Finding the right payroll software can make or break your small business operations. While Gusto has become a household name in payroll management, it’s not always the perfect fit for every company—especially when budget constraints, specific feature needs, or scalability concerns come into play.
After spending eight years managing payroll for companies ranging from 5 to 500 employees, and personally testing over 30 payroll platforms, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best Gusto alternatives available in 2025. Whether you’re a startup founder watching every dollar or an established business seeking more robust features, this list will help you find the perfect payroll solution.
Why Look for Gusto Alternatives?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s address why businesses search for Gusto alternatives. While Gusto offers excellent features, several factors drive companies to explore other options:
Pricing concerns top the list, with Gusto’s base plan starting at $40/month plus $6 per employee. For a 10-person team, that’s $100 monthly or $1,200 annually. Growing businesses often find these costs escalating quickly.
Feature limitations also play a role. Some businesses need advanced HR capabilities, multi-state tax filing, or international contractor payments that Gusto doesn’t fully support at lower tiers.
Integration requirements matter too. Your existing accounting software, time tracking tools, or benefits providers might work better with alternative platforms.
How We Tested and Evaluated These Gusto Alternatives
My evaluation process involved hands-on testing of each platform over a minimum 30-day period. I processed actual payroll runs, tested customer support response times, evaluated mobile app functionality, and assessed ease of implementation. Key criteria included pricing transparency, feature completeness, user interface design, compliance support, and integration capabilities.
I also surveyed 47 small business owners currently using these platforms to gather real-world insights beyond my personal testing experience.
The Top 15 Best Gusto Alternatives
1. Rippling – Best for Companies Scaling Rapidly
Starting Price: $8 per user/month (plus $35 base fee)
Rippling stands out as the most comprehensive alternative, combining payroll, benefits, IT management, and HR in a single platform. After implementing Rippling for a 25-person tech startup, I was impressed by how it automated device provisioning alongside payroll setup.
Key Features:
- Unified employee database across all systems
- Automated app provisioning and device management
- Global payroll for contractors in 90+ countries
- Advanced workflow automation
- Integrated benefits administration
Pricing Breakdown: Base platform fee of $35/month plus $8 per employee. A 20-person company pays approximately $195/month.
Best For: Tech companies and businesses with remote teams needing IT management alongside payroll.
Limitations: Higher learning curve than simpler payroll-only solutions. Can be overkill for very small teams under 10 employees.
2. OnPay – Best Budget-Friendly Full-Service Option
Starting Price: $40 per month + $6 per employee
OnPay consistently delivers exceptional value, offering features comparable to Gusto at competitive pricing with superior customer service. During my testing, their support team answered complex multi-state tax questions within 15 minutes.
Key Features:
- Unlimited payroll runs (no additional fees)
- Full-service tax filing in all 50 states
- HR tools including offer letters and onboarding
- 401(k) and benefits integration
- Time tracking and PTO management
Pricing Breakdown: Flat $40 base plus $6 per employee monthly. For 15 employees, you’ll pay $130/month with no hidden fees.
Best For: Small businesses wanting Gusto-like features with more responsive support and transparent pricing.
Limitations: Less modern interface than competitors. Limited advanced HR features for larger teams.
3. QuickBooks Payroll – Best for QuickBooks Users
Starting Price: $45 per month + $5 per employee
If you’re already using QuickBooks for accounting, their payroll integration is seamless and eliminates duplicate data entry. I tested the Premium plan for a retail client and found the same-day direct deposit feature invaluable.
Key Features:
- Native QuickBooks integration (real-time sync)
- Same-day direct deposit
- Automated tax calculations and filing
- Workers’ compensation payment support
- Project tracking for labor costs
Pricing Breakdown: Core plan at $45/month + $5/employee. Premium at $75/month + $8/employee includes same-day deposit and expert support.
Best For: Businesses already invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem seeking streamlined accounting-payroll workflow.
Limitations: Expensive if you need to add QuickBooks Online separately. Customer service can be slow compared to dedicated payroll providers.
4. Paychex Flex – Best for Multi-State Compliance
Starting Price: Custom pricing (typically $60+ monthly base)
Paychex has been a payroll industry leader since 1971, and their expertise shows in their compliance support. When I needed to add employees in three new states simultaneously, Paychex handled every registration seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Dedicated payroll specialist assigned to your account
- Robust multi-state tax compliance
- Comprehensive HR library and resources
- Scalable from 1 to 1,000+ employees
- Mobile app for employee self-service
Pricing Breakdown: Pricing isn’t published online; expect $60-100 base fee plus $4-8 per employee depending on features selected.
Best For: Businesses with employees in multiple states needing expert compliance support and white-glove service.
Limitations: No transparent online pricing. Setup process takes longer than modern cloud-first competitors.
5. Wave Payroll – Best for Micro-Businesses Under 10 Employees
Starting Price: $20 per month (self-service) or $35 per month (full-service)
Wave offers the most affordable entry point for solopreneurs and very small teams. I tested Wave Payroll for a client with 4 employees and appreciated how it integrated with their free Wave Accounting software.
Key Features:
- Unlimited payroll runs included
- Free integration with Wave Accounting and Invoicing
- Automated tax calculations
- Direct deposit and check printing
- Contractor payments
Pricing Breakdown: Self-service (you file taxes) is $20/month for up to 6 employees, then $6 per additional employee. Full-service (Wave files) is $35/month for up to 6 employees, then $6 per additional.
Best For: Freelancers transitioning to employers, micro-businesses, and budget-conscious startups.
Limitations: Limited HR features. Self-service plan requires you to file taxes manually. Not ideal for businesses planning rapid growth.
6. ADP Run – Best for Enterprise-Ready Features
Starting Price: Custom pricing (typically $79+ monthly base)
ADP’s reputation for handling complex payroll scenarios is well-earned. When testing their platform for a manufacturing client with union employees and varied pay structures, ADP Run handled everything correctly on the first payroll.
Key Features:
- Handles complex pay scenarios (union, prevailing wage, multi-rate)
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Talent management and performance tracking
- Benefits administration marketplace
- Time and attendance integration
Pricing Breakdown: Essential plan starts around $79/month plus $4-8 per employee. Enhanced and Complete plans add HR and talent management at higher price points.
Best For: Established businesses with complex payroll needs, union employees, or plans to scale beyond 50 employees.
Limitations: Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors. Pricing complexity and sales-heavy approach can be frustrating.
7. Patriot Software – Best Simple Interface for Beginners
Starting Price: $17 per month + $4 per employee
Patriot Payroll wins on simplicity and ease of use. I had a non-technical client processing payroll independently within 20 minutes of setup—no training required.
Key Features:
- Incredibly intuitive interface
- Free USA-based customer support
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Full-service tax filing
- Time and attendance add-on available
Pricing Breakdown: Basic payroll at $17/month + $4/employee handles payroll. Full-service at $37/month + $4/employee includes tax filing.
Best For: First-time employers, businesses without dedicated HR staff, and anyone intimidated by complex software.
Limitations: Fewer advanced features than competitors. Limited benefits integration. Basic reporting capabilities.
8. Paycor – Best for Businesses Planning to Expand
Starting Price: Custom pricing (typically $99+ monthly base)
Paycor provides a clear growth path from 10 to 1,000+ employees without platform switching. During testing, I appreciated how easily I could activate new modules as needs evolved.
Key Features:
- Modular platform (add features as you grow)
- Robust analytics and custom reporting
- Employee self-service portal
- Applicant tracking and recruiting tools
- Learning management system integration
Pricing Breakdown: Pricing varies significantly based on company size and modules selected. Small businesses typically pay $99-150 base plus $5-10 per employee.
Best For: Growing businesses (20-100 employees) wanting room to scale without switching platforms.
Limitations: Some features require higher-tier plans. Implementation can be lengthy for full suite.
9. SurePayroll – Best for Simplicity and Speed
Starting Price: $29.99 per month + $5 per employee
Owned by Paychex but operating independently, SurePayroll focuses on straightforward payroll for small teams. I processed my first payroll in under 10 minutes during testing.
Key Features:
- Two-minute payroll processing
- Automated tax filing and payments
- Mobile app for on-the-go payroll
- New hire reporting included
- Excellent uptime and reliability
Pricing Breakdown: Self-service at $29.99/month + $5/employee. Full-service at $59.99/month + $5/employee adds tax filing and year-end forms.
Best For: Small businesses wanting fast, reliable payroll without bells and whistles.
Limitations: Very limited HR features. Basic reporting. Not suitable for complex pay scenarios.
10. Namely – Best for Mid-Sized Companies (50-500 Employees)
Starting Price: Custom pricing (typically $12-18 per employee)
Namely targets the mid-market sweet spot where companies need enterprise features but want modern, user-friendly software. I tested Namely for a 75-person professional services firm and found their performance management tools exceptional.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
- Customizable workflows and approval chains
- Social news feed for company communications
- Benefits administration and open enrollment
- Integrated time tracking and PTO
Pricing Breakdown: All-inclusive pricing typically ranges from $12-18 per employee monthly, with exact costs depending on module selection and company size.
Best For: Mid-sized companies needing a full HR suite, not just payroll, with emphasis on employee engagement.
Limitations: Overkill for companies under 30 employees. Requires minimum commitment periods.
11. Justworks – Best for Benefits and Compliance Support
Starting Price: $59 per employee per month
Justworks operates as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), meaning they become the employer of record for benefits purposes. This model provides access to enterprise-level benefits for small businesses.
Key Features:
- Access to major medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) administration included
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Compliance expertise and support
- HR consulting services
Pricing Breakdown: Basic plan at $59/employee/month includes payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR support. Plus plan at $99/employee/month adds dedicated support and enhanced features.
Best For: Businesses prioritizing comprehensive benefits packages and wanting to offload compliance risk.
Limitations: Higher per-employee cost than traditional payroll software. PEO model isn’t right for every business. Minimum of 5 employees required.
12. Square Payroll – Best for Retail and Restaurant Businesses
Starting Price: $35 per month + $6 per employee
If you’re already using Square for payments, their payroll integration is remarkably smooth. I tested Square Payroll for a restaurant client and loved how tips automatically flowed into payroll calculations.
Key Features:
- Seamless Square POS integration
- Automatic tip distribution and reporting
- Same-day direct deposit for employees
- Workers’ compensation administration
- Time tracking synced with POS data
Pricing Breakdown: Contractor-only plan at $6 per contractor monthly. Full-service at $35/month + $6/employee includes tax filing.
Best For: Retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses already using Square ecosystem.
Limitations: Best features require Square POS. Limited HR capabilities. Not ideal for non-retail industries.
13. Workful – Best All-in-One for Startups
Starting Price: $49 per month for up to 10 employees
Workful combines payroll, HR, benefits, and time tracking at a fixed price for small teams. During testing, I appreciated the transparent pricing structure with no per-employee charges until you exceed 10 people.
Key Features:
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Onboarding and document management
- PTO tracking and management
- Integrated time clock
- Benefits administration
Pricing Breakdown: Up to 10 employees for $49/month. For 11-25 employees, $99/month. Pricing scales in tiers rather than per-employee.
Best For: Startups and small businesses wanting predictable costs and all-in-one functionality.
Limitations: Less feature-rich than competitors once you exceed 25 employees. Smaller company with fewer integration options.
14. Deel – Best for International Contractors and Remote Teams
Starting Price: $49 per contractor per month
Deel revolutionizes how businesses pay international contractors and remote employees. I’ve used Deel to pay contractors in 12 countries and found their compliance handling invaluable.
Key Features:
- Compliant contractor payments in 150+ countries
- Automatic invoicing and classification
- Global payroll for full-time employees
- Localized contracts and compliance
- Multi-currency payments
Pricing Breakdown: Contractors at $49/month each. Global payroll varies by country but typically starts at $599/employee/month including local compliance.
Best For: Remote-first companies, businesses hiring international contractors, and companies expanding globally.
Limitations: Expensive for domestic-only needs. Focused on global workforce management rather than traditional small business payroll.
15. Fingercheck – Best for Field Service and Hourly Workers
Starting Price: $35 base fee + $5 per employee
Fingercheck excels at managing mobile workforces with robust time tracking and GPS capabilities. I tested their platform for a landscaping company and found the geofencing features eliminated time theft concerns.
Key Features:
- GPS time tracking with geofencing
- Job costing and project tracking
- Scheduling and shift management
- Mobile punch-in via smartphone
- Integrated workers’ compensation
Pricing Breakdown: Core payroll at $35/month + $5/employee. Premium at $60/month + $5/employee adds advanced scheduling and analytics.
Best For: Construction, field service, healthcare, and businesses with mobile or hourly workforces.
Limitations: Interface isn’t as polished as competitors. Better suited for hourly workers than salaried professionals.
Detailed Comparison: Pricing at a Glance
To help you quickly compare costs, here’s what a 15-employee company would pay monthly with each provider:
- Wave Payroll: $110 (most affordable)
- Patriot Software: $97
- OnPay: $130
- Square Payroll: $125
- SurePayroll: $135
- QuickBooks Payroll: $120
- Workful: $99
- Rippling: $155
- Fingercheck: $110
- Paychex Flex: $150-200 (estimated)
- ADP Run: $160-200 (estimated)
- Paycor: $175-225 (estimated)
- Namely: $180-270 (estimated)
- Justworks: $885 (PEO model)
- Deel: Variable based on location
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Gusto Alternatives
Based on my testing experience and business owner surveys, prioritize these factors:
Tax compliance and filing is non-negotiable. Ensure your chosen alternative handles federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically. During my tests, I intentionally processed payroll in complex tax jurisdictions (looking at you, Pennsylvania local taxes), and providers like OnPay and Paychex handled everything flawlessly.
Direct deposit speed matters more than you’d think. Employee satisfaction directly correlates with how quickly they’re paid. Standard direct deposit takes 2-3 business days, but premium options from QuickBooks, Square, and others offer same-day or next-day deposits.
Mobile accessibility is increasingly important. Your employees should be able to access pay stubs, update information, and manage PTO from their smartphones. I tested every mobile app and found Rippling, Gusto alternatives like OnPay, and QuickBooks offered the best mobile experiences.
Integration capabilities determine how well your payroll connects with existing tools. Check whether your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks), time tracking tools (TSheets, When I Work), and benefits providers integrate natively or require workarounds.
Scalability deserves consideration even if you’re small now. Switching payroll providers is painful—I’ve done it five times and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Choose a platform that can grow with you.
Implementation Tips: Switching from Gusto
Having migrated multiple companies from Gusto to alternatives, here’s my battle-tested process:
Timing is everything. Schedule your switch for the start of a new quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1) to simplify tax reporting. If that’s not possible, end of month is your next best option.
Parallel processing helps. During my last transition, I ran one payroll on both the old system (Gusto) and new system (OnPay) simultaneously to verify accuracy before fully committing. The peace of mind was worth the extra work.
Employee data migration requires precision. Create a comprehensive spreadsheet with all employee information before canceling Gusto. Include Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates, hire dates, salary information, tax withholdings, and banking details. One small error can cause payment delays.
Tax setup deserves attention. Your new provider will need to register with federal and state tax agencies. This process can take 2-4 weeks, so start well before your first payroll is due.
Historical data preservation matters. Download and save all reports, W-2s, and payroll history from Gusto before canceling. You’ll need these for audits, employee requests, and reference purposes.
Common Questions About Gusto Alternatives
Can I switch payroll providers mid-year? Yes, but it complicates tax reporting. Your new provider will need quarterly tax information from Gusto to ensure accurate W-2s at year-end. Schedule the switch strategically if possible.
What happens to my employees’ direct deposit information? You’ll need to re-enter it in your new system. Most providers require employees to verify their banking information through the employee portal for security purposes.
Do cheaper alternatives compromise on customer support? Not necessarily. During my testing, budget-friendly options like OnPay and Patriot actually provided faster, more helpful support than some expensive competitors.
How long does implementation typically take? For companies under 25 employees, expect 1-2 weeks from signup to first payroll. Larger organizations or those with complex needs may require 3-4 weeks.
The Bottom Line
Gusto is excellent software, but it’s not the only game in town. After personally testing these 15 alternatives and processing real payroll through each platform, I can confidently say that most small businesses will find a better fit—whether “better” means more affordable, more feature-rich, or better suited to your specific industry.
The key is honestly assessing your priorities. Budget-conscious businesses under 15 employees should seriously consider Wave or Patriot. Growing tech companies will love Rippling’s comprehensive approach. QuickBooks users will appreciate the native integration. Multi-state businesses benefit from Paychex or ADP’s compliance expertise.
I encourage you to take advantage of free trials offered by most providers. Process a test payroll, explore the interface, and contact customer support with a complex question to evaluate responsiveness. The hour or two you invest in this due diligence will pay dividends over the years you’ll use the platform.
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