Running a business means choosing tools that are more than just software – they are your partners in growth, efficiency, and success. The right human resources (HR) platform can transform hours of tedious paperwork into valuable time spent on strategy and innovation.

 

Two leading platforms in the world of business management are Gusto and QuickBooks, each with their unique strengths. But which one truly delivers the edge you need?

In this blog, we will dive into the Gusto vs QuickBooks debate, comparing their features, pricing, and integrations to help you find the perfect solution for your business.  

Gusto Vs QuickBooks: At A Glance

Feature 

Gusto 

QuickBooks 

HR Service 

Comprehensive HR tools, onboarding, and performance management 

HR service via ‘Mineral Inc. Platform', with compliance tools and templates 

Payroll

Automated, unlimited payroll runs, tax filing, benefits management 

Payroll automation, tax calculations, same-day direct deposit 

Time Tracking 

Integrated time tracking, PTO, and geofencing for remote work 

GPS geofencing, project tracking, invoicing integration 

Integrations 

Integrates with accounting, time tracking, and expense tools 

750+ integrations, including e-commerce and project management 

Pricing 

Starts at $40/month + $6 per employee 

Starts at $85/month + $6 per employee 

What Is Gusto?

Gusto HR is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform that helps businesses optimize their operations. Trusted by over 300,000 businesses, it offers features like automated payroll, tax filing, employee benefits management, time tracking, and compliance support. With an intuitive interface and tools for hiring, onboarding, and performance management, the software saves time and reduces administrative burden.  

Recognized as a leader in payroll satisfaction and HR innovation, it’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to simplify workforce management while supporting their teams with affordable benefits. Gusto is trusted by small to mid-sized businesses, contractors, and industries like real estate, construction, manufacturing, and retail to streamline HR processes.  

Unique Features Of Gusto 

  • Global Payroll: With Gusto Global, you can hire and pay international contractors in over 120 countries with no extra monthly fees 
  • Insights And Reporting: It provides data-driven insights, customizable reports, and workforce costing tools to improve performance and decision-making 
  • Onboarding: You can post jobs, track applicants, and manage hires all in one place, saving time and reducing complexity 

Gusto Pros And Cons 

Pros 

  • Easy PTO requests and employee onboarding, perfect for beginners 
  • Streamlined setup for payroll, benefits, and tax reporting 
  • Offers affordable health and 401(k) options 

Cons 

  • Customer support can be inconsistent 
  • Reporting requires manual adjustments for detailed summaries and totals 

What Is QuickBooks?

QuickBooks, developed by Intuit, is a versatile accounting software that extends its functionality to include payroll services. It simplifies payroll with automated tax filings, direct deposits, and contractor payments, all seamlessly integrated with its powerful bookkeeping tools.

Besides this, the platform offers features such as time tracking, project profitability, inventory management, and financial reporting, catering to diverse business needs. Ideal for businesses that want to combine accounting and HR operations, QuickBooks provides peace of mind with live expert assistance and customized solutions for efficient financial and team management. It caters to a wide range of industries, including retail, restaurants, non-profits, and manufacturing.

Unique Features Of QuickBooks 

  • Contractor Payments: It makes contractor payments simple and fast with next-day direct deposit, ensuring accurate transactions. The self-setup process is easy, making contractor management efficient and stress-free, with the added benefit of e-filing 1099s and handling tax calculations 
  • Workforce Portal: You can have access to pay stubs, W-2s, total earnings, and time off, all in one centralized app, improving accuracy and efficiency for both employers and employees 
  • Accounting Capabilities: The software syncs bank transactions, calculates tax deductions, and generates custom reports, giving you greater control and real-time insight into the financial health 

QuickBooks Pros And Cons 

Pros 

  • Excellent customer support 
  • Seamless integration with tax prep software commonly used by Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
  • Comprehensive accounting features, including invoices, refunds, ledger entries, and gift cards 

Cons 

  • The user interface needs to be more user-friendly 
  • Requires a solid understanding of small business accounting for optimal use 

Gusto Vs QuickBooks – Key Features Comparison

HR Service

Gusto excels in HR with its comprehensive hiring, onboarding, and talent management tools. It offers job posting, applicant tracking, and customizable onboarding checklists. It includes performance management tools like goal tracking, engagement surveys, and review templates. Its platform integrates remote work features, learning courses, and e-signatures, simplifying compliance and team management.

QuickBooks offers HR services via Mineral, Inc. , providing access to HR advisors, compliance tools, and templates for job descriptions, employee handbooks, and policies. It helps businesses stay legally compliant with up-to-date wage and labor laws. The platform emphasizes streamlined HR and payroll in one platform, offering resources for hiring, managing conflict, and creating custom policies.

Winner: Gusto wins with its broader suite of HR tools, focus on employee development and advanced onboarding features.

Payroll

Having a comprehensive payroll solution, Gusto comes with automatic processing, tax filings, and benefits management. It offers features such as unlimited payroll runs, direct deposit, integration with time tracking tools, and built-in compliance assistance for federal, state, and local taxes. The software also provides benefits like health insurance, 401(k) plans, and workers' comp insurance.

QuickBooks Payroll, on the other hand, focuses on automating payroll with same-day direct deposit, automatic tax calculations, and seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting. The platform handles payroll taxes, including filings and payments, and offers an accuracy guarantee. Additionally, it supports time tracking, payroll scheduling, and e-filing of 1099s.

Winner: In this category, Gusto takes the lead due to its dedicated payroll solution that can be integrated with HR tools.

Time Tracking

When it comes to time tracking, Gusto allows employees to clock in and out through web browsers, the Gusto Wallet app, or Time Kiosks (turning any tablet into a time clock). It includes geofencing for remote work, project tracking, and PTO management. Gusto’s time tracking is integrated with scheduling and payroll, offering automatic syncing of hours worked to payroll for easy and accurate processing. It also provides detailed reports and allows you to manage time off policies and requests efficiently.

QuickBooks Time offers mobile and desktop time tracking with tools for managing employees, projects, and payroll. It includes features like GPS geofencing, project tracking, customizable reports, and seamless integration for invoicing and payroll. Moreover, it offers scheduling tools and automatic alerts for changes, overtime, and timesheet approval.

Winner: QuickBooks is the winner due to its superior integration with accounting and payroll tools, along with its project tracking and real-time collaboration features.

Integrations

As far as integrations are concerned, Gusto integrates with various tools across categories such as accounting, time tracking, expense management, and more. The most prominent ones include platforms like Xero and FreshBooks for accounting, AttendanceBot for time tracking, and Expensify for expense management. Additionally, Gusto offers partnerships with tools like 15Five for performance management and Checkr for background checks, ensuring businesses can streamline payroll and HR workflows efficiently.

QuickBooks boasts over 750 integrations, supporting a wide range of business functions, including accounting, e-commerce, and operations. Notable integrations include Amazon, Shopify, PayPal, and Etsy for seamless e-commerce and sales management, along with SOS Inventory for inventory tracking. It also connects with specialized tools like ‘Method:CRM’ for lead management and ‘Buildertrend’ for construction project management, making it highly versatile across industries.

Winner: QuickBooks leads with its extensive library of integrations, covering broader business needs and offering unmatched versatility for industries beyond payroll and HR.

Pricing

Gusto offers three main plans: the Simple plan costs $40 per month plus $6 per employee, the Plus plan is $80 per month plus $12 per employee, and the Premium plan is $180 per month plus $22 per employee. Each tier includes progressively advanced features with no hidden fees and a focus on payroll and HR tools.

QuickBooks payroll plans include Payroll Core + Simple Start, which costs $85 per month plus $6 per employee; Payroll Core + Essentials starts at $115 per month plus $6 per employee; and Payroll Premium + Plus for $184 per month plus $9 per employee. All plans offer 50% off for the first three months. These bundles include both payroll and accounting tools, catering to businesses looking for integrated solutions.

Winner: It’s a tie. Gusto is more cost-effective for payroll and HR-focused businesses, while QuickBooks justifies its higher price with a broader feature set. Your choice depends on your priorities and budget.

Gusto Vs QuickBooks – Which HR Platform Should You Choose?

When choosing between Gusto vs QuickBooks, your decision should be guided by your business priorities. Pick Gusto if your focus is on HR services, employee benefits, and payroll. Its all-in-one HR tools, automated payroll, and affordable benefits make it ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking for a streamlined HR solution.

Go with QuickBooks if you need an integrated solution that combines payroll with accounting features. Its extensive accounting capabilities, inventory management, and flexibility make it perfect for businesses with diverse needs.  

Ultimately, Gusto is best for HR-focused businesses, while QuickBooks excels in accounting and integrations. Consider your business’s complexity and long-term needs to choose the right platform.