Comparison · HR and payroll software

Gusto vs Justworks: which is better in 2026?

Gusto ranks higher in our list of HR and payroll software (#1 against #6, score 92.0 against 85.5).

How we rank Share

  • 92.0
    Editorial score
    85.5
  • 3
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Justworks if you want

US small businesses that want payroll and PEO.

A published-price payroll and PEO service for US small businesses, with 401(k) access on PEO plans. PEO Basic costs $79 per employee a month, far above payroll alone, so it depends on whether you want an outside employer partner.

Side by side

GustoJustworks
Score92.085.5
Rank in list#1 of 10#6 of 10
PriceSubscriptionSimple: $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus: $80 plus $12 per personSubscriptionPayroll and HR tools: $8 per employee a month plus $50 base; PEO Basic $79
Free to useNoNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, AndroidWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byNot statedNot stated
Regional focusUS payroll, including multi-stateUS for payroll and PEO
Modules coveredPayroll, taxes, health benefits, PTOPayroll, benefits, HR support, compliance
Employer of recordNot described on the pages checkedPEO in the US; international hiring without an entity
Best forUS small business payroll with transparent pricesUS small businesses that want payroll and PEO
Strengths
  • Payroll, tax filings and benefits in one platform
  • Unlimited payroll runs in every plan
  • Month-to-month plans with no long contract
  • Prices published for payroll and PEO plans
  • Payroll for staff in several states
  • 401(k) access and benefits on PEO plans
Limits
  • Built around US payroll and tax rules
  • Full applicant tracking needs a separate tool
  • Payroll and PEO are built for US businesses
  • PEO plans cost much more per employee
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Gusto vs Justworks

Is Gusto better than Justworks?
Gusto ranks higher in our list of HR and payroll software (#1 against #6, score 92.0 against 85.5). Gusto is best for: US small business payroll with transparent prices. Justworks is best for: US small businesses that want payroll and PEO.
Which is cheaper, Gusto or Justworks?
Gusto: Simple: $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus: $80 plus $12 per person. Justworks: Payroll and HR tools: $8 per employee a month plus $50 base; PEO Basic $79.
Do Gusto and Justworks run on the same platforms?
Gusto supports Web, iOS, Android. Justworks supports Web, iOS, Android.