Payroll alternatives

Looking for alternatives to Gusto?

3 curated alternatives to Gusto, each chosen for a specific reason — with the trade-offs spelled out.

Why people look for Gusto alternatives

Businesses comparing Gusto usually look at other small-business payroll services that file taxes on their behalf, differing mainly in HR depth, plan structure and whether pricing is published or quoted.

Payroll tax handling is described for US federal, state and local agencies
Garnishment remittance does not cover South Carolina, US territories or tribal agencies
Payroll is funded by debits from the company bank account, so funds must be available ahead of pay day

Gusto alternatives ecosystem

Curated alternatives, the category they share and the buying guides Gusto appears in. Every node links to its page.

How close is each alternative?

Placed by our editorial taxonomy (subcategory and category), not by a computed similarity score.

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Same subcategory

None in this set

Same category, different approach

Different category

None in this set

Alternative explorer

Pick an alternative to see why it made the list, how it differs from Gusto, and a side-by-side snapshot.

#1 · Small-business payroll and HR

RUN Powered by ADP

Not yet scored

ADP's payroll platform for businesses with 1 to 49 employees, with tax filing on every package and HR support on higher tiers.

Why it's on this list

RUN Powered by ADP also files payroll taxes for small employers but uses four packages with growing HR depth and quote-based pricing.

Strengths

  • Tax filing and year-end forms included on every package
  • Multiple pay options, including a pay card and checks

Watch out for

  • RUN is positioned for businesses with 1 to 49 employees
Gusto compared with RUN Powered by ADP
GustoRUN Powered by ADP
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS small businesses paying employees and contractors, Teams that want payroll linked to other business appsUS businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk support
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
#2 · Small-business payroll software

Patriot Software Payroll

Not yet scored

Straightforward payroll with a choice between doing your own tax filings or letting Patriot file federal, state and local taxes for you.

Why it's on this list

Patriot offers a lower-touch Basic option where you file taxes yourself, plus a Full Service option where Patriot files for you.

Strengths

  • Choice between self-filing Basic and done-for-you Full-Service payroll
  • Full-Service covers federal, state and local filings in all 50 states and D.C.

Watch out for

  • Tax filing covers US federal, state and local agencies
Gusto compared with Patriot Software Payroll
GustoPatriot Software Payroll
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS small businesses paying employees and contractors, Teams that want payroll linked to other business appsVery small US businesses, Owners comfortable filing their own payroll taxes
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
#3 · Payroll and HCM platform

Paycor

Not yet scored

Payroll with automated tax filing, compliance alerts and a tiered path into HR, analytics and talent tools.

Why it's on this list

Paycor pairs payroll with tiered HR bundles and optional add-ons such as time, benefits administration and recruiting.

Strengths

  • Automated tax filing with W-2 and 1099 handling
  • Compliance alerts and paystub previews reduce payroll errors

Watch out for

  • Onboarding with E-Verify and the HR Support Center start at the Essential plan, not Basic
Gusto compared with Paycor
GustoPaycor
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS small businesses paying employees and contractors, Teams that want payroll linked to other business appsGrowing businesses planning to add HR tools, Employers who want earned wage access for staff
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
Visit Paycor Official vendor sitePaycor review