Comparison · HR and payroll software
BambooHR vs Gusto: which is better in 2026?
Gusto ranks higher in our list of HR and payroll software (#1 against #3, score 92.0 against 89.0).
- 89.0Editorial score92.0
- 3Platforms3
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose BambooHR if you want
HR records and reporting for growing employers.
The strongest HR records product here, with hiring, time off, benefits and performance in one database. Payroll is an add-on, and its bundle discount applies only to US employees.
Choose Gusto if you want
US small business payroll with transparent prices.
Clear published prices, unlimited payroll runs and month-to-month plans make it a strong US payroll choice. It is built around US tax rules, so it does not cover staff abroad the way Deel or Remote do.
Side by side
 BambooHR |  Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.0 | 92.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionListed per employee a month in USD: Core $10, Pro $17, Elite $25 | SubscriptionSimple: $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus: $80 plus $12 per person |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Regional focus | US payroll; customers in 150+ countries | US payroll, including multi-state |
| Modules covered | Records, hiring, time off, benefits, reviews | Payroll, taxes, health benefits, PTO |
| Employer of record | Not described on the pages checked | Not described on the pages checked |
| Best for | HR records and reporting for growing employers | US small business payroll with transparent prices |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about BambooHR vs Gusto
- Is Gusto better than BambooHR?
- Gusto ranks higher in our list of HR and payroll software (#1 against #3, score 92.0 against 89.0). BambooHR is best for: HR records and reporting for growing employers. Gusto is best for: US small business payroll with transparent prices.
- Which is cheaper, BambooHR or Gusto?
- BambooHR: Listed per employee a month in USD: Core $10, Pro $17, Elite $25. Gusto: Simple: $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus: $80 plus $12 per person.
- Do BambooHR and Gusto run on the same platforms?
- BambooHR supports Web, iOS, Android. Gusto supports Web, iOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
