Cons

• Higher cost for more employees
• Advanced features have a learning curve
• Limited international payroll

This page may contain affiliate links. Our assessments are grounded solely in the product’s merits and performance.

Product Review

Gusto simplifies payroll processing by automating tax calculations, filings, and payments, and it supports direct deposits, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Beyond payroll, Gusto offers a range of HR features, including new hire onboarding, time tracking, compliance help, and access to health insurance, 401(k) plans, and other benefits for employees, making it a holistic HR platform. 

Gusto’s unique appeal lies in its blend of simplicity, comprehensive service offerings, and a focus on small business needs. It stands out for its intuitive design, making complex payroll and HR tasks manageable for business owners without specialized knowledge. The platform’s emphasis on employee experience, through its self-service portal and range of benefit options, also sets it apart.

Here are some of its key features: 

• Benefits Administration: Supports the management and administration of various employee benefits.
• Compliance Assistance: Provides help with labor law compliance and HR best practices.
• Detailed Reporting: Generates detailed payroll and HR reports for business insights.
• Cloud-Based Platform: Accessible from anywhere, providing flexibility for remote and in-office management.

Best for: Businesses Without an HR Department

Gusto is ideally suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated solution for payroll, benefits, and HR management. Its ease of use makes it perfect for startups and businesses without dedicated HR departments, allowing owners and managers to handle payroll and HR tasks efficiently. Companies looking to provide a comprehensive benefits package to their employees will find Gusto’s benefits administration particularly valuable. 

However, Gusto does not have tools for advanced performance management, employee development and training courses, and succession planning. While it can automate many HR processes, it can be difficult to create a more customized HR workflow. If you need any of these features, you may want to consider another option. 

Why We Love It:

• Employee Financial Wellness Tools: We love features like Gusto Wallet, where employees can manage their finances, track their pay, and access their earnings before payday.
• Transparent Pricing: Gusto offers clear, straightforward pricing tiers with no hidden fees, making it easier for business owners to understand what they’re paying for and to scale services as needed.
• Proactive Compliance Updates: Gusto stays updated with the latest tax laws and regulations, providing business owners peace of mind and reducing the risk of non-compliance.
• Onboarding and Offboarding: Gusto’s streamlined onboarding process, which includes electronic document signing and new hire reporting, is highly efficient. The platform also offers support for offboarding employees.
• HR Resource Center: Gusto provides a wealth of resources, guides, and templates to help businesses navigate HR challenges, from compliance to employee management. For managers without formal experience in HR, this is especially helpful.

Similar Products