Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Employment Hero

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

Based on 5,100 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Employment Hero is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Employment Hero 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
Employment Hero
All-in-one HR platform for Australian and UK businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
$8/mo + $8/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Employment Hero
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 $8/mo + $8/employee
Countries supported US AU, NZ, UK, SG, MY
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Australian Businesses, Uk Businesses, Small Business, 1-200 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

Employment Hero

  • Best for Australia and NZ
  • Modern UI
  • Strong compliance tools
  • Great onboarding
  • Limited global payroll
  • Less known in US market

Who Should Use Each?

Employment Hero You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Gusto User satisfaction matters most — Gusto holds a higher G2 rating (4.5 vs 4.3).
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Employment Hero 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 Employment Hero?

It depends on your needs. Gusto is generally better for small business, startups, while Employment Hero shines for Australian businesses, UK businesses. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does Gusto cost compared to Employment Hero?

$40/mo + $6/employee vs $8/mo + $8/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Gusto to Employment Hero?

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 Employment Hero offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Yes, Employment Hero offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Employment Hero?

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