Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll, HR, benefits, and time platform aimed primarily at small and growing businesses. It combines full-service payroll with tools for onboarding, benefits administration, basic HR, time tracking add-ons, and contractor payments.

Key features

• Full-service payroll: run unlimited payrolls, support for multiple pay schedules, multiple pay rates, and employee self-service (paystubs, W-2s).
• Tax handling: Gusto files and pays payroll taxes automatically for covered jurisdictions. Processing times include different debit/check date rules (e.g., two-day vs. four-day processing windows); employers must maintain sufficient funds by the debit date.
• Direct deposit: next-day options on higher tiers; standard multi-day processing windows on entry plans.
• Benefits administration: works with licensed brokers to offer health, dental, vision plans, and 401(k). Employers typically pay only the employee premiums; Gusto does not add separate benefit administration fees on top of premiums for some plans.
• Time & attendance: time tracking and scheduling are available (sometimes as plan features or as add-ons, depending on the tier).

Integrations and ecosystem

Gusto integrates with major accounting and productivity tools (QuickBooks, Xero, and others) and provides APIs and developer tools for embedding payroll into other platforms.

Support and compliance

Support levels vary by plan; Premium includes a dedicated service advisor and access to certified HR experts, while lower tiers get standard support and access to the Help Center.

Gusto documents payroll processing rules (debit dates, timing, fund requirements). These matter if you run last-minute payrolls.

How much does Gusto cost?

There are three main employer plans (Simple, Plus, Premium) with the base + per-person pricing. Contractor-only and Solo options also exist. Download the extended software profile for a breakdown of Gusto's pricing tiers.

Software features

• Absence Management
• Benefits Enrollment
• COBRA
• Compensation
• Compliance
• Disciplinary Action
• Employee Self Service
• FMLA
• Health & Safety
• Manager Self Service
• On & Off Boarding
• Payroll
• Performance Management
• Recruitment
• Reviews
• Time & Attendance
• Training & Skills
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Workflow
• Workforce Analytics
• Travel & Expenses

Download more information