Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Rippling PEO

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

Based on 5,000 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Gusto has transparent pricing starting at $40/month, while Rippling PEO requires a custom quote — better for larger organizations.

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
Rippling PEO
PEO services with the power of Rippling's unified platform
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.9/5
Contact for pricing

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Rippling PEO
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 Contact for pricing
Countries supported US US
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Medium Business, Peo Seekers, 10-500 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

Rippling PEO

  • Best PEO tech platform
  • Fortune 500 benefits
  • Unified HR+IT
  • Fast setup
  • US-only PEO
  • Expensive
  • No public pricing

Who Should Use Each?

Rippling PEO User satisfaction matters most — Rippling PEO holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.5).
Gusto You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Rippling PEO →

* 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 Rippling PEO?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to Rippling PEO?

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

Can I switch from Gusto to Rippling PEO?

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 Rippling PEO offer a free trial?

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

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Rippling PEO?

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