Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Workable

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

Based on 6,000 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Gusto is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Workable offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Workable 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
Workable
All-in-one recruiting and HR software
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
$189/mo Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Workable
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 $189/mo
Countries supported US US, UK, CA, AU, Global
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Medium Business, Hiring-Focused Teams, 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

Workable

  • Best ATS for SMBs
  • AI-powered sourcing
  • Easy job posting
  • Great candidate experience
  • No payroll
  • Per-job pricing can add up
  • Limited HR features beyond recruiting

Who Should Use Each?

Gusto You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Workable User satisfaction matters most — Workable holds a higher G2 rating (4.6 vs 4.5).
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gusto better than Workable?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to Workable?

$40/mo + $6/employee vs $189/mo. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Gusto to Workable?

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 Workable offer a free trial?

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

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Workable?

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