If Gusto no longer fits your growing business needs or you just want more value for your money then keep reading. 📊
This guide breaks down 5 powerful Gusto alternatives that are easier to use, better for support, and built for your kind of business.
Whether you’re a beginner or just tired of hidden fees and limited features, we’ll help you make the switch smoothly. 🙌
🚀 Let’s find the right payroll tool that works for you, not the other way around.
What is Gusto?
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform that helps businesses manage salaries, taxes, benefits, and onboarding. It’s known for its clean design and user-friendly setup. But some users feel it’s missing advanced features, flexibility, or responsive support especially as their business grows.
Why People Look for Gusto Alternatives
Gusto is reliable but not ideal for everyone.
Some businesses outgrow it. Others want more advanced HR tools, better international payroll support, or simply more responsive customer service.
Here are some common reasons people switch:
- Customer service may not be fast or flexible enough
- Costs increase fast as your team grows
- Lack of international payroll features
- Limited advanced HR or compliance tools
How to Select the Best Gusto Alternative for Your Business
Choosing a payroll tool isn’t just about price it’s about picking something that makes your life easier, saves time, and grows with your team. Here’s what to focus on:
1. Ease of Use
Look for a platform with a clean interface and simple setup. If you’re new to payroll, it should guide you not confuse you.
2. Payroll and Tax Accuracy
The right tool should handle calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits automatically and without errors.
3. HR & Employee Management
Need to onboard new hires or manage time off? Choose software that includes basic HR features like hiring tools, benefits, and employee self-service.
4. Customer Support You Can Count On
Sometimes, things go wrong. Make sure there’s helpful support whether it’s live chat, email, or phone.
5. Scalability & Integrations
As your business grows, your software should too. Tools that connect with apps like QuickBooks, Slack, or your POS system can save hours each week.
6. Data Migration Help
Choose a platform that helps you move your data from Gusto safely and easily so you don’t lose important info or face tax issues.
5 Best Gusto Alternatives for Payroll & HR in 2025
Gusto is a great payroll tool but it’s not perfect for every business.
Whether you’re managing remote employees, working with hourly staff, or simply need better HR support, there are smarter options available.
👇 Here are the top 5 Gusto alternatives that are beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and packed with helpful features.
1. Rippling – Best All-in-One Gusto Alternative
A complete HR, IT & finance solution for global and fast-growing teams.
Key Features:
- Onboard new hires in just 90 seconds
- 100% accurate global payroll
- No-code automation for admin tasks
- Manage devices and software access
- Real-time cross-department reporting
Pros:
- Combines HR, IT, and finance in one
- Excellent for remote or international teams
- Fast setup with great automation options
Cons:
- Gets expensive with add-ons
- Mobile app lacks depth
Pricing:
Starts at $8/month per user
Ratings:
- G2: ★ 4.8/5
- Capterra: ★ 4.9/5
2. QuickBooks Payroll – Best for QuickBooks Users
Ideal for small businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting.
Key Features:
- Same-day direct deposits
- Auto payroll for salaried staff
- Tax penalty protection up to $25,000
- Full integration with QuickBooks Online Accounting
Pros:
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks
- Great for simplifying tax season
- Strong automation and compliance tools
Cons:
- No international payroll
- Limited HR tools
Pricing :
- Payroll Core: Starts at $45/mo + $5 per employee
- Optional QuickBooks Online accounting plans:
- Simple Start: $3.50/mo for first 3 months (then $35/mo)
- Essentials: $6.50/mo (then $65/mo)
- Plus: $9.90/mo (then $99/mo)
- Advanced: $23.50/mo (then $235/mo)
💡 To use both payroll and accounting, you’ll need two subscriptions.
Ratings:
- G2: ★ 4.0/5
- Capterra: ★ 4.4/5
3. Paychex – Best for HR Help & Compliance Support
Offers both software and access to real HR advisors great for scaling businesses.
Key Features:
- Tailored HR and payroll solutions
- Access to HR and legal consultants
- Time and attendance management
- Employee self-service tools
Pros:
- Personalized HR support
- Excellent for businesses with compliance needs
- Offers flexible packages
Cons:
- No transparent pricing
- Interface feels outdated to some users
Pricing:
Custom quote required
Ratings:
- G2: ★ 4.2/5
- Capterra: ★ 4.1/5
4. ADP Run – Best for Compliance & Reporting Power
Enterprise-grade payroll designed for small teams.
Key Features:
- Multi-state tax filing
- Deep labor law and compliance tools
- Mobile access for team members
- Handles benefits, insurance, and deductions
Pros:
- Trusted brand with strong compliance backing
- Offers advanced reporting features
- Good for businesses in regulated industries
Cons:
- Interface not beginner-friendly
- Must contact sales for pricing info
Pricing:
Custom quote based on business needs
Ratings:
- G2: ★ 4.1/5
- Capterra: ★ 4.4/5
5. Square Payroll – Best for Hourly & Retail Teams
Built for small businesses using Square POS, especially hourly workers.
Why Square Payroll?
If your team already uses Square POS, this tool is plug-and-play for hourly payments and simplifies everything from time tracking to deposits.
Key Features:
- Full sync with Square POS
- Automatic tax filings & direct deposit
- Contractor-only payroll support
- Employee self-service portal
Pros:
- Simple and affordable
- Ideal for hourly or contract teams
- Smooth Square ecosystem integration
Cons:
- No HR or compliance tools
- Limited scalability for large/remote teams
Pricing:
- Full-Service Payroll: $35/month base + $6 per employee
- Contractor-Only Payroll: $6/month per contractor
Ratings:
- G2: ★ 4.3/5
- Capterra: ★ 4.6/5
Gusto vs Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gusto | Rippling | QuickBooks Payroll | Paychex | ADP | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40 + $6/user | $8/user | $45 + $5/user | Custom Quote | Custom Quote | $35 + $6/user |
| Global Payroll | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Tax Filing Included | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live HR Support | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | US SMBs | Global Teams | QuickBooks Users | HR-Heavy Firms | Compliance Needs | Retail & Hourly Teams |
What This Table Tells You
Gusto is great for small businesses just starting out, but it lacks flexibility for more complex or international needs.
Rippling wins for companies that want everything in one place payroll, HR, device management, automation, and global support.
QuickBooks Payroll is a perfect fit for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting, helping keep finance and payroll connected.
Paychex offers personalized HR support, making it great for companies that need help navigating labor laws and employee issues.
ADP Run is powerful for businesses in regulated industries and those needing detailed compliance and reporting.
Square Payroll is the easiest and most affordable option for small retail shops, restaurants, or contractor-heavy teams.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to grow, go remote, or need more than just paychecks, Rippling is the most scalable and future-proof option.
Must-Have Features in a Payroll Tool
Before you commit to an alternative, make sure the platform offers these essentials:
- ✅ Accurate Payroll Processing – Must calculate wages, taxes, and deductions reliably
- ✅ Tax Filing & Compliance – Should file federal, state, and local taxes automatically
- ✅ Employee Self-Service – Gives employees access to paystubs, forms, and PTO
- ✅ HR Add-ons – Benefits management, onboarding tools, and time tracking are a plus
- ✅ Integrations – Sync with tools like QuickBooks, Slack, Square POS, or CRMs
Final Verdict: Rippling is the Best Gusto Alternative
If you’re looking for a tool that goes beyond basic payroll and truly supports a growing, modern business Rippling stands out as the top choice.
Unlike Gusto, which mainly focuses on payroll and basic HR, Rippling combines HR, IT, and finance into one seamless platform.
This means you can onboard new hires, run global payroll, manage employee devices, assign software access, and automate admin tasks all from a single dashboard.
Why Rippling Wins:
- ✅ All-in-One Platform: It does more than payroll it handles HR, IT, and finance in one tool.
- ✅ Global Payroll Ready: Perfect if you’re hiring across countries or working with remote teams.
- ✅ Powerful Automation: You can automate routine tasks like approvals, emails, and reminders—without coding.
- ✅ Scales with You: Whether you’re a 5-person startup or a 100-employee company, Rippling grows with your needs.
- ✅ Beautiful & Easy Interface: Even with advanced tools, Rippling remains simple and clean to use.
While other tools on this list shine in specific areas (like QuickBooks for accounting or Paychex for HR support), Rippling offers the most complete, future-proof solution making it the best Gusto alternative in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. Can I try these Gusto alternatives before paying?
Yes! Most payroll platforms like Rippling, Square Payroll, and Paychex offer free demos or trials. It’s a good idea to explore the dashboard and ask questions before committing.
Q2. Do these alternatives handle benefits like health insurance and 401(k)?
Yes, many do. Tools like Rippling, Paychex, and ADP offer benefits administration including health, dental, and retirement plans. Just check what’s included in your pricing plan.
Q3. Is it safe to switch payroll providers mid-year?
Absolutely. Most providers help you transfer employee and tax data safely, even mid-year. They’ll also ensure that all filings stay compliant.
Q4. Which Gusto alternative is best for contractors or freelancers?
Square Payroll is a great option it offers a contractor-only plan for just $6/month per contractor, with automatic tax forms.
Q5. Can I manage multiple business locations with these tools?
Yes. Platforms like ADP, Rippling, and Paychex are great for businesses with multiple locations or remote teams. They handle different tax rules by state and even country.
Q6. How fast can I set up a new payroll system?
In most cases, setup takes just a few hours. Some tools like Rippling can onboard your first employee in under 90 seconds. Others may take 1–2 business days with full data transfer and verification.