandbookEmployee ManagementEmployee OnboardingEmployee PortalEmployee ProfilesEmployee Self ServiceEmployee Time TrackingFeedback ManagementFor AccountantsFor CloudFor Small BusinessesGoal Setting/TrackingHealth Insurance AdministrationHIPAA CompliantHR ManagementHSA/FSA AdministrationLearning & DevelopmentLeave TrackingLife Insurance AdministrationMarket Data AnalysisMobile AccessMobile AppMulti-CountryMulti-StateOffboardingOnboardingOnline Benefits EnrollmentOnline Time TrackingOrientation Workflow ManagementPayroll ManagementPayroll ReportingPerformance ManagementPerformance Review ManagementQuickBooks IntegrationRecruitment ManagementReimbursement ManagementRemindersReporting/AnalyticsReporting & StatisticsRetirement Plan ManagementRole-Based PermissionsSick Leave TrackingTalent ManagementTask ManagementTax CalculationTax ComplianceTax FilingTax FormsTax ManagementTime & AttendanceTime Off ManagementTime Off RequestsTimesheet ManagementTime TrackingTraining ManagementVacation/Leave TrackingWeb-based DeploymentWorkflow Management
Gusto Integrations
Based on 4167 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated with Gusto.
See all 140 integrations
Gusto Key Sentiments
We analyzed 4167 verified reviews for Gusto to find out what actual users really think.
Most Positive Sentiments
HR management
Reviewers highlight Gusto's user-friendly interface and its effectiveness in managing HR tasks such as employee onboarding, benefits, and payroll. They appreciate the platform's ability to streamline HR processes and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, Gusto's comprehensive features make it a valuable tool for small to midsize businesses without a dedicated HR department.
Payroll management
Users appreciate Gusto's automated payroll features, which save time and reduce manual errors. They find the time tracking functionality helpful for monitoring employee hours and ensuring accurate payments. Additionally, Gusto's intuitive interface and seamless integration with other systems make payroll processing quick and efficient.
Customer service
Users find Gusto's customer service helpful and responsive, often resolving issues effectively. They appreciate the knowledgeable support team and the effort to provide clear explanations. However, some users experience slow response times and unhelpful interactions, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction with the support quality.
Least Positive Sentiments
Mobile access
Reviewers enjoy Gusto's mobile-friendly design and the ability to access the platform from their phones. They find the user interface intuitive and appreciate the convenience of managing tasks on the go. However, some users express dissatisfaction with the lack of a dedicated mobile app, slow loading times, and limited functionality compared to the desktop version.
Tax management
Users find Gusto's tax management features convenient, with easy access to tax documents and automated tax filing. They appreciate the platform's ability to handle complex tax compliance tasks and provide necessary documentation. However, some users report issues with tax filing errors, lack of accountability, and the need for manual updates, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Pay administration
Reviewers value Gusto's comprehensive pay administration capabilities, including easy access to paystubs, W-2 forms, and PTO management. They find the notifications about upcoming payments and the ability to track pay details particularly useful. However, some users wish for more flexibility in modifying accepted PTO requests and better communication about transaction statuses.
Gusto User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
Ratings Breakdown
5
73%
4
21%
3
4%
2
1%
1
2%
Secondary Ratings
Ease of Use
4.6
Value for money
4.5
Customer support
4.4
Functionality
4.5
Mohamed K.
Verified reviewer
Consumer Services
51-200 employees
Used monthly for less than 12 months
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Gusto review
5
Ratings Breakdown
Read More
John B.
Verified reviewer
Civic & Social Organization
2-10 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Great payroll system for small businesses and nonprofits
5
We have been using Gusto for payroll for several years now and it has made our payroll process very easy. We are a small nonprofit with only a handful of paid employees, but they work from home in multiple states and Gusto made that all simple to setup and manage.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing Gusto
Gusto was simpler to setup and use and also was much less expensive.
Vendor Response
Thank you for the thoughtful review, John. We’re glad Gusto has made payroll easier to manage for your nonprofit, especially with employees working across multiple states. We also appreciate the feedback on integrations and permissions and will share that with our team as we continue to improve. Thanks for choosing Gusto. Gusto Client Relations
Replied January 2026
Read More
Natasha W.
Verified reviewer
Professional Training & Coaching
Self-Employed
Used monthly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Still Love Gusto!
5
I still enjoy Gusto. I now use it for my other business, and I recommend it to others. It's a wonderful payroll platform that also takes care of the taxes.
Ratings Breakdown
Read More
Michael H.
Verified reviewer
Real Estate
2-10 employees
Used monthly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Affordable and Easy to Use
5
Gusto saves me a lot of time by filing tax documents and helping with the payroll process. I would highly recommend it to someone who is looking to save money compared to some of the competitors such as ADP.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing Gusto
Gusto was more affordable and offered the same service.
Vendor Response
Thank you for the review, Michael. We’re glad Gusto has been an affordable and time-saving payroll solution for your business and that running payroll has felt straightforward. We also appreciate the feedback on reporting and are sharing that with our team to help improve the experience. Thanks for recommending Gusto. Gusto Client Relations
Replied January 2026
Read More
Nicole H.
Verified reviewer
Sports
11-50 employees
Used monthly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Best payroll company we have used in years
5
We have no complaints. It’s a great payroll company and using the onboarding features where they upload their own information is great.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for switching to Gusto
Poor customer service, no online onboarding, no online processing of payroll
Vendor Response
Thank you for the kind review, Nicole. We’re glad Gusto has made payroll and onboarding easier for your team and that the integrations have been a time saver. We also appreciate the feedback on PTO tracking and will share that with our team. Thanks for choosing Gusto. Gusto Client Relations
Replied January 2026
Read More
Lashelle F.
Verified reviewer
Non-Profit Organization Management
11-50 employees
Used monthly for less than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Overall good, but simple platform
4
Overall it was good. The customer service was great and employees enjoyed the ease of the website. It was just more simple than our complex organization needed
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for switching to Gusto
Trinet didnt have the capacity to handle what we needed as an organization
Vendor Response
Hi Lashelle, Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re glad to hear you and your employees found Gusto easy to use and had a positive experience with our customer support. We also appreciate your feedback around reporting and customization for more complex organizations—it helps inform how we continue to evolve the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. -Gusto Client Relations
Replied December 2025
Read More
Yolanda P.
Verified reviewer
Education Management
Self-Employed
Used monthly for less than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Love Gusto
5
I love Gusto. The financial features are great for employees. Users can manage their own finances and pick what they want.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for switching to Gusto
The company switched products because Gusto cost less in different ways.
Vendor Response
Thank you for the review, Yolanda. We’re glad you’ve enjoyed the features, notifications, and flexibility Gusto offers for managing payroll and finances. We also appreciate the feedback about your first experience with the Gusto card and are sharing that with our team. Thanks for choosing Gusto. Gusto Client Relations
Replied January 2026
Read More

Emmanuel K.
Verified reviewer
Automotive
51-200 employees
Used daily for less than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Gusto is Great!
5
Good overall and would recommend it. I do appreciate the simplicity and ease of it. You can't go wrong with the product.
Ratings Breakdown
Vendor Response
Hi Emmanuel, Thank you so much for sharing this review and for the 10/10 recommendation! We’re glad to hear that Gusto’s simplicity, design, and value have worked well for both your admin team and employees. We also appreciate your feedback around integrations and capabilities. Input like this helps guide how we continue to evolve the platform to better support growing teams. Thanks again for choosing Gusto and for taking the time to recommend us—we truly appreciate it.
Replied December 2025
Read More

Jamie L.
Verified reviewer
Child Day Care Services
2-10 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Gusto is the way to go for small businesses.
5
I have been using Gusto for years, my overall experience with Gusto is very positive and will continue using them.
Ratings Breakdown
Vendor Response
Thank you for the kind review, Jamie. We’re glad Gusto has continued to be an easy and reliable solution for your small business over the years. We appreciate your trust and are happy to support you and your team. Gusto Client Relations
Replied January 2026
Read More

Abbey W.
Verified reviewer
Retail
2-10 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Consistent, reliable, and easy to use
5
Overall, Gusto is the most cost effective option to manage all things employees. I've never experienced any bugs or outages that affected my business in the 10 years or so I've used it.
Ratings Breakdown
Vendor Response
Hi Abbey, thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear Gusto has been a consistent, reliable, and easy solution for your business over the years. We also appreciate your feedback about benefits setup, and we’re always working to make that process smoother and more seamless. Thanks again for trusting us to support your team!
Replied January 2026
Read More
Gusto FAQs
- Why is Gusto so popular?
Gusto combines essential business tools—payroll, benefits, and HR management—in an easy-to-use platform. Small business owners appreciate its automated tax calculations, direct deposit capabilities, and time-saving features. The software's modern interface and responsive customer support make it accessible for companies without dedicated HR staff.
- How much does Gusto cost a month?
Gusto offers several pricing tiers starting at $49 per month plus $6 per person for the Simple plan. The Plus plan costs $80 monthly plus $12 per person, while the Premium plan requires $180 monthly plus $22 per person. A Contractor-only option is available at $35 monthly plus $6 per contractor monthly.
- Is Gusto hard to use?
Most users find Gusto straightforward and user-friendly. The platform features an intuitive interface for both administrators and employees. New users can complete setup in minutes, while the employee self-service portal makes it simple for staff members to access pay stubs, tax documents, and benefits information.
- Does Gusto have hidden fees?
Gusto maintains transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Each plan includes clear per-month and per-person fees. The base price covers unlimited payroll runs, tax filings, and direct deposits. Additional services such as health benefits or 401(k) administration may have separate costs based on usage.
- Does Gusto track sick time?
Yes, Gusto tracks sick time and other forms of paid time off. The system automatically calculates accruals based on your company's policies, allows employees to submit time-off requests, and maintains compliance with state and local sick leave laws. Managers can approve requests and monitor balances through the dashboard.
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