Gusto vs Justworks (October 2026)
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Gusto
Full-service US payroll with automatic tax filing, benefits and HR tools for small businesses.
Visit GustoJustworks
US payroll or full PEO with access to large-company health benefits for small teams.
Visit JustworksVerdict. Gusto has the lower entry price (USD 49.00 against USD 50.00). Gusto confirms 3 of our 3 key features; Justworks confirms 3.
Side by side
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Simple: USD 49 per month + USD 6 per person | Payroll: USD 50 per month + USD 8 per employee |
| Other plan or fee | Plus: USD 80 per month + USD 12 per person | PEO Basic: USD 79 per employee per month |
| Another plan or fee | Premium: USD 180 per month + USD 22 per person | PEO Plus: USD 124 per employee per month |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Contractor payments | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits administration | Yes | Yes |
| HR tools | Yes | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 3 | 3 |
| Our score | 80/100 (#1 of 4) | 80/100 (#2 of 4) |
| Best for | Lowest entry price | Most complete feature set |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 588 | USD 600 per user |
| Notes | — | Contractors USD 8 (US) or USD 39 (international) per month when paid |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: Gusto, Justworks.
Which to choose
Choose Gusto if you want the lower starting price.
Choose Justworks if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best US payroll and HR services.
More: Gusto pricing, Gusto alternatives, Gusto vs OnPay, Gusto vs Rippling, Justworks pricing, Justworks alternatives, OnPay vs Justworks.