Top 10 Gusto HR Alternatives

Every business has its own set of unique requirements and workflows. Hence, having the right Human Resources (HR) software is essential for efficient and effective workforce management. From payroll processing and benefits administration to onboarding and employee engagement, companies rely on HR software to streamline key operations. Among the popular choices, Gusto HR has gained recognition, particularly among small to medium-sized businesses. However, as organizations grow and their needs evolve, they might want to find an alternative solution that better aligns with their business goals.

Choosing the right alternative is a strategic move to ensure your HR processes keep pace with growth. The right solution can offer enhanced flexibility, broader features, and better alignment with your business’s trajectory. It can also improve efficiency, boost employee satisfaction, and provide a more seamless HR experience.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best alternatives to Gusto HR, outlining their key features, benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

Let’s begin!

What Is Gusto HR?

Gusto HR is a versatile cloud-based platform crafted to simplify payroll, benefits administration, and various HR tasks for small to medium-sized businesses. Since its launch in 2012, Gusto has grown to support several businesses across the United States. Its key features include:

• Payroll Processing
• Benefits Administration
• Self-Service Portal
• Time And Attendance Tracking

While Gusto provides a robust suite of features, it may not meet every business's unique needs. Some organizations have identified limitations, particularly in areas like performance management, advanced reporting, flexibility, scalability, and others. This has led many to explore alternative solutions that better align with their specific HR requirements.

What To Consider In A Gusto HR Alternative?

When exploring alternatives to Gusto HR, it's crucial to focus on the following pain points that align with your organization's unique needs:

• Comprehensive HR Management: Go for solutions that go beyond payroll and benefits, offering features like performance management, employee engagement tools, and talent development to support holistic HR processes
• Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business, providing additional modules as your organizational needs evolve
• Integration Capabilities: Pick a platform that integrates seamlessly with existing systems, such as accounting software and third-party apps, to maintain data accuracy and operational efficiency
• Customer Support: Select the tool with reliable and accessible support, as it is key to resolving issues quickly and maintaining smooth HR operations

By prioritizing these factors, businesses can select an HR solution that not only meets but enhances their operational workflows.

Our Best Gusto HR Alternatives Picks For You

1. Workday HCM

Best for: Large enterprises

Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) is an all-in-one HR platform built to meet the diverse needs of enterprise-grade organizations. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including talent management, workforce planning, and payroll services. The cloud-based infrastructure ensures regular updates, helping businesses across the finance, retail, and healthcare industries to stay current with evolving HR practices.

Workday HCM stands out from Gusto HR with its superior scalability and extensive feature set, making it a better fit for businesses with complex HR needs. Moreover, it delivers advanced tools like global workforce management, in-depth talent analytics, and stronger compliance support, as compared to Gusto HR.

Key Features

• Employee Experience Tools 
• Talent Management
• Global Payroll Processing
• Analytics And Reporting

Benefits

• Centralizes employee benefit information for accurate record keeping
• Helps in automating compliance adherence, minimizing expenses
• Aids in conducting performance reviews of employees

Drawbacks

• Some users have reported issues with editing saved data
• May require training for initial setup

Pricing

The vendor provides tailored pricing options as per business requirements.

2. BambooHR 

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)

BambooHR is a user-friendly HR software designed to centralize employee data, simplify recruitment, and automate workflows. The features like employee self-service, time-off tracking, and robust reporting tools help in boosting operational efficiency and improving overall employee satisfaction. It is considered one of the top choices for businesses operating in non-profit, education, and retail sectors.

BambooHR stands out with its advanced performance management and employee engagement features, as compared to Gusto HR's focus on payroll and basic HR tasks. These tools result in fostering employee retention and drive productivity, making it one of the best options for businesses focused on long-term workforce development.

Key Features

• Onboarding Tools
• Performance Management
• Employee Records Database
• Reporting Tools

Benefits

• Allows customization of onboarding tasks as per needs
• Provides automatic reminders that reduce the need to micromanage
• Users have appreciated its ability to help in conducting performance reviews

Drawbacks

• Lacks in-app benefits administration functionality
• Some users have highlighted limited candidate searching options

Pricing 

It offers the following pricing plans:

• Core: $250/month (for smaller HR teams)
• Pro: $250/month (for scaling companies) 

Disclaimer: The pricing is sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.

3. Patriot Payroll 

Best for: Small-sized businesses

Patriot Payroll is a popular cloud-based payroll software. It efficiently manages payroll calculations and tax filings. With its smart interface, even users with limited payroll experience can navigate the platform with confidence. It is currently offering its services to businesses in the construction, manufacturing, and professional services industries.

Patriot Payroll is a straightforward solution that is considered ideal for businesses without a dedicated payroll processing team. While Gusto HR covers a wider array of HR features, Patriot prioritizes essential payroll services, particularly an efficient direct deposit functionality without added complexities.

Key Features

• Self-Service Portal
• Paid Time Off Tracking
• Automated Payroll Calculation
• Tax Compliance

Benefits

• Aids in tax submissions at the federal and state levels
• Users have appreciated its customer service
• Offers an integrated timecard program to ease processing

Drawbacks

• Adding new employees to the existing payroll may be challenging
• Some users have reported issues with setting up employee advances

Pricing 

It offers the following plans for its payroll software:

• Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4/worker
• Full Service Payroll: $37/ month + $5/worker 

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

4. Justworks HR 

Best for: Startups 

Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that helps small businesses manage benefits, payroll, compliance, and HR tools. The platform also eases in running of administrative tasks for business owners. Many companies competing in technology, professional services, and healthcare spaces use it for greater efficiency.

Justworks delivers a more robust PEO service than Gusto HR, offering stronger compliance support and access to large-group benefits. For businesses looking to provide competitive benefits packages that help attract and retain top talent, it is one of the ideal alternatives.

Key Features

• Benefits Administration
• Time Tracking
• Payroll Management
• HR Tools

Benefits

• Helps in managing employees across various states as per state-specific regulations
• Integrates with existing systems for smooth operations
• Allows the employees to clock in and out

Drawbacks

• May not be ideal for larger businesses
• Some users have faced issues with the onboarding tools

Pricing 

The vendor offers four pricing plans:

• Payroll: $8/month/person + $50/month base fee 
• PEO Basic: $59/month/person 
• PEO Plus: $109/month/person 
• EOR: $599/month/person 

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

5. RUN Powered By ADP 

Best for: SMBs

RUN Powered by ADP is a cloud-based payroll and HR management solution that helps businesses to streamline their operations. It simplifies payroll processing, tax filing, and automates repetitive tasks. It primarily serves businesses in the manufacturing, hospitality, and retail sectors to navigate complex procedures and stay ahead in their workforce management tasks.

RUN Powered by ADP offers enhanced compliance features and robust reporting capabilities compared to Gusto HR. The platform ensures risk mitigation, aiding businesses across highly regulated industries to avoid potential penalties.

Key Features

• Background Check Tools
• Job Costing
• Documents Management
• Direct Deposits

Benefits 

• Empowers the employees to have access to their data and update it
• Helps businesses to have ease on HR-related tasks, to focus on strategic projects
• Offers exceptional security features for protecting sensitive data

Drawbacks

• Limited support for complex organizational structures 
• Some users have reported issues with adding new employees from the app 

Pricing 

It provides the following plans at customized quotes:

• Essential (Payroll)
• Enhanced (Payroll) 
• Complete (Payroll & HR Plus)
• HR Pro (Payroll & HR)

6. Zenefits HR 

Best for: SMBs

Zenefits (now TriNet) is a flexible workforce management solution designed to simplify essential HR tasks like payroll, onboarding, and compliance management. Its modular design allows businesses to customize their HR processes by selecting only the features they need. Plus, with its integrated mobile app, employees can conveniently access HR services anytime, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. It is primarily known for its offerings in education, retail, and technology sectors.

Compared to Gusto HR, Zenefits offers a robust benefits management system that can be tailored to meet a company’s specific benefit offerings. This flexibility enables businesses to expand the software as they grow, ensuring the platform continues to align with their evolving requirements.

Key Features

• Scheduling Tools
• Employee Engagement Surveys
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Advanced Benefits Administration

Benefits

• All-in-one HRIS tool to ease HR-related tasks
• Helps in employee timekeeping for enhanced transparency
• Provides tools for tracking employee work

Drawbacks

• Limited variety of third-party integrations
• Some users have highlighted inefficiencies in regard to payroll period adjustments

Pricing 

It provides three pricing packages:

• Essentials: $8 per month per employee 
• Growth: $14 per month per employee 
• Zen: $21 per month per employee

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

7. Asure Payroll 

Best for: Medium-sized businesses 

Asure Payroll delivers flexible and scalable payroll solutions tailored to the evolving needs of growing businesses. It handles complex payroll tasks that include automated tax filings and precise wage calculations. The platform is currently streamlining overall HR management for a wide range of businesses across the hospitality, education, and energy sectors.

Compared to Gusto HR, Asure Payroll stands out with its customizable features and global payroll capabilities. It ensures compliance and operational efficiency across diverse workforces, addressing the unique needs of growing organizations.

Key Features

• Affordable Care Act Reporting
• People Management
• Third-Party Integrations
• Garnishment Administration 

Benefits

• Helps businesses following weekly payroll management
• Provides access to individual employee details, such as sick days
• Users have appreciated the payroll accuracy 

Drawback

• May not be ideal for smaller businesses
• Some users have reported limited accessibility of writing notes 

Pricing 

The vendor offers the following plans at custom rates:

• Payroll
• Payroll And HR
• Payroll, HR, And Time

8. Paycom Software 

Best for: Large enterprises

Paycom is a comprehensive HR management tool that covers everything from talent acquisition and payroll processing to benefits management and time tracking. It offers self-service features that enable employees to easily manage their profiles, monitor performance, and view payroll details. It is a highly regarded tool among several companies in the logistics, finance, and retail industries.

Paycom delivers a more advanced and comprehensive suite of HR features compared to Gusto HR. It is built to handle the complexities of larger enterprises, offering automation and in-depth workforce insights for conducting data-driven decision making.

Key Features

• Compensation Budgeting
• E-Verification 
• Labor Scheduling
• ATS

Benefits

• Provides internal communication tools, reducing the need for a separate system
• Allows customizations as per specific business needs
• All-in-one solution for running payroll and benefits tasks

Drawbacks

• Limited ability to create state tax reports
• Some users have encountered difficulties while setting up integrations

Pricing

It offers personalized pricing options based on the business requirements.

9. Rippling HR 

Best for: Businesses of all sizes 

Rippling HR is an extensive employee management platform that seamlessly combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT systems. The intuitive dashboard helps businesses to simplify managing employee data and oversee benefits in one place. It is primarily offering its services to the businesses operating in e-commerce, healthcare, and industries.

Rippling HR sets itself apart from Gusto HR by offering integrated solutions for both HR and IT management. While Gusto focuses mainly on payroll and basic HR tasks, Rippling HR enables businesses to handle IT operations like device provisioning, app setup, and security compliance alongside standard HR functions.

Key Features

• Feedback Tools
• Smart Shifts Creation
• Automated HR Compliance
• Recruitment Tools

Benefits

• Provides a unified platform to govern HR-focused workflows
• Offers automatic report generation
• Helps in tracking employee hours efficiently

Drawbacks

• Limited access for benefits section via mobile
• May be overwhelming for new users

Pricing 

It offers two options with pricing starting from $8/month:

• Core
• Pro 

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

10. Namely Payroll 

Best for: Medium-sized businesses 

Namely Payroll is a comprehensive HR platform that offers flexible workflows for payroll processing, benefits management, compliance monitoring, and employee engagement. It focuses on delivering personalized HR solutions, enabling companies across industries such as education, financial services, and healthcare. The platform also features in-depth analytics and real-time reporting, empowering businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions.

The software delivers greater customization and personalized service compared to Gusto HR. It empowers businesses to design custom workflows and reports tailored to their industry-specific needs. This flexibility is especially valuable for industries with unique compliance or operational challenges. Hence, it is one of the finest alternative options.

Key Features

• Tax Compliance
• Flexible Employee Payments
• Analytics And Reporting
• Expense Tracking

Benefits

• Helps in submitting leave requests
• Aids in creating customizable workflows for multiple functions 
• Allows in viewing pay stubs and benefits information with ease 

Drawbacks

• Lacks team communication tools
• Some users have identified issues with document storage

Pricing 

The vendor provides the following plans starting from $9/employee/month:

• NAMELY NOW
• NAMELY PLUS
• NAMELY PLUS PEOPLE
• NAMELY COMPLETE

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

Finding The Perfect Gusto HR Alternative

Choosing the right Gusto HR alternative starts with a clear understanding of your business's specific needs, size, and long-term objectives. Begin by pinpointing the essential HR functionalities, whether that's advanced payroll processing, performance management, compliance tracking, or benefits administration. It's also important to consider how scalable and flexible the solution is to support your growth over time. Look for software that integrates smoothly with your existing systems, like accounting, time tracking, and IT management tools. Plus, don’t overlook the importance of strong customer support and an intuitive interface to simplify your daily HR tasks.

Start the research by requesting demos, exploring free trials, and reading expert reviews for deeper insights. The right HR software can streamline operations, cut down on manual tasks, and drive better business outcomes.

Ready to elevate your HR operations? Contact us for expert insights, detailed comparisons, and personalized recommendations to help you choose the ideal HR solution for your business. Equip your team with the right tools for success!