Gusto is a popular payroll services tool that aims to simplify and streamline payroll processing for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides essential features such as automated tax calculations, employee benefits management, and compliance support. As businesses weigh their options between Gusto and similar solutions, understanding user feedback can be an integral step in making an informed decision. This blog post aims to dive deep into the costs, user experiences, unique features, and comparisons with similar products such as OnPay, ADP Run, Workful, Intuit QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Software Payroll, SurePayroll, and Square Payroll. Additionally, we’ll explore how to get started with Gusto, its HR capabilities, security features, and whether it’s the best fit for your business needs.
How Much Does Gusto Cost?
Gusto offers a tiered pricing model designed to cater to businesses of different sizes and needs. The base fee for Gusto starts at $39 per month, with an additional charge of $6 per month per employee. This fee structure encompasses basic payroll features, such as direct deposit, tax filing, and compliance monitoring. The Concierge plan, priced at $149 per month plus $12 extra per monthly employee, offers a more comprehensive suite of HR resources. This plan includes dedicated support from certified HR professionals, enhanced compliance support, and more advanced administrative features. Overall, Gusto’s pricing is competitive and transparent, catering to the varying needs of different businesses.
Similar Products
OnPay
OnPay is another compelling payroll option, praised for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It offers a flat fee of $36 per month, plus an additional $4 per employee, making it slightly more affordable for smaller businesses compared to Gusto. Users appreciate OnPay’s excellent customer service, often citing quick response times and helpful support. It also includes basic HR management tools, though it might not be as feature-rich as some of its competitors. Regardless, it is a solid option for those looking for affordability coupled with robust capabilities.
ADP Run
ADP Run is tailored more towards larger businesses with extensive needs. It provides an array of advanced payroll and HR services, from attendance tracking to robust reporting tools. While users commend ADP Run for its comprehensive features, it is often critiqued for its cost. ADP’s pricing isn’t publicly available and often requires a custom quote. Despite this, the high level of customization and scalability make it a go-to choice for larger enterprises looking for an all-in-one solution.
Workful
Workful is a more recent entrant in the payroll services market, offering competitive pricing and a streamlined interface. Its pricing starts at $25 per month plus $5 per employee, slightly undercutting Gusto’s costs. Customers highlight Workful’s smooth onboarding experience and intuitive design. While it might lack some of the extensive HR features found in other tools, it makes up for it with ease of use and affordability, making it an appealing option for startups and small businesses.
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll stands out thanks to its seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, appealing particularly to businesses using QuickBooks for their accounting needs. The cost starts at $45 per month plus $4 per employee. Users celebrate the convenience of having payroll and accounting data in one place but also mention that this service can get costly when all add-ons are considered. Nevertheless, the integration capabilities make it an excellent option for QuickBooks users.
Patriot Software Payroll
Patriot Software Payroll offers a simple and effective solution for small businesses. Plans start at $10 per month, with an additional $4 per employee. Customers praise the affordability and user-friendly interface of Patriot Software. However, it may miss some of the more advanced HR and compliance features found in higher-end tools. For businesses whose primary concern is running payroll efficiently, it is a viable contender.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll offers flexibility with its payroll services, featuring both a Standard Payroll option and Full Service Payroll plan, with prices starting around $29.99 per month. User feedback often highlights the platform’s simplicity and the ease of managing payroll tasks. However, they also mention the customer support can sometimes be lacking in immediacy. For small businesses needing straightforward payroll management, SurePayroll is a solid option to consider.
Square Payroll
Square Payroll is particularly attractive for businesses already using Square’s point-of-sale system. The service costs $29 per month plus $5 per employee. User reviews emphasize the ease of integration and the simple, transparent pricing model. However, Square Payroll might lack more complex HR functionalities compared to other options, making it best suited for gig economy workers and small businesses.
Getting Started With Gusto
Starting with Gusto is a straightforward process. New users can easily sign up online, beginning with a 30-day free trial that provides ample opportunity to evaluate the service’s features before making any financial commitment. The setup process involves inputting company and employee information, such as federal and state tax details, which Gusto assists with by providing a step-by-step guide. Users have praise for the platform’s user-friendly interface and the supportive onboarding process, which ensures a smooth setup even for those new to payroll systems.
What Sets Gusto Apart?
What makes Gusto stand out is its holistic approach to payroll and HR management. Beyond just a payroll solution, it offers features like benefit administration, time tracking, and employee onboarding, making it a comprehensive HR tool for small and medium-sized businesses. Users often cite Gusto’s modern, easy-to-navigate design as a major plus, along with its automation features, which help reduce the administrative burden on business owners. The integration capabilities with other business software also provide added convenience, ensuring data flows seamlessly between platforms.
Pared-Down Employee Records
Gusto’s employee records are streamlined yet comprehensive, offering a clean interface where all crucial information is easily accessible. Employees and employers can update personal information, view pay stubs, and access tax forms all through the Gusto dashboard. This pared-down approach ensures that users are not overwhelmed with unnecessary information while still having access to essential details. It receives positive feedback for making the management of employee records simple and transparent.
How Do You Run a Payroll With Gusto?
Running payroll with Gusto is designed to be simple and intuitive. Users need only to input hours worked, approve time off requests, and confirm payroll. Gusto then calculates tax deductions, generates pay stubs, and processes direct deposits. Users underline the ease with which payroll can be run, appreciating the automated calculations and the intuitive steps that streamline the entire process. This ease of use reduces the time and effort involved, allowing business owners to focus on other core activities.
What Kind of Help Does Gusto Offer?
Gusto provides extensive support to its users through multiple channels. The Help Center is thorough, with articles and guides covering a wide array of topics. Users can also get in touch with support via phone, email, or live chat. The platform’s Concierge plan offers what many users describe as “white-glove” treatment, providing dedicated HR support and enhanced customer service. This high level of support is frequently mentioned positively in user reviews, highlighting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Standard and Custom Reports
Reporting is a strong suit for Gusto, as it offers a variety of standard reports on payroll summaries, tax filings, and employee earnings. Additionally, users can generate custom reports tailored to specific business needs. Many users appreciate the flexibility and depth of the reporting features, which provide valuable insights into payroll expenses and help ensure compliance with tax regulations. This capability is particularly beneficial for businesses seeking detailed financial analysis and reporting.
Does Gusto Have Extra HR Tools?
Yes, Gusto offers several additional HR tools that can significantly simplify employee management. These include onboarding checklists, performance reviews, and time-off management. Users can also access compliance support and resources, ensuring that their business adheres to labor laws and regulations. Users often praise these extra HR tools for enhancing the overall utility of the platform, creating a more integrated experience that goes beyond basic payroll services. This added value is especially beneficial for businesses looking to consolidate their HR tasks within a single application.
Is Gusto Safe to Use?
Safety and security are paramount when dealing with payroll and HR data, and Gusto rises to the challenge. The platform leverages top-tier encryption standards and secure data centers to protect sensitive information. User feedback typically highlights the peace of mind that comes from knowing their data is secure. Regular security audits and compliance with industry standards further emphasize Gusto’s dedication to keeping user information safe and sound.
No Mobile Apps, But Thorough Mobile Access
While Gusto doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app, it compensates with a highly responsive mobile site. Users can access all features through their mobile browsers, ensuring they can manage payroll and HR tasks on the go. Feedback on the mobile experience is generally positive, with users appreciating the functionality and ease of use, even when accessed through a mobile browser. While some do express a desire for a dedicated app, the mobile accessibility still meets most needs effectively.
Is Gusto Right for Your Business?
Deciding whether Gusto fits your business needs boils down to a few critical factors: business size, specific HR requirements, and budget. While Gusto shines for its packaged suite of features, user-friendly interface, and top-rated customer support, some might find other platforms better suited for specific needs or more cost-effective. Gusto’s ability to integrate payroll with HR functionalities makes it an attractive offer for small to medium-sized businesses. Positive user feedback typically underscores these strengths, but businesses with highly specialized or extensive requirements might still find better options elsewhere.
Like What You’re Reading?
If you’re finding this analysis helpful, consider subscribing to our blog for more reviews and insights on business software solutions. Stay informed on the latest tools and trends to help optimize your business operations. Sign up now and never miss an update!
About Kathy Yakal
Kathy Yakal is an experienced business software reviewer and technology writer specializing in payroll services, accounting software, and HR solutions. With decades of expertise, Kathy’s insights help businesses make well-informed decisions about their software needs. Follow her latest reviews and expert advice for the best business solutions.
| Features | Gusto | OnPay | ADP Run | Workful | Intuit QuickBooks Payroll | Patriot Software Payroll | SurePayroll | Square Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Base: $39/mo + $6/employee | $36/mo + $4/employee | Custom Quote | $25/mo + $5/employee | $45/mo + $4/employee | $10/mo + $4/employee | Standard: $29.99/mo | $29/mo + $5/employee |
| Ease of Use | Highly Easy | Simple and User-Friendly | Complex, feature-rich | Streamlined and Intuitive | Seamless with QuickBooks | Simple and Effective | Easy | Highly Easy |
| Customer Support | Excellent | Very Good | Great but Expensive | Good | Convenient for QB Users | Good | Fair | Good |
| HR Tools | Rich & Comprehensive | Basic | Advanced | Limited | Basic | Limited | Basic | Limited |
| Integration | Strong | Good | Excellent | Fair | Seamless with QuickBooks | Fair | Basic | Strong with Square POS |
Future Prospects: As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of payroll and HR management, tools like Gusto offer much-needed solutions. By staying informed about the strengths and limitations of various platforms, business owners can make more intelligent decisions, ensuring efficient and compliant operations. Keep an eye on this space for the latest updates and reviews to help you stay ahead of the curve.
