Gusto Payroll vs QuickBooks — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Gusto Payroll and QuickBooks to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Gusto Payroll takes the lead with a 4.6 rating and is best for small businesses with 1-100 employees. QuickBooks (4.2) is the better pick if you need us small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Gusto Payroll | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6(220) | ★★★★ 4.2(456) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | paid |
| Starter Price | $40/mo + $6/person/mo | $30/mo (Simple Start) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | web, ios, android, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | Easy | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small businesses with 1-100 employees | US small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software. |
| Verdict | Best Small Business Payroll | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Gusto Payroll | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | — | |
| Benefits Admin | — | |
| Tax Filing | — | |
| Time Tracking | — | |
| HR Tools | — | |
| Invoicing and payments | — | |
| Expense tracking | — | |
| Bank reconciliation | — | |
| Financial reports | — | |
| Payroll (add-on) | — | |
| Tax preparation | — |
Gusto Payroll
Pros
- ✓Incredibly easy to use
- ✓Automatic tax filings
- ✓Great employee self-service portal
Cons
- ✕Gets expensive as team grows
- ✕Limited international payroll
- ✕Benefits only in US
QuickBooks
Pros
- ✓Most widely supported accounting software — every accountant knows it
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering invoicing through tax prep
- ✓Massive integration ecosystem
Cons
- ✕Pricing has increased significantly over the years
- ✕Interface can feel cluttered and dated
- ✕Per-user limitations on lower tiers are restrictive
The Bottom Line
Both Gusto Payroll and QuickBooks are solid tools in the Accounting & Finance space. Gusto Payroll edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for small businesses with 1-100 employees. However, if you prioritize us small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software., QuickBooks is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.