Thinking of switching to a smarter way of running payroll? You’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down Gusto Payroll a tool that claims to make paying your team as easy as clicking a button. 🖱️
👉 Whether you’re tired of messy spreadsheets or just want a stress-free payroll solution, this review will walk you through how Gusto works,
what makes it special, and if it’s really worth your time and money.
Let’s dive in and see if Gusto can actually deliver on its promise of “shockingly easy” payroll!
Gusto Payroll Key Features Explained (2025)
1. Direct Deposit
Forget writing checks. Gusto deposits salaries directly into your employees’ bank accounts—fast, safe, and on time.
2. Automatic Tax Filing
Gusto calculates, files, and pays all your payroll taxes—federal, state, and local. You don’t have to worry about tax forms or missed deadlines.
3. 1099 eFiling for Contractors
If you work with freelancers or independent contractors, Gusto makes it easy to send out 1099s automatically during tax season.
4. Employee Self-Service
Employees get their own login to check paystubs, tax forms, and personal info. You don’t have to manage every small request.
5. Hourly & Salaried Payroll
Whether your team is hourly, salaried, or mixed—Gusto handles the calculations and pay differences without mistakes.
6. Flexible Payroll Runs
You’re not stuck to a single schedule. Gusto allows off-cycle runs too—perfect for bonuses or corrections outside the normal pay cycle.
7. Tax Management & Compliance
Gusto stays updated with tax laws, so your filings stay compliant—no need to double-check rules or hire outside help.
8. Integrated Payroll System
Gusto connects with your favorite tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and TSheets so everything works smoothly in one system.
9. Shift Scheduling Support
Gusto supports basic shift scheduling or lets you integrate tools like Homebase for more detailed employee hours.
10. Works Across Devices (Mac, Desktop, Mobile)
Whether you’re on a desktop (Windows or Mac), Gusto works flawlessly in your browser. No software to install.
11. Secure Payroll Processing
Your company’s sensitive payroll data is encrypted and stored securely. Only authorized users can access it.
12. Off-Cycle Payroll Support
Sometimes things come up bonuses, missed payments, or urgent payouts. Gusto allows you to process these easily, without extra fees.
Gusto Payroll Pricing & Plans (2025 Breakdown)
Gusto offers 3 main pricing plans with no contracts and no hidden fees. You only pay a base monthly fee + a per-employee rate.
1. Simple Plan – $49/month + $6 per person
For small teams needing just the basics.
- Full-service single-state payroll
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Automatic tax filings
- Employee self-service portal
2. Plus Plan – $80/month + $12 per person
Ideal for companies growing beyond basics.
- Everything in Simple, and:
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-Day Direct Deposit
- Time tracking & PTO management
- Hiring & onboarding tools
- Health insurance admin & broker integration
3. Premium Plan – $180/month + $22 per person
For scaling businesses with bigger HR needs.
- Everything in Plus, and:
- Dedicated customer success manager
- Certified HR expert support
- Performance management tools
- Advanced reporting & analytics
- Migration & priority support
Payroll vs Competitors: Key Comparisons
| Feature | Gusto | QuickBooks Payroll | Rippling | OnPay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Tax Filing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Contractor-Only Plan | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| HR Tools | Basic (Plus+) | Moderate | Advanced | Limited |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Support Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros of Using Gusto Payroll Software
- Super easy to use, even for non-HR people
- Auto tax filing saves hours every month
- No hidden fees for running payroll multiple times
- User-friendly employee portal
- Mobile-friendly (use on desktop or phone)
- Trusted by over 300,000 businesses
Cons of Gusto Payroll to Consider
- Customer support can be slow during tax season
- Time tracking isn’t very advanced (needs integration)
- Not the cheapest—some alternatives are more affordable
- HR tools only come in higher plans (Plus or Premium)
What Real Gusto Payroll Users Are Saying
Gusto has a 4.6/5 rating on most platforms like PCMag, Capterra, and G2.
🔵 Positive Reviews:
“Gusto made payroll a breeze. I don’t worry about taxes anymore.”
“My contractors love how easy it is to get paid on time.”
🔴 Negative Reviews:
“Support is hit or miss—when you need help, you may have to wait.”
“Some small glitches during year-end forms, but nothing major.”
Is Gusto Payroll Right for Your Business?
- Small businesses with limited HR support
- Startups needing to pay both employees and contractors
- Freelancer-based teams that want affordable contractor payroll
- Remote teams that need multi-state payroll support
If you’re a large business or need global payroll, Gusto might feel limited.
Final Verdict – Is Gusto Payroll Worth It in 2025?
If you’re tired of confusing payroll software or doing it manually, Gusto is a smart choice. It takes care of the boring (and risky) stuff—like taxes and forms—so you can focus on running your business.
Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than some options, but the ease, automation, and peace of mind are hard to beat.
👉 Best for: Small and medium businesses who want a stress-free payroll experience.
FAQs (Quick Answers)
❓ 1. Can I run payroll automatically with Gusto?
Yes, with Gusto’s AutoPilot feature.
❓ 2. Does Gusto support contractor payments?
Yes, via a contractor-only plan at $6/month per contractor.
❓ 3. Is Gusto good for restaurants or hourly staff?
Yes, especially when integrated with tools like Homebase.
❓ 4. Does Gusto handle garnishments or deductions?
Yes, it supports custom deductions and wage garnishments.
❓ 5. Can I switch to Gusto mid-year?
Yes, Gusto allows mid-year setup with data import support.