Gusto Review

Founded in 2011, Gusto (formerly ZenPayroll) is headquartered in San Francisco and has grown to serve over 300,000 businesses across the United States. The platform is designed to simplify payroll, benefits, and HR management, catering primarily to SMEs with 1 to 100 employees, though it has expanded to accommodate larger organizations. Gusto’s mission is to make business operations smoother by automating complex tasks like tax filings, direct deposits, and compliance with labor laws.

Gusto stands out for its all-in-one approach, integrating payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and HR tools into a single platform. Its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility from anywhere, and its user-friendly design appeals to business owners who may lack extensive HR or accounting expertise. As of 2025, Gusto has continued to innovate, adding features like advanced analytics, enhanced integrations, and improved mobile functionality.

Key Features of Gusto

1. Payroll Management

Gusto’s core offering is its payroll system, which automates the entire payroll process. Key features include:

• Automatic Payroll Runs: Businesses can set payroll to run on autopilot, ensuring employees are paid on time without manual intervention.
• Tax Compliance: Gusto calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes, reducing the risk of errors. It also handles year-end forms like W-2s and 1099s.
• Direct Deposit and Checks: Employees can receive payments via direct deposit, and Gusto supports paper checks for those who prefer them.
• Payroll Sync: Integration with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks ensures seamless financial reporting.

Recent updates in 2025 include enhanced payroll analytics, allowing businesses to track labor costs, overtime, and other metrics in real-time. Users have praised the platform’s ability to handle complex payroll scenarios, such as multi-state employees or tipped workers, with ease.

2. Employee Benefits Administration

Gusto offers a comprehensive suite of benefits administration tools, which is a standout feature for businesses looking to attract and retain talent. These include:

• Health Insurance: Gusto partners with major providers to offer medical, dental, and vision plans. It simplifies plan selection, enrollment, and premium deductions.
• Retirement Plans: Integration with 401(k) providers like Guideline allows businesses to offer retirement benefits without the administrative burden.
• Other Benefits: Gusto supports flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), commuter benefits, and even life and disability insurance.
• Employee Self-Service: Employees can manage their benefits, view pay stubs, and update personal information through a dedicated portal or mobile app.

In 2025, Gusto introduced customizable benefits packages, enabling businesses to tailor offerings to their workforce’s needs. This flexibility has been particularly valuable for startups competing with larger firms for talent.

3. HR Tools and Compliance

Gusto’s HR features help businesses stay compliant and manage their workforce effectively:

• Onboarding: New hires can complete paperwork, including I-9 and W-4 forms, digitally. Gusto also offers customizable offer letters and employee handbooks.
• Time Tracking and PTO: Built-in time-tracking tools sync with payroll, and businesses can set up paid time off (PTO) policies with automated accrual.
• Compliance Support: Gusto provides resources for staying compliant with labor laws, including minimum wage alerts and mandatory training modules.
• Performance Management: Recent additions include tools for setting goals, conducting performance reviews, and gathering employee feedback.

These features are particularly beneficial for businesses without dedicated HR staff, as they reduce the administrative burden while ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations.

4. Integrations and Customization

Gusto integrates with a wide range of business tools, enhancing its versatility:

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage integrations streamline financial management.
• Time Tracking Apps: Tools like TSheets and When I Work sync with Gusto for accurate payroll calculations.
• HR Platforms: Integrations with platforms like BambooHR and Justworks allow businesses to expand their HR capabilities.

In 2025, Gusto expanded its API, enabling custom integrations for businesses with unique needs. This has made it a favorite among tech-savvy companies looking to build tailored workflows.

5. Mobile and Remote Access

Gusto’s mobile app, available on iOS and Android, allows business owners and employees to manage payroll, benefits, and HR tasks on the go. The app supports payroll approvals, benefits enrollment, and access to pay stubs, making it ideal for remote or distributed teams. Recent updates have improved the app’s performance, with faster load times and a more intuitive interface.

Pricing Structure

Gusto offers tiered pricing plans to accommodate businesses of different sizes and needs. As of 2025, the plans are:

1. Simple Plan ($40/month + $6/employee/month):
   • Basic payroll with tax filings.
   • Employee self-service portal.
   • Basic hiring and onboarding tools.
2. Plus Plan ($60/month + $9/employee/month):
   • All Simple Plan features.
   • Advanced HR tools, including PTO management and performance reviews.
   • Health benefits administration.
3. Premium Plan (Custom pricing):
   • All Plus Plan features.
   • Dedicated account manager and priority support.
   • Advanced analytics and compliance support.
4. Contractor-Only Plan ($35/month + $6/contractor/month):
   • Designed for businesses with only contractors, offering basic payroll and 1099 filings.

Gusto’s pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees, and businesses can cancel anytime without penalties. However, some users note that costs can add up for larger teams, especially with per-employee fees. Compared to competitors like ADP or Paychex, Gusto’s pricing is competitive, particularly for small businesses, but it may not be the cheapest option for companies with minimal payroll needs.

Usability and User Experience

Gusto’s interface is one of its strongest assets. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, with clear navigation to payroll, benefits, and HR sections. Setup is straightforward, with guided prompts to input business and employee information. Most users report being able to run their first payroll within a day of signing up.

The platform’s automation features, such as tax calculations and direct deposits, save significant time, and the employee self-service portal reduces administrative tasks for business owners. However, some users have reported occasional glitches, such as delays in syncing with third-party apps, though these are rare and typically resolved quickly.

In 2025, Gusto introduced AI-driven insights, such as recommendations for optimizing payroll schedules or identifying cost-saving opportunities. While these features are still evolving, they show promise for enhancing user experience further.

Customer Support

Gusto offers robust customer support, including:

• Phone and Email Support: Available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM PST, with extended hours for premium plan users.
• Live Chat: A quick way to resolve common issues.
• Help Center: A comprehensive library of articles, videos, and FAQs.

Users generally praise Gusto’s support team for being responsive and knowledgeable. However, some have noted longer wait times during peak periods, such as tax season. The Premium Plan’s dedicated account manager is a significant advantage for businesses with complex needs, offering personalized guidance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• All-in-One Solution: Combines payroll, benefits, and HR in a single platform.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface suitable for non-experts.
• Automation: Saves time on tax filings, payroll, and compliance tasks.
• Scalability: Suitable for businesses of varying sizes, with flexible plans.
• Integrations: Wide range of integrations with popular business tools.

Cons:

• Cost: Per-employee fees can become expensive for larger teams.
• Limited International Support: Primarily designed for U.S.-based businesses, with no global payroll capabilities.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some HR tools, like performance management, may require training to use effectively.

Who Is Gusto Best For?

Gusto is ideal for:

• Small to Medium Businesses: Companies with 1 to 100 employees benefit most from Gusto’s simplicity and comprehensive features.
• Startups: The benefits administration and onboarding tools help startups compete for talent.
• Businesses Without HR Staff: Gusto’s automation and compliance support reduce the need for dedicated HR personnel.
• Tech-Savvy Owners: The platform’s integrations and API appeal to businesses with custom workflows.

It may not be the best fit for:

• Large Enterprises: Businesses with hundreds of employees may find Gusto’s features less robust than enterprise-focused platforms like Workday or SAP SuccessFactors.
• International Companies: Gusto’s U.S.-centric focus limits its utility for global payroll.
• Budget-Conscious Businesses: Companies with minimal payroll needs may find cheaper alternatives like Wave or Square Payroll.

Recent Developments and User Feedback

In 2025, Gusto has focused on enhancing its analytics and mobile capabilities, responding to user demand for data-driven insights and remote access. The introduction of customizable benefits packages and AI-driven recommendations has been well-received, though some users have called for more robust reporting tools.

User reviews on platforms like Capterra and G2 highlight Gusto’s ease of use and customer support, with an average rating of 4.6/5 across thousands of reviews. Common praises include the platform’s automation and benefits administration, while criticisms often center on pricing for larger teams and occasional syncing issues with third-party apps.

Comparison with Competitors

Gusto vs. ADP

ADP offers more robust features for large enterprises but is more complex and expensive. Gusto is better suited for SMEs seeking simplicity and affordability.

Gusto vs. Paychex

Paychex provides similar payroll and HR tools but has a steeper learning curve. Gusto’s user-friendly interface and transparent pricing give it an edge for smaller businesses.

Gusto vs. Square Payroll

Square Payroll is cheaper for businesses with contractors but lacks Gusto’s comprehensive HR and benefits features.

Conclusion

Gusto is a powerful, user-friendly platform that excels in simplifying payroll, benefits, and HR management for small to medium-sized businesses. Its automation, integrations, and compliance support make it a valuable tool for business owners looking to save time and focus on growth. While its pricing may be a concern for larger teams, and its U.S.-centric focus limits global applicability, Gusto’s strengths outweigh its drawbacks for most SMEs.

In 2025, Gusto continues to innovate, with enhanced analytics, mobile functionality, and customizable benefits positioning it as a leader in the payroll and HR space. For businesses seeking an all-in-one solution that balances ease of use with robust features, Gusto is a compelling choice. To explore Gusto further, visit their official website or sign up for a free trial to experience its capabilities firsthand.