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).
- 92.0Editorial score85.5
- 3Platforms3
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
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
| Score | 92.0 | 85.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionSimple: $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus: $80 plus $12 per person | SubscriptionPayroll and HR tools: $8 per employee a month plus $50 base; PEO Basic $79 |
| 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, including multi-state | US for payroll and PEO |
| Modules covered | Payroll, taxes, health benefits, PTO | Payroll, benefits, HR support, compliance |
| Employer of record | Not described on the pages checked | PEO in the US; international hiring without an entity |
| Best for | US small business payroll with transparent prices | US small businesses that want payroll and PEO |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit 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.

