Table of Contents
Our Verdict
Gusto HR software distinguishes itself through its seamless integration of essential HR functions into a user-friendly platform. It offers a comprehensive suite of features that cover payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR management, catering to the needs of businesses of all sizes.
One of Gusto’s standout qualities is its emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. The platform’s intuitive interface and streamlined workflows make it accessible to users with varying levels of technical proficiency, minimizing the learning curve typically associated with HR software. This simplicity extends to features like automated payroll processing, employee onboarding, and benefits enrollment, allowing businesses to efficiently manage their HR tasks without unnecessary complexity.
Moreover, Gusto prioritizes the employee experience by providing self-service portals and mobile apps that empower employees to manage their information and access HR resources independently. This not only enhances employee satisfaction but also reduces the administrative burden on HR staff, freeing up time for more strategic initiatives.
Gusto also excels in compliance management, helping businesses navigate the complexities of federal, state, and local labor laws. The platform stays up-to-date with regulatory changes and automates compliance-related tasks such as tax filings and benefits reporting, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
Additionally, Gusto offers exceptional customer support, with knowledgeable representatives available to assist users with any questions or concerns. Whether it’s technical assistance or guidance on HR best practices, Gusto’s support team is responsive and dedicated to ensuring a positive user experience.
Gusto HR software stands out for its user-friendly interface, emphasis on the employee experience, robust compliance management capabilities, and excellent customer support. These qualities make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes and create a positive work environment for their employees.
Pros
- Offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for employers and employees to manage HR tasks efficiently
- Provides a wide range of features including payroll processing, benefits administration, time tracking, compliance management, and employee onboarding, covering various HR needs in one platform
- Help reduce manual errors and save time by streamlining repetitive tasks such as payroll processing and benefits enrollment
- Provides excellent customer support, with representatives available to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter, contributing to a positive user experience
Cons
- Has limitations with customization options, particularly for businesses with unique payroll or HR requirements, which may not fully accommodate their needs
- May find the subscription fees relatively high, especially compared to other HR software options in the market
Who Gusto HR Software Is Best For

Gusto HR Software is best for individuals or businesses who:
- Are looking for an all-in-one HR solution that encompasses payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance support, and more
Value intuitive interface and user-friendly design - Are concerned with staying compliant with labor laws and regulations
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Who Gusto HR Software Isn’t Right For
Gusto HR Software might not be a good choice for individuals or businesses who:
- Have complex HR needs or those requiring advanced features such as advanced analytics, custom workflows, or specialized integrations
- Prioritizes data security, organizations with particularly stringent data security requirements or preferences for on-premises software solutions
- Are in need of extensive customization options or highly tailored HR solutions
What Gusto HR Software Offers
- Payroll Processing
- Benefits Administration
- Employee Onboarding
- Time Tracking
- Compliance Management
- Employee Profiles
- Document Management
- Organizational Charts
- Time-Off Management
- Performance Reviews
- Custom Fields and Tags
- Employee Directory
- Reporting and Analytics
- Self-Service Portals
- Mobile Accessibility
Gusto HR Software Details

Payroll Processing
Gusto automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits. It handles various pay types, deductions, and compliance requirements, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in payroll management.
Benefits Administration
The platform provides access to health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits. It facilitates benefits enrollment, deductions, and compliance with regulations such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Employee Onboarding
Gusto simplifies the onboarding process with digital forms, document management, and task assignments. New hires can complete paperwork online, reducing paperwork and administrative burden.
Time Tracking
Gusto offers time tracking tools to monitor employee hours, track time-off requests, and generate payroll reports. It helps businesses manage attendance, scheduling, and compliance with labor laws.
Compliance Management
Gusto helps businesses stay compliant with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations. It provides updates on regulatory changes, assists with compliance tasks, and generates required reports and filings.
Employee Profiles
Gusto serves as a centralized database for storing employee information such as contact details, employment history, compensation, and performance reviews. Employers can easily access and update employee profiles as needed, ensuring that HR records are accurate and up to date.
Document Management
Gusto allows employers to store and manage important HR documents, such as employment contracts, handbooks, policies, and compliance forms. This helps ensure that all necessary documents are easily accessible and organized within the platform.
Organizational Charts
Gusto provides tools for creating and visualizing organizational charts, allowing employers to map out reporting structures and understand the hierarchy within the company. This feature can be useful for planning and decision-making related to staffing and organizational structure.
Time-Off Management
Within HR management, Gusto offers features for managing employee time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and other types of paid time off (PTO). Employers can track accruals, approve time-off requests, and generate reports to monitor time-off usage and trends.
Performance Reviews
Gusto enables employers to conduct performance reviews and evaluations for employees within the platform. Employers can set up review cycles, define performance criteria, and track employee progress over time. This feature facilitates ongoing feedback and development conversations between managers and employees.
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Custom Fields and Tags
Gusto allows employers to customize employee profiles with additional fields and tags to capture specific information relevant to their organization. This flexibility enables employers to tailor the system to their unique HR needs and preferences.
Employee Directory
Gusto includes an employee directory feature, allowing employers to easily search and find employee information within the platform. This feature enhances communication and collaboration by providing quick access to contact details and other relevant information for all employees.
Reporting and Analytics
Gusto offers reporting and analytics tools to help employers track HR metrics and trends, such as turnover rates, employee demographics, and compensation data. Employers can generate custom reports and gain insights to inform HR decision-making and strategic planning.
Self-Service Portals
Gusto offers self-service portals for employees to access pay stubs, benefits information, and HR documents. It empowers employees to manage their own information and reduces administrative tasks for HR staff.
Mobile Accessibility
Gusto provides mobile apps for employers and employees, allowing them to manage HR tasks on the go. Users can access payroll, benefits, time tracking, and other features from their mobile devices, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
Gusto HR Software Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing plans for Gusto HR software:
Simple Plan
Base Price: $40 per month
Per-Person Fee: An additional $6 per month for each person (employee or contractor) in your organization
Features: Streamlined automatic payroll features and benefits integrations, including full-service single-state payroll, employee profiles, basic hiring and onboarding tools, health insurance administration, financial benefits management, payroll and time-off reports, custom admin permissions, and integrations for accounting, time tracking, expense management, and more.
Plus Plan
Base Price: $80 per month
Per-Person Fee: An additional $12 per month for each person (employee or contractor) in your organization
Plus Plan Add-On
Cost: An additional $8 per person per month.
Details: This add-on provides businesses with priority access to Gusto’s customer support team and additional HR resources. It offers faster response times and access to expert support for HR-related inquiries and challenges.
Features: Comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR tools, including all features from the Simple plan, plus additional HR tools to support various aspects of HR management, employee onboarding, performance management, priority support, and access to a dedicated success liaison for personalized support and guidance.
Premium Plan
Features: Scalable payroll and benefits solutions, expert HR support, priority support, and a dedicated success liaison.
Pricing: Exclusive pricing details are available upon contacting Gusto directly for a personalized quote.
Contractor Only Plan
Base Price: For the first 6 months, businesses receive a discounted base price of $0 per month.
Regular Base Price: After the initial 6 months, the regular base price is $35 per month.
Per-Contractor Fee: An additional $6 per contractor per month.
Features: Specifically designed for businesses that primarily work with contractors. Includes payroll processing, contractor profiles, direct contractor payments, tax form generation, custom admin permissions, and basic support.
Where Gusto HR Software Stands Out
User-Friendly Interface
Gusto is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Its clean design and straightforward navigation contribute to a positive user experience.
Customer Support
Gusto provides exceptional customer support, with responsive and knowledgeable representatives available to assist users via phone, email, and chat. The support team’s dedication to resolving inquiries promptly enhances user satisfaction.
Employee Experience
Gusto prioritizes the employee experience, offering self-service portals and mobile apps that empower employees to manage their information, access pay stubs, and enroll in benefits conveniently. This focus on user-friendly interfaces enhances engagement and satisfaction among employees.
Transparency and Trust
Community Engagement
Gusto fosters a sense of community among its users through webinars, workshops, and online forums. The platform hosts events and resources aimed at helping businesses succeed and build connections within the Gusto community.
Compliance Expertise
Gusto’s platform is designed to help businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations. It provides updates on regulatory changes and assists with compliance-related tasks, offering peace of mind to users navigating complex HR requirements.
Where Gusto HR Software Falls Short
Customization
While Gusto offers a range of features, some users may find its customization options limited. Businesses with highly specialized or unique HR requirements may encounter challenges in adapting Gusto to meet their specific needs.
Cost
While Gusto’s pricing is competitive for its feature set, some businesses may find the subscription fees relatively high, especially if they don’t require all of Gusto’s features or if they’re on a tight budget. Cost considerations may be a factor for businesses evaluating HR software options.
Integration Limitations
While Gusto integrates with a variety of popular business applications and platforms, some users may find integration options limited compared to other HR software solutions. Businesses with complex tech stacks or specific integration requirements may encounter challenges in integrating Gusto with their existing systems.
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Alternatives to Gusto HR Software

BambooHR
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software platform that offers features for applicant tracking, employee onboarding, performance management, and HR reporting. It is known for its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows.
Zenefits
Zenefits offers a full-suite HR platform that includes payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, compliance management, and HR analytics. It is designed for small and midsize businesses and integrates with popular third-party applications.
Workday
Workday provides a cloud-based HR and finance solution with features for payroll processing, benefits administration, talent management, and workforce planning. It is suitable for medium to large enterprises across various industries.
Namely
Namely offers a comprehensive HR platform with features for payroll processing, benefits administration, performance management, and employee engagement. It is designed for midsize companies and includes self-service portals for employees.
TriNet
TriNet provides HR outsourcing services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers solutions for payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance management, and HR consulting services.
Customer Reviews
With a commendable rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on 351 reviews TrustRadius and an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 1889 reviews on g2.com, numerous users have expressed satisfaction with the software, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and intuitive design as standout qualities.
Gusto’s user-friendly platform has been lauded for simplifying payroll and benefits administration tasks, making it easier for businesses to manage their HR processes efficiently. Users appreciate the intuitive layout and navigation, which contribute to a seamless user experience.
In addition to its ease of use, Gusto has been praised for its comprehensive features, which encompass payroll processing, benefits management, compliance support, and more. Users have found Gusto to be a reliable solution that meets their HR needs effectively.
Despite the overall positive sentiment, some users have raised concerns about specific aspects of the software, such as occasional glitches or limitations in certain features. However, these instances appear to be relatively rare and have not detracted significantly from the overall positive perception of Gusto.
Pro Tips
- Take advantage of any training materials, webinars, or tutorials provided by the HR software provider
- Tailor the software to fit your specific HR processes and requirements
- Utilize customization options to configure workflows, forms, and notifications according to your organization’s needs and preferences
- Keep employee profiles and records up to date within the software
- Take advantage of automation features to streamline repetitive HR tasks such as payroll processing, benefits enrollment, and time tracking
- Promote the use of self-service portals or mobile apps among employees
- Regularly review and update HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Utilize reporting and analytics features to track HR metrics and trends such as turnover rates, time-off usage, and employee demographics
Recap
Gusto HR Software is a user-friendly and comprehensive solution ideal for small to mid-sized businesses seeking streamlined HR management. With intuitive features and a focus on employee experience, Gusto simplifies payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support.
While it may lack advanced functionalities for larger enterprises and industry-specific needs, its scalability and responsive customer support make it a solid choice for organizations prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in HR operations. Overall, Gusto stands out as a reliable and cost-effective HR management solution for businesses looking to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.