| What is it | All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform for small businesses |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium — from $49/mo |
| Free tier | Yes |
| Platform | Web Application |
| API | Yes |
| Works with | Claude AI, Workato |
| Best for | running payroll for employees and contractors, managing employee benefits and health insurance |
| Domain registered | 1995 |
Data updated Aug. 1, 2026
What does Gusto do?
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses. It handles payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance automatically, so business owners don't have to wrestle with paperwork. The platform also includes tools for hiring, onboarding, time tracking, and employee benefits administration. With plans starting at $49 per month plus $6 per person, it's built to be affordable and easy to use.
Gusto stands out by automating many of the tedious parts of running a business. Payroll takes just a few clicks, and the system automatically calculates taxes, files them, and identifies potential tax credits. Time tracking syncs directly with payroll, so hours, PTO, and holidays are calculated without manual entry. For benefits, Gusto acts as a broker and offers licensed advisors to help find the right health insurance coverage. The platform also includes applicant tracking and customizable onboarding checklists to get new hires up to speed quickly.
This tool is best for small business owners, startups, and solopreneurs who want to simplify payroll and HR without hiring a dedicated team. It's especially useful for those who need to stay compliant with tax laws and want to offer employee benefits without the administrative headache. While it's not an AI tool, it uses smart automation to save time—customers report saving over 80 hours a year on payroll and compliance tasks.
Key features
What makes it stand outWho is Gusto for?
Who benefits most from this toolPricing
Free tier available — start without a credit cardContractor Only
- 6 per person fee monthly
- Domestic contractor payments
- 4 day pay
- Form 1099 creation and filings
Simple
- 6 per person fee monthly
- Single-state payroll
- Unlimited payrolls per month
- Tax filings and payments
- Basic PTO policies and holiday pay
Plus
- 12 per person fee monthly
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day pay
- Time Tracking
Premium
- 22 per person fee monthly
- Dedicated Service Advisor
- Access to certified HR experts
- Performance & compensation management
- Custom reports
- Priority support
- Payroll migration and account setup
Trust & presence
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