6 BEST Gusto Competitors & Alternatives (2025)

Gusto is one of the best payroll services that assist more than 200,000 companies in managing human resources, running payroll, etc. They provide employee/contractor payments, time tracking, onboarding, communications, unlimited payroll runs, etc. You can use Gusto to streamline your business operations as it administers employee benefits, assists in tax filings, ensures complete compliance with land law, and more.

After researching 45+ BEST Gusto Competitors & Alternatives and investing 115+ hours, I have analyzed the best free and paid solutions. While Gusto is a great choice, it lacks proper 24/7 support, prompting me to list the top alternatives with comprehensive features, pros, and cons. This unbiased guide may help you find the most suitable replacement. Read on for exclusive, trusted insights. Read more…

Best Gusto Competitors & Alternatives: Top Picks!

Name	Compliance Management	Time Duration for Direct Deposit	API	Benefit Administration	Link
OnPay	Yes	2 – 4 Days	Yes	FSA, HAS Plans, 401(k)s, Health, Life and Disability Insurance, etc.	Learn More
Bambee	Yes	2 Days	Yes	Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance	Learn More
QuickBooks Payroll	Yes	1 Day	Yes	Life Insurance, Health Insurance, 401(k), etc.	Learn More
Paycor	Yes	2 Days	Yes	Health Insurance and 401(k)	Learn More
Rippling	Yes	2 Days	Yes	Dental, Vision, and Medical Insurance, 401(k)s, FSA, HSA, etc.	Learn More
Paychex	Yes	2 Days	Yes	Retirement Plans, Employee Benefits/Compensations, Dental, Vision and Medical Insurance, etc.	Learn More

1) OnPay

Best selective administrative access

OnPay has been great for my HR and payroll needs. I reviewed its options for attendance tracking and payment processing, and they impressed me. It allowed me to automate deductions with custom filters and logic. I could also manage sick leave, medical leave, and remote work hours. According to my research, OnPay ranks among the most effective solutions to meet all your HR needs.

You can enjoy free migration and easy importing tools to transition from your current payroll service to OnPay effortlessly. It also offers built-in self-service dashboards to access their documents and tax filing data whenever possible.

Features:

• Payments Support: Allows payments through Direct Deposits, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards without additional costs.
• Knowledge Base: Provides detailed resources to help manage payroll, HR tasks, and employee benefits efficiently.
• HR Management Tools: Includes tools to streamline HR tasks such as onboarding, document audits, and new hire reporting.
• Customizable HR Functions: Offers options to simplify employee management, paperwork, PTO, and onboarding for tailored needs.
• Direct Deposit Processing Time: Transfers are completed within 2 to 4 days, ensuring timely payments.
• Compliance Management: Ensures compliance by adhering to relevant regulations for payroll and HR practices.
• Benefits Administration: Supports FSA, HSA plans, 401(k)s, health, life, and disability insurance options.
• Software Integrations: Compatible with When I Work, Deputy, Guideline, and other essential tools.
• Tax Management: Automates W-2 and 1099 processing to simplify tax compliance and reporting.
• API Availability: Offers API support for integration with custom applications.
• Cloud Accessibility: Cloud-based platform accessible on multiple devices for easy HR and payroll management.
• Customer Support: Provides support via email, phone, live chat, FAQs, and forums for comprehensive assistance.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: 30 Days
• Price: Plan start at $46 per month

How does OnPay compare to Gusto?

• Unlike Gusto, OnPay allows building custom employee onboarding workflows at no extra cost
• OnPay provides much better real-time reports with plenty of filters to use

Visit OnPay >>

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2) Bambee

Best HR Compliance-Focused Alternative

Bambee is a powerful HR and payroll solution designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses seeking an alternative to Gusto. It provides a dedicated HR manager, payroll services, and automated compliance tools to help businesses navigate HR complexities with ease. With its HR Autopilot, employee performance tracking, and guided payroll solutions, Bambee ensures companies stay compliant, organized, and efficient.

Features:

• Dedicated HR Manager: Every business is assigned an HR expert to help navigate HR policies, compliance, and employee relations.
• HR Autopilot: Automates essential HR tasks like policy updates, training, and employee feedback, reducing manual workload.
• Payroll Services with HR Integration: Provides payroll processing with 2-day direct deposit, tax filing, and compliance assistance, ensuring error-free payroll management.
• Employee Onboarding & Termination Support: Streamlines hiring processes and provides compliance guidance for offboarding employees properly.
• Performance Tracking: Helps businesses monitor employee performance through structured feedback systems, improving workforce productivity.
• Employee Voices Platform: Encourages workplace transparency by allowing employees to share feedback or raise concerns confidentially.
• Custom HR Policy Creation: Assists businesses in drafting and enforcing policies tailored to their company culture and legal requirements.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensures businesses adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws to avoid penalties.
• Secure Document Storage: Keeps important HR documents stored safely with digital compliance tracking.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: 30 Days
• Price: Plan start at $99 per month

How does Bambee compare to Gusto?

• Bambee offers a dedicated HR Manager to assist in crafting and implementing compliant HR policies.
• Additionally, Bambee’s platform includes features like Employee Voices, which allows employees to share concerns or feedback.

Visit Bambee >>

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3) QuickBooks Payroll

Best software to combine invoicing, accounting, and payroll

QuickBooks payroll software has been a comprehensive solution for my financial needs in one place. I particularly appreciate its payroll, accounting, and billing features. During my research, I found its Tax Penalty Protection feature helpful for staying compliant with tax rules. In my opinion, the assistance from a payroll specialist made setup and migration easier.

You get professionally designed simple templates for building policies, guidelines, handbooks, checklists, and more. It integrates into your workflow effortlessly by synchronizing with accounting software and many other tools.

Features:

• Professional Payroll Assistance: Highly trained specialists help review and configure your payroll system, ensuring optimal performance and accuracy.
• Delegate Access: Allows you to provide delegate access to accountants, making record maintenance easier and more secure. I appreciate how it helps me simplify record-keeping tasks.
• Automated Data Backups: Effortless automated backups aim to keep all your payroll data safe and secure from potential risks.
• Garnishment Management: Helps you optimize and manage employee garnishments and deductions effectively to reduce manual processing.
• Direct Deposit Processing: Offers fast direct deposit processing time within 1 day, providing a quick and reliable payment solution.
• Automated Payroll Runs: This feature enables automated payroll runs, reducing manual work and enhancing payroll accuracy.
• Compliance Management: Provides tools to maintain compliance with regulatory standards, minimizing the risk of legal issues.
• Employee Benefits Administration: Manages various employee benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) plans.
• Integration Options: Supports seamless integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Big Time for enhanced functionality.
• Tax Form Management: Handles important tax forms like W-2s and 1099s, simplifying tax filing and compliance.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: 30 Days
• Price: Plan start at $17.50 per month

How does QuickBooks Payroll compare to Gusto?

• QuickBooks payroll offers a far better user experience for Android and iOS
• It gives you much faster payroll processing with next-day deposits, which are not available with Gusto

Visit QuickBooks >>

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4) Paycor

Best documentation and guidance to assist developers

Paycor has been a valuable tool for managing payroll, HR, and workforce management needs. I appreciate its ability to automate payroll processing with built-in compliance and tax filing, making it suitable for small businesses, startups, and large enterprises alike. In my experience, Paycor streamlines time-tracking and attendance management, ensuring seamless integration within existing HR setups.

With Paycor, businesses can generate real-time payroll reports and gain insights into workforce trends, helping optimize operational efficiency. Additionally, its compliance tools and HR management features ensure businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes without hassle.

Features:

• Payroll Processing Automation: Simplifies payroll runs with automated calculations, direct deposit options, and tax filing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Time & Attendance Management: Tracks employee hours with mobile-friendly clock-in, geolocation validation, and automated overtime calculations.
• Employee Self-Service Dashboard: Provides a user-friendly portal where employees can manage payroll, benefits, and tax documents.
• Customizable Analytics & Reporting: Offers in-depth workforce analytics, including turnover, labor costs, and performance insights to drive better business decisions.
• Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to tax and labor regulations, reducing compliance risks with automated updates.
• Employee Benefits Administration: Manages benefits, including healthcare plans, 401(k) options, and wellness perks, making benefits enrollment seamless.
• Onboarding & Recruitment Tools: Supports digital onboarding with automated workflows, document management, and employee task tracking.
• Learning Management System (LMS): Helps in employee skill development with customized training modules and progress tracking.
• Employee Engagement Surveys: Provides built-in tools to measure employee satisfaction and feedback, helping improve retention.
• Seamless Integrations: Connects with popular platforms like QuickBooks, Workday, and other HR tools to enhance operational efficiency.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: 14 Days
• Price: Plan start at $99 per month

How does Paycor compare to Gusto?

• Unlike Gusto, Paycor offers robust analytics and compliance tools that help businesses manage payroll and HR at scale.
• It also provides customizable learning and employee engagement tools, making it ideal for businesses focused on workforce development.

Visit Paycor >>

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5) Rippling

Best IT-driven robust payroll solution

Rippling has been impressive for managing both HR and IT tasks. As I evaluated it, I was able to organize money tracking and logistics efficiently. It helped me with document handling, employee onboarding, and quick access to records. I would recommend Rippling as one of the best Gusto alternatives for its smooth and practical solutions.

Rippling is ideal for businesses searching for cost-effective human resource management solutions for their company. It offers management capabilities that let you grant your staff limited administrative access via the Rippling dashboard.

Features:

• Employee Tracking: It allows effortless tracking of employee location, assigned tasks, and working hours effectively.
• Onboarding Tools: Multiple built-in tools ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new recruits, saving valuable time.
• Custom Report Generation: Create and export customized reports with flexible parameters and various built-in filters for easy analysis.
• Workflow Automation Templates: Provides pre-designed professional workflow templates that allow effortless automation of daily tasks.
• Direct Deposit Timing: It typically ensures direct deposit processing time within 2 days for employee payrolls.
• Automated Pay Runs: This feature allows you to automate pay runs easily, reducing manual processing errors.
• Benefits Administration: Offers a comprehensive range of benefits, including dental, vision, medical insurance, 401(k)s, FSA, and HSA.
• Integration Options: Seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Wrike, Asana, Freshdesk, and others for enhanced functionality.
• Tax Management: Manages various tax forms including W4, W2, 1099, and new hire filing for compliance.
• Customer Support: Provides me 24/7 support through email, FAQs, phone, chat, and a detailed knowledge base.

Pricing:

• Price: Plan start at $8 per month

How does Rippling compare to Gusto?

• Rippling is better than Gusto in helping you adapt to your changing needs as the business scales up
• Unlike Gusto, Rippling has a completely integrated system to buy each service individually according to your specific needs and still enjoy very tight integrations

Visit Rippling >>

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6) Paychex

Best payroll software for accuracy and simplicity

Paychex has made workforce management simple for my team. Over the course of my evaluation, I noticed its payroll and audit tools work well. I could rely on their team of compliance professionals to ensure that we meet legal requirements. I suggest Paychex as a strong Gusto competitor with reliable tools for payroll and audits.

This payroll software automatically calculates and submits taxes by minimizing costs while ensuring complete compliance. HR software features help you manage and retain existing employees to attract newer employees. You can enjoy an easily configurable dashboard with multiple views and charts with Paychex.

Features:

• Mobile App Accessibility: Offers a free, user-friendly mobile app that allows both employees and administrators to access features easily.
• Payment Flexibility: Supports various payment methods, including direct deposits, pay cards, and traditional paper checks.
• Payroll Tax Management: Provides me tools to calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes seamlessly, reducing compliance issues.
• Direct Deposit Processing: Typically ensures direct deposit processing within 2 days, offering a fast and reliable payment solution.
• Automated Payroll Runs: This feature allows you to automate payroll processing, reducing manual efforts and potential errors.
• Compliance Management: Helps you maintain compliance with regulatory standards, avoiding potential legal complications effectively.
• Employee Benefits Administration: Manages a comprehensive range of benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement plans.
• Integration Options: Offers seamless integration with popular tools like Altametrix, Deputy, and Beekeeper for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Tax Form Management: Handles essential tax forms like W-2s, W-4s, and 1099s, simplifying the overall tax process.

Pricing:

• Price: Request a free quote from sales

How does Paychex compare to Gusto?

• Paychex provides far better plans than Gusto to address the unique needs of SMEs, Solopreneurs, and Medium Scale Businesses
• Paychex provides much better support for job postings and screening process (including background checks) compared to Gusto

Visit Paychex >>

What are the reasons to switch out of Gusto?

Gusto is one of the ideal payroll and HR software, but they have some drawbacks due to which you might consider switching out of Gusto.

Like:

• It has a pretty average interface for Android and iOS. Many competitors have far better mobile apps than Gusto.
• Many Gusto competitors provide quicker direct deposit speeds to pay employees far faster than Gusto.

How Did We Choose Best Gusto Competitors?

At Guru99, our commitment to credibility is unwavering. We focus on delivering accurate, relevant, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. After researching 45+ Gusto Competitors and investing 115+ hours, I have evaluated the best free and paid solutions. While Gusto is a popular choice, it lacks 24/7 support. Choosing the right payroll software is crucial, and our insights aim to help you select the best option for your needs.

• Features Analysis: We looked for tools offering comprehensive payroll, tax filing, and HR features.
• User Experience: Considered platforms that provide a user-friendly interface and seamless navigation.
• Pricing: We aimed to include options that offer flexible pricing plans for businesses of all sizes.
• Customer Support: It is essential to choose software with reliable customer service for prompt assistance.
• Integration Capabilities: We prioritized tools that integrate well with other essential business software.
• Security Measures: In fact, we considered tools with strong data protection to safeguard sensitive information.
• User Feedback: According to user reviews, we selected platforms with high satisfaction ratings.
• Scalability: Keep in mind the software’s ability to grow with your business needs.

Verdict:

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best Gusto competitors. All of them have their distinct strengths. To help you decide, I have crafted this verdict.

• OnPay provides a robust, cost-effective payroll solution with customizable features that simplify payroll processing for small businesses.
• Bambee is a powerful HR and payroll solution designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses seeking an alternative to Gusto.
• QuickBooks payroll software has been a comprehensive solution for financial needs in one place.