Updated July 2026

Gusto vs Zoho People

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

Based on 5,100 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Zoho People is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Gusto offers more advanced features for growing businesses. If you hire internationally, Zoho People 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
Zoho People
Comprehensive HR software for businesses of all sizes
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Free plan available Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Gusto Zoho People
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 Free plan available
Countries supported US US, CA, UK, AU, IN, 50+ countries
Best for Small Business, Startups, 1-100 Employees Small Business, Medium Business, Zoho Users, 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

Zoho People

  • Extremely affordable free plan
  • Great Zoho ecosystem integration
  • Highly customizable
  • Global multi-language support
  • No built-in payroll (need Zoho Payroll)
  • UI can feel dated
  • Best only for Zoho users
  • Complex configuration

Who Should Use Each?

Zoho People You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Gusto User satisfaction matters most — Gusto holds a higher G2 rating (4.5 vs 4.4).
Gusto You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

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

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Gusto Free → Try Zoho People 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 Zoho People?

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

How much does Gusto cost compared to Zoho People?

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

Can I switch from Gusto to Zoho People?

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 Zoho People offer a free trial?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial. Yes, Zoho People offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Gusto or Zoho People?

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