VS
Gusto vs BambooHR — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Gusto and BambooHR to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
BambooHR takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. Gusto (4.4) is the better pick if you need small businesses under 100 employees needing payroll.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Gusto | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(198) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Starter Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $6/employee/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees needing payroll | SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR |
| Verdict | Best Payroll for SMB | Best SMB HR Platform |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Gusto | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| Benefits Admin | — | |
| Tax Filing | — | |
| Time Tracking | — | |
| Onboarding | ||
| Applicant Tracking | — | |
| Time-Off Management | — | |
| Performance Reviews | — |
Gusto
Pros
- ✓Painless automated payroll
- ✓Excellent tax compliance
- ✓Clean simple interface
Cons
- ✕US-only payroll
- ✕Gets expensive as you grow
- ✕HR features are basic compared to BambooHR
BambooHR
Pros
- ✓Exceptional user experience
- ✓Strong all-in-one feature set
- ✓Great employee self-service
Cons
- ✕No free plan
- ✕Payroll is an add-on
- ✕Limited for complex org structures
The Bottom Line
Both Gusto and BambooHR are solid tools in the HR & Recruiting space. BambooHR edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. However, if you prioritize small businesses under 100 employees needing payroll, Gusto is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gusto better than BambooHR?▼
BambooHR scores higher overall with a 4.5 rating vs 4.4. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Gusto is best for Small businesses under 100 employees needing payroll, while BambooHR is best for SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR.
Can I switch from Gusto to BambooHR?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. BambooHR offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, Gusto or BambooHR?▼
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person, while BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo.