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Our Verdict
Gusto wins if you’re comparing Gusto and Roll for payroll services, there are a few key differences to consider.
First, Gusto offers a more robust set of features, including time tracking, paid time off, and new hire onboarding. Roll is more focused on payroll processing and tax filing but lacks some of the additional features that Gusto offers.
Second, Gusto has a wider range of pricing plans, with options for small businesses and large enterprises. Roll’s pricing is simpler, with one flat rate for all businesses.
Finally, Gusto has a more established reputation, with thousands of businesses using the platform. Roll is a newer company behind the Roll payroll service. Gusto is the company behind the Gusto payroll service. Both Gusto and Roll are based in the United States, and both are focused on helping businesses manage their payroll and taxes.
Why Choose Gusto
Who Gusto Is Best For?
Consider Gusto if your:
- Businesses are seeking HR tools beyond payroll. They offer benefits administration, time tracking, compliance assistance, and more.
- Businesses operating in multiple states. Gusto handles multi-state payroll complexities seamlessly.
- Businesses are open to paying for convenience. While not the cheapest option, Gusto offers value for its ease of use and comprehensive features.
- Businesses are comfortable with limited integration. Gusto integrates with popular accounting software but has fewer options compared to some competitors.
- Small businesses. This is their core clientele, typically with under 150 employees.
- Startups. Gusto’s user-friendly interface and affordable plans are perfect for new businesses navigating payroll and HR for the first time.
MORE >>>Â Gusto Payroll Review
Who Gusto Isn’t Best For?
Gusto may not be the best fit for your business if:
- Businesses on a tight budget. While offering various plans, Gusto can be pricier than some basic payroll-only solutions.
- Businesses need extensive integration. If you rely on many specific software tools, the limited integrations might be a drawback.
Why Choose Roll Payroll
Who Roll Payroll Is Best For?
Consider Roll Payroll if your:
- Businesses are unfamiliar with payroll. The chat-based approach and AI guidance make it easy to navigate payroll for first-time users.
- Businesses with low payroll complexity. If you have straightforward payroll needs with regular pay cycles, Roll offers enough functionality.
- Businesses on a tight budget. Roll’s pricing structure favours smaller businesses with simple needs, offering a potentially cost-effective solution.
- Businesses with straightforward tax calculations and reporting can leverage Roll’s automated features.
Who Roll Payroll Isn’t Best For?
Roll Payroll is not best for you if:
- Businesses with complex payroll needs: If you have diverse pay structures, bonuses, or frequent pay cycles, Roll’s basic features might not be enough.
- Businesses needing extensive integrations: Roll mainly connects with basic accounting software and lacks integration with third-party tools.
- Businesses requiring advanced reporting or data analysis: Roll offers limited reporting functionalities compared to more comprehensive payroll solutions.
Main Differences
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Standout Features
Gusto
1. Payroll Automation
- Automatic tax filing and payments: Gusto handles federal, state, and local payroll taxes seamlessly, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Multiple pay frequencies and schedules: Set up different pay cycles for different employees or departments.
- Direct deposit: Pay employees directly into their bank accounts, eliminating manual checks and delays.
- Third-party integrations: Connect with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero for streamlined data flow.
2. HR Tools
- Benefits administration: Offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits to employees easily.
- Time tracking: Manage employee hours accurately with time clock integrations and mobile apps.
- Compliance assistance: Get expert guidance on labour laws, tax regulations, and other HR compliance requirements.
- Onboarding and offboarding automation: Streamline the new hire and employee departure processes, saving time and effort.
- Performance management: Set goals, track progress, and provide feedback to employees through the platform.
PRO TIPS >>>Â Employee Monitoring Software Features
3. Employee Experience
- Gusto Wallet: Employees can access pay stubs, tax documents, and manage their finances, including budgeting tools and high-yield savings accounts.
- Mobile app: Manage payroll, track paychecks, and access benefits information on the go.
- Self-service portal: Employees can update personal information, request time off, and access important documents conveniently.
- Multilingual support: Catering to diverse teams with support in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
4. Additional Features
- Multi-state support: Handles payroll complexities for businesses operating in multiple states.
- Dedicated customer support: Get help from knowledgeable support teams via phone, email, and chat.
- Data security and compliance: Gusto prioritizes data security and adheres to industry-leading compliance standards.
- Scalability: Grows with your business, offering customizable plans and features.
Roll Payroll
1. Simple and Mobile-First Approach
- Easy setup and user interface: Designed for quick and straightforward payroll with minimal complexity.
- Mobile-centric experience: Manage payroll, view employee details, and run payments entirely on the mobile app.
- AI-powered guidance: Chat with “Rosie,” the AI assistant, for help with payroll tasks and troubleshooting.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
- Transparent pricing: A simple flat fee per month and per employee, making it budget-friendly for small teams.
- No annual contracts: Pay month-to-month, offering flexibility and avoiding long-term commitments.
- Limited feature set: Only offers essential payroll functionalities, keeping costs lower compared to feature-rich options.
3. Convenience and accessibility
- Fast and automatic tax payments: Ensure timely tax compliance without manual effort.
- Direct deposit: It pays employees directly into their bank accounts, eliminating manual checks.
- Automatic pay runs: Set up recurring pay cycles for predictable and effortless payroll processing.
- Flexible pay schedules: Support for weekly, biweekly, and monthly pay cycles.
4. Other Benefits
- Pre-built pay templates: Simplify payroll setup with industry-specific templates for common pay structures.
- Basic reporting: Generate basic payroll reports for tax purposes and internal tracking.
- Data security: Employs industry-standard security measures to protect employee and business data.
Pros and Cons
Gusto
Pros
- Provides a user-friendly interface that’s intuitive and simple to navigate, even for non-technical users.
- Offers payroll processing, benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee self-service features, all on one platform.
- Ensures you stay compliant with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
- Renders data security and has a strong track record of uptime and reliability.
- Provides responsive customer service.
Cons
- May not offer enough customization for complex payroll needs or large companies.
- Has a higher cost than some competitors, especially for larger businesses.
- Gives users longer wait times and difficulties getting issues resolved.
- Has limited international payroll capabilities and may require additional fees.
- Lacks the functionality of specialized HR software for intricate requirements.
Roll Payroll
Pros
- Provides a user-friendly interface, especially for mobile users. The chat-based navigation makes tasks intuitive, even for beginners.
- Offers a transparent pricing structure and is generally cheaper than larger competitors, especially for basic needs.
- Offers unlimited pay runs. This is a unique benefit, allowing you to run payroll as often as needed without extra fees.
- Provides AI assistance to identify potential errors and provides helpful reminders and notifications.
- Offers basic HR tools to manage employee information, onboarding, and basic benefits administration.
- Compared to certain competitors, the feature of next-day direct deposit guarantees employees faster access to their wages.
Cons
- Lacks features like health insurance options, custom earnings types, and advanced time tracking.
- Has no complex pay needs support. Roll might not be ideal for businesses with complex payroll structures, multiple pay schedules, or intricate deductions.
- Offers limited HR features. While they are included, they are not as robust as dedicated HR software for complex needs.
- Provides no 1099 reporting. If you have contractors, you’ll need a separate solution for 1099 forms.
- Limiting access for users who prefer desktop access.
Customer Reviews
Gusto has an average rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars with 1,986 reviews on TrustPilot. Customers are praising its safe way to keep up with employment paperwork, savings goals, spending habits, and tax information. Although a few complaints from customers about their horrible customer service were made.
Roll Payroll has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars with 1,000 reviews on TrustPilot. The majority of customers praise the company’s customer service, user-friendly interface, and no-fee structure. A few negative reviews mention issues with the approval process.
GET SMARTER >>>Â Payroll Software: How Does It Work
Competitors
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service that offers a variety of features for small businesses. It’s designed to make it easy to run payroll and file taxes, and it integrates with other popular software like QuickBooks and Xero. SurePayroll is more affordable for smaller businesses, starting at $19 per month plus $5 per employee.
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is another popular online payroll service. It’s designed for small businesses, and it offers a free trial, so you can try it out before committing to a paid plan. The basic plan starts at $19 per month. Like SurePayroll, Patriot Payroll integrates with the popular accounting software QuickBooks. It also has features like time tracking and employee onboarding. So if you’re looking for a user-friendly payroll solution, you can consider Patriot Payroll.
OnPay
OnPay is another popular payroll service that’s designed for small businesses. It offers a variety of features, including tax filing, direct deposit, and a mobile app. It also integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. OnPay’s pricing starts at $39 per month.
Pro Tips
1. Prioritize your needs
- Simplicity and affordability: Roll Payroll shines with its easy interface and mobile focus, making it suitable for small businesses with straightforward payroll needs.
- Comprehensive features and compliance: Gusto excels with its all-in-one platform, including benefits and HR tools, and helps ensure regulatory compliance.
2. Consider hidden costs
- Gusto: Pricing scales with company size, and additional fees might apply for complex setups or integrations.
- Roll Payroll: Lacks features like 1099 reporting, requiring separate solutions and potentially driving up costs.
3. Factor in scalability
- Gusto: More adaptable as your business grows due to its wider feature set and larger company support.
- Roll Payroll: It might outgrow its capabilities as your business expands and payroll complexity increases.
4. Look beyond basic functionality
- Gusto’s HR tools: Offer more depth for basic HR needs compared to Roll’s limited functionalities.
- Roll Payroll’s AI assistance: Provides reminders and helps identify errors, potentially saving time.
5. Leverage trials and demos
- Both platforms offer free trials. Utilize them to test the interface, features, and mobile app to see which resonates with your workflow.
- Schedule demos with each provider to ask specific questions and clarify any doubts.
Recap
In summary, both Gusto and Roll Payroll provide features that include time tracking, benefits administration, HR tools, employee self-service portals, and compliance assistance.
However, if you prefer automation and a user-friendly interface, Gusto is a better choice. It is great for beginners and non-HR professionals. But know that it is slightly more expensive than Roll Payroll, especially for larger businesses.
