Managing payroll can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful tasks for small business owners. Between calculating taxes, filing compliance documents, and ensuring employees are paid on time, the administrative burden can quickly overwhelm your team. This is where Gusto payroll software comes in—a cloud-based solution designed specifically to simplify payroll management for small to medium-sized businesses.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into Gusto payroll reviews, pricing, features, and whether it’s the right fit for your business. Whether you’re looking at Gusto payroll for small business operations or exploring the free trial, this detailed analysis will help you make an informed decision.
Contents
- 1 What Is Gusto Payroll Software?
- 2 Gusto Payroll Reviews: What Users and Experts Say
- 3 Gusto Payroll Pricing: Plans & Costs Explained
- 4 Gusto Payroll Calculator: Understanding Your Costs
- 5 Gusto Payroll Free Trial: Getting Started
- 6 Gusto Payroll Services: What’s Included
- 7 Gusto Payroll App: Features & Functionality
- 8 Gusto Payroll Software: Core Features Deep Dive
- 9 Gusto Payroll for Small Business: Is It Right for You?
- 10 Gusto Payroll Software for Small Business: Real-World Benefits
- 11 Gusto Payroll Price: Maximizing Your Investment
- 12 Gusto Payroll Services: Customer Support Quality
- 13 How Much Is Gusto Payroll? Final Cost Analysis
- 14 Conclusion: Is Gusto Payroll Right for Your Business?
- 15 FAQs: Gusto Payroll Questions Answered
What Is Gusto Payroll Software?
Gusto is a user-friendly, cloud-based payroll and human resources management platform built for small businesses. Rather than juggling multiple tools or relying on outdated spreadsheets, Gusto consolidates payroll processing, tax filing, benefits administration, and HR management into a single, intuitive interface.
The platform handles critical payroll functions automatically, including federal, state, and local tax calculations, direct deposit processing, and compliance reporting. What sets Gusto payroll software apart is its seamless integration with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and FreshBooks, along with its robust HR features that extend beyond basic payroll.
Gusto Payroll Reviews: What Users and Experts Say
Expert Ratings
Gusto has earned consistently high praise from major review platforms:
- Capterra: 4.6/5
- G2: 4.5/5
- Software Advice: 4.6/5
- TrustRadius: 8.7/10
- GetApp: 4.6/5
- Apple App Store: 4.8/5
- Google Play Store: 4.5/5
Key Strengths Highlighted in Gusto Payroll Reviews
Intuitive User Interface: Users consistently praise Gusto’s clean, easy-to-navigate dashboard. Even people without payroll experience can quickly learn the system. The interface uses a minimalist design with a pastel color palette and well-organized sidebar menus, making everyday payroll tasks accessible with just two clicks.
Automated Tax Calculations: One of the biggest pain points for business owners is calculating and filing taxes correctly. Gusto automates federal, state, and local tax calculations based on the most current tax laws. The system automatically withholds proper amounts from employee paychecks, files quarterly and annual tax forms, and even pays the IRS on your behalf.
Excellent Customer Support: Gusto’s support team receives high marks for responsiveness and knowledge. Support is available via phone, email, and live chat during business hours, with some users reporting responses within minutes through live chat.
Strong HR Integration: Unlike many competitors, Gusto integrates built-in HR tools including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and benefits administration—all without additional software costs.
Mobile App: The Gusto Wallet app allows employees to view pay stubs, access tax documents, clock in and out, and even split paychecks between multiple accounts.
Concerns in Gusto Payroll Reviews
Limited Automation Features: Compared to enterprise solutions like Rippling, Gusto has fewer workflow automation capabilities. If automating repetitive tasks across multiple platforms is critical, you may need to integrate additional tools.
Dashboard Customization: While the interface is intuitive, users cannot customize dashboard layouts or rearrange widgets like they can in platforms such as Paychex and ADP.
Support Hours: Customer support is limited to Monday-Friday business hours (with extended hours through the app), which may be insufficient for businesses needing 24/7 assistance.
No Free Plan: Unlike some competitors, Gusto doesn’t offer a perpetual free plan. However, you can use the software free until you run your first payroll—a useful trial period.
Gusto Payroll Pricing: Plans & Costs Explained
Understanding Gusto payroll pricing is crucial for budgeting. The platform offers straightforward, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts.
Gusto Payroll Plans & Features
Simple Plan
Starting at: $49/month + $6 per employee per month
Best for: Small teams with single-state operations
Includes:
- Unlimited full-service payroll for one state
- Automated federal, state, and local tax filings
- Multiple pay rates and schedules
- Digital pay stubs and direct deposit (2-4 day processing)
- Automatic W-2 and 1099 form generation
- Tip credits and unemployment insurance support
- Employee self-service portal
- Basic PTO policies and holiday pay
- Gusto mobile apps for employees
- Document management and basic reporting
Plus Plan
Starting at: $80/month + $12 per employee per month
Best for: Growing businesses with multi-state operations
Includes everything in Simple, plus:
- Multi-state payroll support
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced hiring and onboarding tools
- Built-in time and project tracking
- Time Kiosk feature for clock-ins
- PTO management with custom policies
- Employee directory
- Performance management tools
- Anonymous employee surveys
- Workforce costing reports
- Job posting capabilities
- Applicant tracking system (ATS)
- Expense and reimbursement management
Premium Plan
Starting at: $180/month + $22 per employee per month
Best for: Established businesses needing dedicated support
Includes everything in Plus, plus:
- Dedicated customer success manager
- Certified HR expert access
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Broker integration for health insurance
- Full payroll migration services
- Custom reporting capabilities
- Compliance alerts and proactive updates
- Priority support with expedited response times
- Special pricing for eligible companies
Contractor Only Plan
Starting at: $25/month + $6 per contractor per month
Best for: Businesses working exclusively with independent contractors
Features:
- Unlimited contractor payments across all 50 states
- Global contractor payments (available as add-on)
- 4-day direct deposit
- Year-end 1099-NEC generation
- New hire reporting (where required)
How Much Is Gusto Payroll? Cost Comparison
To help you understand the value, here’s how Gusto Simple plan pricing compares to competitors:
| Team Size | Gusto (Simple) | SurePayroll | OnPay | Connecteam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Users | $100/month | $109/month | $130/month | Free for life |
| 20 Users | $160/month | $179/month | $210/month | $35/month |
| 30 Users | $220/month | $249/month | $290/month | $35/month |
| 50 Users | $340/month | $389/month | $450/month | $47/month |
Pricing reflects annual billing discounts as of November 2024
Gusto payroll pricing is notably competitive, especially when you consider that the platform includes features other competitors charge extra for.
Additional Costs & Considerations
Health Insurance: If you use Gusto as your broker, insurance is included with no administration fees—you only pay premiums. If you bring your own broker, health plan management costs $6/employee/month on the Plus plan; it’s included free on the Premium plan.
HR Add-ons: The HR Resources add-on (certified HR experts, compliance alerts) costs $50/month + $5/person/month for Simple or Plus plans.
Priority Support: Available for $30/month + $3/person/month on Simple or Plus plans.
International Payments: Gusto Global (employer of record service for hiring employees in other countries) pricing varies by location.
No Long-Term Contracts: Gusto operates on a month-to-month basis with no cancellation penalties.
Gusto Payroll Calculator: Understanding Your Costs
To get an accurate estimate for your business, consider these factors:
- Base monthly fee: Varies by plan ($49-$180)
- Per-employee cost: Multiply your number of employees by the per-person rate ($6-$22)
- Additional features: Add costs for HR resources, priority support, or other add-ons
- Benefits administration: If integrating your own broker vs. using Gusto’s brokerage
Example Calculation for a 15-person company on the Plus plan:
- Base fee: $80
- Employee cost: 15 × $12 = $180
- Total: $260/month ($3,120/year)
For comparison, a 15-person company might pay $350-$400/month for equivalent features from competitors.
Gusto Payroll Free Trial: Getting Started
While Gusto doesn’t offer a traditional limited-time free trial, the company provides something equally valuable: complete free access until you run your first payroll. This means you can:
- Set up your entire account
- Add all employees
- Configure tax information
- Test integrations with your accounting software
- Explore all features
- Familiarize yourself with the interface
- All without paying anything
Once you run your first payroll, your subscription begins. This approach gives you genuine time to evaluate the platform without pressure, making it easier to decide if Gusto is right for your business.
Gusto Payroll Services: What’s Included
Beyond basic payroll processing, Gusto offers comprehensive services that justify its investment:
Payroll Processing
- Automated calculation of federal, state, and local taxes
- Support for bonuses, commissions, and tip credits
- Multiple payment methods: direct deposit, paper checks, payroll cards
- Same-day through 4-day direct deposit options
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
- AutoPilot feature for salaried employees
Tax Filing & Compliance
- Automatic tax form generation (W-2s, 1099s, 941s)
- Quarterly and annual tax filing
- Multi-state payroll support (Plus and Premium plans)
- FICA tip credit calculations for restaurants
- Compliance alerts and updates
- Year-end tax document management
HR & Benefits Administration
- Health insurance brokerage (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan integration
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs)
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Benefits administration at no extra cost (Premium plan) or $6/employee/month (Plus plan)
Hiring & Onboarding
- Job posting and distribution
- Applicant tracking system
- Background checks (via Checkr)
- Custom offer letter templates
- Digital I-9 and W-4 forms
- New hire reporting
- Onboarding checklists
Time & Attendance
- Built-in time tracking
- Time Kiosk for employee clock-ins
- Project-based time tracking
- PTO management and policies
- Mobile app clock-in/out
- Integration with external time tracking tools
Employee Self-Service
- Mobile app for viewing pay stubs and tax documents
- Benefits management portal
- Personal information updates
- Time-off request submissions
- Document access
- Gusto Wallet spending account with debit card
Gusto Payroll App: Features & Functionality
The Gusto mobile application comes in two versions: one for employees and one for employers (available on web only).
Employee App Features (Gusto Wallet)
Available on iOS and Android, the employee app includes:
- Pay Stub Viewing: Detailed breakdown of hours worked, taxes withheld, and deductions
- Tax Documents: Access to W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms
- Paycheck Splitter: Divide paychecks automatically between multiple accounts
- Time Tracking: Clock in and out for hourly employees
- Benefits Management: View health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits
- Financial Tools: Built-in budgeting features to set spending limits and track actual expenses
- Document Access: View important company documents
Employer Features (Web-based)
- Run regular and off-cycle payrolls
- Invite new team members
- View employee information and org charts
- Receive and address payroll alerts
- Access customer support
- Manage payroll history and tax documents
- Set up benefits and HR policies
Gusto Payroll Software: Core Features Deep Dive
Ease of Use
Gusto’s interface is designed for simplicity. Even users without payroll experience can navigate the system confidently. The dashboard highlights important reminders and upcoming tasks, while step-by-step guided processes walk users through complex procedures.
Integrations
One of Gusto’s standout advantages is its extensive integration ecosystem. The platform connects with:
- Accounting Software: QuickBooks (Online & Desktop), FreshBooks, Xero, Ignition
- Time Tracking: When I Work, OnTheClock, Clockify
- HR Tools: BreezyHR, Greenhouse, JazzHR, Workable
- Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana
- Benefits: Human Interest, Guideline, Vestwell
- Business Operations: Notion, Shopify, Google Workspace
These integrations reduce double data entry and ensure your systems work together seamlessly.
Reporting & Analytics
Gusto provides 11 types of customizable reports including:
- Tax forms and documents
- Bank transaction summaries
- Custom payroll reports
- Employee summaries
- Applicant tracking data (if using Gusto Recruiting)
- Workforce costing reports
- PTO and time-off reports
Reports can be scheduled to run automatically and exported in Excel, CSV, or PDF formats.
Security & Compliance
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Data encryption (in transit and at rest)
- AWS data center hosting (Oregon primary, Virginia backup)
- SOC 2 compliance (updated annually)
- HIPAA compliance for health information
- Business associate agreements (BAAs)
- GDPR compliance
- Biometric login on mobile app
- Account activity logging
Gusto Payroll for Small Business: Is It Right for You?
Best Suited For:
- Small businesses with 1-50 employees
- Companies needing integrated HR and payroll
- Businesses wanting to minimize administrative overhead
- Teams that value ease of use and quick implementation
- Companies requiring multi-state payroll capabilities
- Businesses that integrate accounting software
- Restaurants and hospitality (FICA tip credit support)
May Not Be Ideal For:
- Enterprises requiring 24/7 dedicated support
- Companies with highly customized payroll needs
- Businesses prioritizing advanced automation
- Teams requiring extensive dashboard customization
- Organizations needing biometric web login
- Companies seeking the absolute lowest cost
Gusto Payroll Software for Small Business: Real-World Benefits
Reduced Payroll Processing Time: Automation handles tax calculations, filings, and employee payments, freeing your team to focus on growth.
Fewer Compliance Mistakes: Automatic tax updates and compliance alerts reduce the risk of costly errors.
Professional HR Functions: Built-in hiring, onboarding, and performance management tools make you competitive for talent.
Scalability: As your business grows, Gusto grows with you—from a single-state Simple plan to multi-state Premium management.
Cost Savings: At $100-340/month for 10-50 employees, Gusto is often cheaper than hiring a dedicated payroll administrator.
Employee Satisfaction: Self-service portals, mobile apps, and financial tools improve employee experience.
Gusto Payroll Price: Maximizing Your Investment
To get the most value from your Gusto investment:
- Start with the appropriate plan: Don’t overpay for Premium features if Simple or Plus meets your needs
- Explore integrations: Connect your accounting software to eliminate manual data entry
- Use automation features: Enable AutoPilot for salaried employees and scheduled reports
- Leverage the free trial period: Thoroughly test the platform before your first payroll
- Consider bundled benefits: Using Gusto as your benefits broker can save money on administration fees
- Train your team: Invest time in learning the platform to maximize efficiency
Gusto Payroll Services: Customer Support Quality
Gusto’s support team is available through multiple channels:
- Phone: Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-5 p.m. PT
- Live Chat: Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-5 p.m. PT; Weekends, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. PT (response time often under 1 minute)
- Email: 24/7 (typically 1-2 business day response time)
- Help Center: Comprehensive knowledge base with step-by-step guides
- Resource Blog: Expert articles on payroll, tax, and HR topics
Premium plan subscribers receive a dedicated success manager and expedited support.
How Much Is Gusto Payroll? Final Cost Analysis
The true cost of Gusto payroll depends on your company size and selected features. However, when you factor in the features included—tax filing, HR tools, integrations, benefits administration—the value proposition is compelling.
For a typical 20-person company on the Plus plan:
- Monthly cost: $260 ($80 base + 20 × $12 per person)
- Annual investment: $3,120
- Cost per employee annually: $156
Compare this to the cost of hiring a payroll administrator ($35,000-50,000/year) or using a traditional payroll service, and Gusto’s payroll pricing becomes an obvious investment in efficiency and accuracy.
Conclusion: Is Gusto Payroll Right for Your Business?
Based on comprehensive Gusto payroll reviews, expert ratings, and real-world user feedback, Gusto stands out as an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an intuitive, integrated payroll solution. The combination of competitive pricing, robust HR features, excellent customer service, and ease of use makes it particularly suitable for business owners who want to eliminate payroll headaches without breaking the bank.
The free trial period until your first payroll allows you to evaluate Gusto thoroughly before committing financially. Combined with transparent pricing, no long-term contracts, and seamless integrations with tools you already use, Gusto payroll software offers compelling value for small business operations.
Whether you’re automating payroll for the first time or switching from a legacy system, Gusto payroll services provide the functionality and simplicity that modern small businesses require.
Ready to take the next step? Visit Gusto’s website to start your free trial today and experience firsthand why thousands of small businesses trust Gusto to manage their payroll.
FAQs: Gusto Payroll Questions Answered
Q: Does Gusto offer a free trial for their payroll software? A: Gusto doesn’t offer a traditional limited-time trial, but you can use the platform free until you run your first payroll—giving you complete access to test all features.
Q: Can I use a payroll calculator with Gusto? A: Gusto includes built-in calculators that automatically compute taxes, deductions, and other payroll amounts based on current tax laws.
Q: Is Gusto payroll HIPAA compliant? A: Yes, Gusto fully complies with HIPAA guidelines to protect health information and maintains business associate agreements with employers and insurance providers.
Q: What payment methods does Gusto payroll support? A: Gusto supports direct deposit (same-day through 4-day processing), paper checks (printed in-house or mailed by Gusto), and payroll cards.
Q: Can I integrate Gusto with my accounting software? A: Yes, Gusto integrates with 21+ accounting software solutions including QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero, allowing automatic syncing of payroll data.
Q: Does Gusto payroll software include time tracking? A: Built-in time tracking is included with Plus and Premium plans, or available as an add-on for the Simple plan.
Q: What makes Gusto payroll software different from competitors? A: Gusto combines payroll, tax filing, HR management, and benefits administration in one intuitive platform with extensive integrations and excellent customer support.