Updated July 2026

Gusto vs OnPay

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

Based on 4,800 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: OnPay is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto 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
OnPay
Simple, accurate payroll for any type of business
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$40/mo + $6/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto OnPay
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 $40/mo + $6/employee
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 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

OnPay

  • Highest rated payroll for SMB
  • Transparent flat pricing
  • Excellent customer service
  • All taxes included
  • US-only
  • No built-in time tracking
  • Limited HR features
  • Smaller integration list

Who Should Use Each?

OnPay User satisfaction matters most — OnPay holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.5).
Gusto You prioritize small business needs and value easy setup.
OnPay You need small business capabilities and value highest rated payroll for smb.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try OnPay 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 OnPay?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to OnPay?

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

Can I switch from Gusto to OnPay?

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 OnPay offer a free trial?

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

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or OnPay?

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