Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Justworks

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

Based on 5,090 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Gusto is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Justworks offers more advanced features for growing businesses.

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
Justworks
PEO payroll and benefits for small businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$59/mo + $59/employee

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Justworks
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 $59/mo + $59/employee
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Startups, 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

Justworks

  • Fortune 500-level benefits for small teams
  • Great compliance support
  • Simple pricing
  • US-only
  • No API
  • No contractor payments
  • More expensive than alternatives

Who Should Use Each?

Gusto You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Justworks User satisfaction matters most — Justworks holds a higher G2 rating (4.6 vs 4.5).
Gusto You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Justworks →

* 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 Justworks?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to Justworks?

$40/mo + $6/employee vs $59/mo + $59/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Gusto to Justworks?

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 Justworks offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Justworks does not currently offer a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Justworks?

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