AppAdvize Score
out of 10 · How we scoreShort answer
Gusto scores 9/10 in our review and is best for us-based agencies and studios with a mix of w-2 employees and 1099 contractors and small businesses that want payroll, hr, and benefits in one place. The standout: Automated payroll tax filings — federal, state, and local handled automatically. Watch out: US-only — not suitable for international payroll (use Deel).
Reviewed by the AppAdvize editorial team · last verified March 2026
Overview
Gusto is the leading payroll and HR platform for US small businesses, handling full-service payroll (direct deposit, tax filings, W-2s, and 1099s), employee benefits (health insurance, 401k), and basic HR tools (offer letters, onboarding checklists, PTO tracking). It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax filings — one of the most time-consuming compliance tasks for small business owners. Gusto is contractor-friendly, making it popular with agencies and studios that mix employees and freelancers.
Pricing
Free — Per-person monthly fee — see gusto.com/product/payroll/pricing
Pros & Cons
What we like
- ✓Automated payroll tax filings — federal, state, and local handled automatically
- ✓1099 contractor payments and management alongside employee payroll
- ✓Employee benefits (health, dental, 401k) integrated in one system
- ✓Excellent UX — one of the easiest payroll tools to operate
Watch out for
- ✕US-only — not suitable for international payroll (use Deel)
- ✕Per-person pricing adds up as headcount grows
- ✕No free plan
Best for
- US-based agencies and studios with a mix of W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
- Small businesses that want payroll, HR, and benefits in one place
Not ideal for
- International teams needing global payroll (use Deel or Remote)
- Solo freelancers with no employees (an accountant + FreshBooks is simpler)
Alternatives
See all Gusto alternatives, compared →Gusto FAQ
Is Gusto worth it?
Gusto scores 9/10 in our review and is a strong fit for us-based agencies and studios with a mix of w-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Standout: Automated payroll tax filings — federal, state, and local handled automatically. Main trade-off: US-only — not suitable for international payroll (use Deel).
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto's pricing varies — see the vendor's pricing page for current rates.
What are the best Gusto alternatives?
Top Gusto alternatives are FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Deel. See our full comparison at /tools/gusto/alternatives.
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AppAdvize Scores
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2011
- Users
- 300,000+ businesses
- Setup time
- ~90 min
- Complexity
- moderate
- Maturity
- established
Last verified: 2026-03-01