Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Deputy

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 4,900 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Deputy is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Deputy is the clear winner.

At a Glance

Gusto
Full-service payroll and HR for small businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$40/mo + $6/employee Free trial
Deputy
Workforce management for shift-based businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$4/mo + $4/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Deputy
Payroll processing ✓ ✗
Automated tax filing ✓ ✗
Direct deposit ✓ ✗
Benefits administration ✓ ✗
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
PTO management ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✓ ✗
International payroll ✗ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price $40/mo + $6/employee $4/mo + $4/employee
Countries supported US US, AU, UK, CA
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Hourly Workers, 1-500 Employees

Pros & Cons

Gusto

  • Easy setup
  • Great customer support
  • All-in-one payroll + HR
  • Automated tax filing
  • US-only
  • Pricier for large teams
  • Limited reporting

Deputy

  • Best shift scheduling
  • Strong mobile app
  • Good integrations
  • Affordable
  • No payroll processing
  • Not a full HRIS
  • Best for hourly workers only

Who Should Use Each?

Deputy You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Deputy User satisfaction matters most — Deputy holds a higher G2 rating (4.6 vs 4.5).
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

Gusto vs Rippling Deputy vs Gusto Gusto vs Deel Deputy vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons Gusto alternatives → Deputy alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Deputy Free →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gusto better than Deputy?

It depends on your needs. Gusto is generally better for small business, startups, while Deputy shines for retail, hospitality. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does Gusto cost compared to Deputy?

$40/mo + $6/employee vs $4/mo + $4/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Gusto to Deputy?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does Gusto or Deputy offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Yes, Deputy offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Deputy?

Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.