Gusto alternatives (October 2026)
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3 US payroll and HR services to consider instead of Gusto, ranked on the same published prices, free plans and features. Gusto ranks 1st of 4 in our US payroll and HR services ranking with 80/100. 0 of them start cheaper.
Gusto at a glance. From USD 49 per month + USD 6 per person. Free plan: no. Contractor payments: yes. Benefits administration: yes. HR tools: yes. Full pricing.
The alternatives
- 1
Justworks
Most complete feature setUS payroll or full PEO with access to large-company health benefits for small teams.
Similar price and features to Gusto.
80/100From USD 50 per month + USD 8 per employee - 2
OnPay
Lowest entry priceSimple US payroll with one plan, free benefits integration and optional HR tools.
Similar price and features to Gusto.
77/100From USD 49 per month + USD 6 per worker - 3
Rippling
Best for custom or high-volume needsHR, payroll, IT and finance platform where you buy only the modules you need.
Similar price and features to Gusto.
25/100Price on request
Side by side
| Product | Score | Entry price | Free plan | Contractor payments | Benefits administration | HR tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto | 80 | USD 49 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Justworks | 80 | USD 50 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OnPay | 77 | USD 49 | No | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes |
| Rippling | 25 | — | No | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes |
Entry price is the cheapest paid plan in USD. Scores use the formula on the best US payroll and HR services page; commissions never change them.
When to stay with Gusto
Gusto confirms contractor payments, which most of the alternatives do not. If that matters to you, switching may cost more than it saves.