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HR & Payroll · 2026 Comparison

Gusto vs Paylocity

Last Updated: 2026-05-14

Which HR & Payroll tool is right for your business in 2026? We compared 19 features across pricing, integrations, ease of use, and more.

Gusto

HR & Payroll

"Gusto is a full-service payroll platform that provides small businesses with a seamless payroll experience along with HR tools and benefits management."

Visit Gusto →

Paylocity

HR & Payroll

"Paylocity is a cloud-based payroll and HR software designed for mid-sized businesses, offering comprehensive solutions for payroll, benefits, and employee management."

Visit Paylocity →

🏆 Winner for Small Business

Paylocity

Gusto is more tailored for small businesses with its user-friendly payroll and cost-effective pricing.

Try Paylocity Free →

✅ Gusto is best for…

  • • Simplicity in payroll processing
  • • Affordable pricing for startups
  • • Basic HR functionality

✅ Paylocity is best for…

  • • Advanced payroll processing needs
  • • Comprehensive tax filing
  • • Robust customer support

🏆 Winner for Mid Market

Paylocity

Paylocity offers more features suitable for mid-market businesses, especially in customizability and integrations.

Try Paylocity Free →

✅ Gusto is best for…

  • • Routine payroll tasks
  • • Simple user interface
  • • Small team management

✅ Paylocity is best for…

  • • Complex payroll processing
  • • Excellent scalability
  • • Custom reporting capabilities

🏆 Winner for Enterprise

Paylocity

Paylocity leads in enterprise solutions with extensive features necessary for larger organizations.

Try Paylocity Free →

✅ Gusto is best for…

  • • Basic payroll functionalities
  • • User friendly experience
  • • Entry-level support

✅ Paylocity is best for…

  • • Advanced security features
  • • In-depth analytics
  • • Comprehensive benefits management

Pricing Plans

Gusto Plans

Core $39/mo
Complete $49/mo
Concierge $149/mo

Paylocity Plans

Basic $50/mo
Enhanced $75/mo
Premium $150/mo

Feature Comparison

Feature Score Summary

19 features compared across 17 categories

4 Gusto wins
0 Ties equal
15 Paylocity wins

Payroll

3 features
Core Payroll Processing Gusto wins

Gusto

Simple and user-friendly interface

Paylocity

Advanced payroll features with customizations

Direct Deposit Options Paylocity wins

Gusto

Next-day direct deposit

Paylocity

Same-day direct deposit available

Payroll Frequency Options Paylocity wins

Gusto

Monthly or bi-weekly payroll

Paylocity

Flexible payroll frequency options

Employee Management

1 feature
Employee Onboarding Gusto wins

Gusto

Easy onboarding process with templates

Paylocity

Comprehensive onboarding workflows

Compliance

1 feature
Tax Filing Services Gusto wins

Gusto

Handles all federal and state taxes

Paylocity

More comprehensive tax compliance options

Integrations

1 feature
Third-Party Integrations Paylocity wins

Gusto

Limited integrations

Paylocity

Extensive integration capabilities

Reporting

1 feature
Customizable Reporting Paylocity wins

Gusto

Standard reporting features

Paylocity

Highly customizable analytics and reporting

User Experience

1 feature
Mobile App Accessibility Paylocity wins

Gusto

Basic mobile functionalities

Paylocity

Full-featured mobile app

Support

1 feature
Customer Support Options Paylocity wins

Gusto

Email and chat support

Paylocity

24/7 phone support

Time Tracking

1 feature
Time Tracking Features Paylocity wins

Gusto

Basic time tracking tools

Paylocity

Advanced time and attendance tracking

Benefits Administration

1 feature
Benefits Management Paylocity wins

Gusto

Standard benefits management

Paylocity

Robust benefits administration platform

Self-Service

1 feature
Employee Self-Service Portal Paylocity wins

Gusto

Basic self-service features

Paylocity

Comprehensive employee self-service tools

Pricing

1 feature
Cost-Effectiveness for Small Businesses Gusto wins

Gusto

More affordable pricing tiers

Paylocity

Higher pricing but more features

Scalability

1 feature
Scalability for Growing Businesses Paylocity wins

Gusto

Limited scalability options

Paylocity

Highly scalable solution for larger teams

Customization

1 feature
Customization Options Paylocity wins

Gusto

Limited customization

Paylocity

Highly customizable platform

User Management

1 feature
Role-based Access Control Paylocity wins

Gusto

Basic user permissions

Paylocity

Advanced role-based access control

Training

1 feature
Training and Resources Paylocity wins

Gusto

Basic training resources available

Paylocity

Extensive training and support materials

Feedback

1 feature
Performance Management Tools Paylocity wins

Gusto

Limited performance review features

Paylocity

Comprehensive performance management tools

Security

1 feature
Data Security Measures Paylocity wins

Gusto

Standard data security practices

Paylocity

Advanced security protocols

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Gusto or Paylocity?

Gusto is generally more affordable, with starting prices at $39/month compared to Paylocity's $50/month.

Who is Gusto best suited for?

Gusto is highly recommended for businesses that specifically need: simplicity in payroll processing, affordable pricing for startups, basic hr functionality.

When should I choose Paylocity instead?

Paylocity is the better choice if your primary focus is: advanced payroll processing needs, comprehensive tax filing, robust customer support.

What is the final verdict on Gusto vs Paylocity?

Gusto is more tailored for small businesses with its user-friendly payroll and cost-effective pricing.

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Want to see the bigger picture?

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.

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