Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Sesame HR

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

Based on 4,600 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Sesame HR is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Sesame HR 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
Sesame HR
Simple HR software for Spanish and Latin American businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$4/mo + $4/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Sesame HR
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 ES, MX, CO, AR, PE, CL
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Spanish Businesses, Latin American Companies, 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

Sesame HR

  • Built for Spain and LATAM
  • Affordable
  • Good time tracking
  • Easy to use
  • Limited outside Spanish-speaking markets
  • No global payroll

Who Should Use Each?

Sesame HR You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Sesame HR 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 Sesame HR?

It depends on your needs. Gusto is generally better for small business, startups, while Sesame HR shines for Spanish businesses, Latin American companies. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does Gusto cost compared to Sesame HR?

$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 Sesame HR?

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 Sesame HR offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Yes, Sesame HR offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Sesame HR?

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