Last Updated: 2026-05-14
Which HR & Payroll tool is right for your business in 2026? We compared 18 features across pricing, integrations, ease of use, and more.
"Gusto offers online payroll, benefits, and HR tools, designed for small businesses to manage their workforce efficiently."
"Justworks provides a comprehensive platform that handles payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR, focusing on simplicity for small businesses."
View Comparison For
🏆 Winner for Small Business
Gusto
Gusto provides a slightly better overall experience for small businesses.
🏆 Winner for Mid Market
Justworks
Justworks is more suited for mid-market companies due to its robust features.
🏆 Winner for Enterprise
Justworks
Justworks excels in enterprise offerings with comprehensive features.
18 features compared across 18 categories
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Payroll | Yes | Yes | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
Yes
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance Options | Limited options | Wide range | Gusto |
Gusto
Limited options
Justworks
Wide range
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Filing Services | Basic | Comprehensive | Gusto |
Gusto
Basic
Justworks
Comprehensive
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App Availability | Yes | Yes | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
Yes
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Integrations | Limited | Extensive | Gusto |
Gusto
Limited
Justworks
Extensive
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
Yes
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Reports | Basic | Advanced | Gusto |
Gusto
Basic
Justworks
Advanced
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee Structure | $39 + $6/user | $49 + $5/user | Gusto |
Gusto
$39 + $6/user
Justworks
$49 + $5/user
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Onboarding | Standard | Customizable | Gusto |
Gusto
Standard
Justworks
Customizable
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Tracking Feature | Included | Included | Gusto |
Gusto
Included
Justworks
Included
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Compliance Services | Basic | Comprehensive | Gusto |
Gusto
Basic
Justworks
Comprehensive
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) Options | Limited | Variety available | Gusto |
Gusto
Limited
Justworks
Variety available
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale to Bigger Teams | Yes | Yes | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
Yes
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Features | Limited | High | Gusto |
Gusto
Limited
Justworks
High
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided User Onboarding | Yes | No | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
No
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gather Employee Feedback | Yes | No | Gusto |
Gusto
Yes
Justworks
No
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Error Rate | Low | Very Low | Gusto |
Gusto
Low
Justworks
Very Low
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Self-Service Portal | Basic | Enhanced | Gusto |
Gusto
Basic
Justworks
Enhanced
Gusto is generally more affordable, with starting prices at $39/month compared to Justworks's $99/month.
Gusto is highly recommended for businesses that specifically need: lower monthly fees, user-friendly interface, automated payroll features.
Justworks is the better choice if your primary focus is: broader range of health insurance options, comprehensive tax filing services, enhanced reporting capabilities.
Gusto provides a slightly better overall experience for small businesses.
See how Gusto and Justworks stack up against other top tools.
We've compiled the ultimate buyer's guides comparing the top tools across every major B2B category. See how these platforms rank against the entire market.
Ready to decide?
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