Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Workforce.com

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

Based on 4,420 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Workforce.com is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Workforce.com 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
Workforce.com
Compliance-first workforce management for shift workers
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.7/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$4/mo + $4/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Workforce.com
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 US, AU, UK, CA
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Retail, Healthcare, Hospitality, Shift-Based Businesses

Pros & Cons

Gusto

  • Easy setup
  • Great customer support
  • All-in-one payroll + HR
  • Automated tax filing
  • US-only
  • Pricier for large teams
  • Limited reporting

Workforce.com

  • Strong compliance automation
  • Great for shift workers
  • Payroll built-in
  • Strong audit logs
  • Not ideal for office workers
  • Limited HR features
  • Niche use case

Who Should Use Each?

Workforce.com You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Workforce.com User satisfaction matters most — Workforce.com holds a higher G2 rating (4.7 vs 4.5).
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

Gusto vs Rippling Workforce.com vs Gusto Gusto vs Deel Workforce.com vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons Gusto alternatives → Workforce.com alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Workforce.com 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 Workforce.com?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to Workforce.com?

$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 Workforce.com?

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 Workforce.com offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Yes, Workforce.com offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Workforce.com?

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