Gusto Alternatives: 6 Better Options for Payroll & HR
Gusto made payroll easy for small businesses, but growing teams often hit its limits. Whether you need global payroll, stronger HR features, or more automation, these 6 alternatives deliver more.
Watch: Top Gusto Alternatives
Why Companies Outgrow Gusto
US-Only Payroll
Gusto only processes payroll in the US. Companies hiring internationally need platforms like Rippling or Deel for global payroll.
Limited HR Features
Gusto's HRIS is basic. Growing companies need deeper performance management, analytics, and workflow automation that Gusto doesn't offer.
Price Creep at Scale
Gusto's per-employee pricing adds up quickly. At 100+ employees, platforms like Rippling or ADP often provide better value.
No IT Management
Modern teams need device and app management alongside HR. Rippling is the only platform combining HR, payroll, and IT in one tool.
Best Gusto Alternatives
1. Rippling
Best for: Unified HR, IT, and payroll automation
Strengths
- Combines HR, IT, and payroll in one platform
- Superior automation and workflow engine
- Device management and app provisioning included
- Global payroll capabilities
- Most modern tech stack
Considerations
- Can get expensive with add-ons
- Steeper learning curve
- Less personal customer support
2. BambooHR
Best for: User-friendly HRIS with strong employee experience
Strengths
- Most intuitive interface in HRIS space
- Excellent employee self-service portal
- Strong time-off and benefits management
- Good performance management module
- Responsive customer support
Considerations
- Payroll is limited to US only
- More expensive than Gusto at scale
- Fewer automation capabilities
3. Justworks
Best for: PEO model with simple payroll and benefits
Strengths
- Access to enterprise-level benefits at SMB prices
- PEO model handles compliance for you
- Very simple payroll setup
- Strong workers' compensation management
- Excellent for companies without HR staff
Considerations
- PEO model means shared employer status
- More expensive per employee
- Less customisation
- Limited HRIS features
4. Paychex Flex
Best for: Scalable payroll with dedicated support
Strengths
- Highly scalable from 1 to 1,000+ employees
- Dedicated payroll specialist assigned
- Strong tax filing and compliance
- Good retirement plan administration
- Available nationwide with local offices
Considerations
- Interface feels dated vs Gusto
- Add-ons increase cost significantly
- Less transparent pricing
- HR features lag behind dedicated HRIS
5. ADP Run
Best for: Enterprise-grade payroll reliability
Strengths
- Most trusted payroll brand globally
- Processes payroll for 1 in 6 US workers
- Strongest compliance and tax engine
- Seamless upgrade path to ADP Workforce Now
- Extensive third-party integrations
Considerations
- Significantly less intuitive than Gusto
- Opaque pricing with hidden fees
- Sales-heavy experience
- Slower customer support
6. OnPay
Best for: Budget-friendly payroll with full-service features
Strengths
- Simpler and cheaper than Gusto for basic payroll
- Full-service payroll with tax filing
- Good benefits administration
- Multi-state payroll included
- Easy contractor payments
Considerations
- No HRIS features
- Limited integrations
- No performance management
- Smaller company with fewer resources
Quick Comparison: Gusto vs Alternatives
| Feature | Gusto | Rippling | BambooHR | OnPay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $40 + $6/ee | $8/user base | $12-22/user | $40 + $6/ee |
| Payroll | US only | Global | US only | US only |
| HRIS Features | Basic | Strong | Excellent | None |
| Benefits Admin | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| IT Management | None | Included | None | None |
| Best For | 1-100 | 25-1,000 | 25-500 | 1-50 |
Switching from Gusto?
Download our Payroll & HR Software Comparison Guide with feature matrices, pricing breakdowns, and migration checklists.
View HR Software Comparison