Gusto is a popular choice for payroll and HR, especially among new businesses in the US. It serves over 100,000 companies and provides a solid foundation for managing payroll. But as businesses grow and their needs change, many start looking for Gusto alternatives.

Maybe you’re expanding your team internationally, need more advanced HR tools, or are frustrated with customer support. With a Trustpilot score of just 2.5 out of 5 stars, it’s clear Gusto isn’t a perfect fit for everyone.

While the best fit depends on your specific needs, top Gusto alternatives include OnPay for its simplicity, Rippling for its all in one platform, and ADP for its scalability. This guide breaks down these and other excellent options on the market. We’ll explore their features, strengths, and who they’re best for, so you can find the perfect solution to scale your business.

Why Look for Gusto Alternatives? Understanding the Limitations

Before you can choose the right replacement, it helps to understand why you’re making a switch. While great for US based small businesses, Gusto has a few key limitations that often drive companies to look for other options.

• No International Payroll: This is a major one. Gusto only processes payroll for employees based in the United States. If you plan to hire global talent, you’ll need a different platform, ideally one that offers global payroll or an Employer of Record (EOR).
• Limited Customer Support: Gusto is designed as a do it yourself platform. Businesses that need dedicated, one on one HR guidance or 24/7 support often find its service lacking.
• Basic HR Features: While Gusto covers the essentials, companies that need more robust HR functions like advanced performance management, applicant tracking, or in depth reporting often outgrow the platform.
• Pricing for Features: Some growing businesses find that Gusto’s pricing becomes less cost effective as their needs become more complex and they have to add more services.

Pinpointing which of these limitations affects your business is the first step in finding the right Gusto alternative.

Key Features to Look for in a Gusto Alternative

As you evaluate different platforms, keep a checklist of your must have features. Every business is unique, so focus on what your company needs to thrive.

• Global Payroll and Contractor Payments: If you have an international team, look for platforms that can pay employees and contractors in their local currency and handle country‑specific compliance (see our complete guide to global payroll).
• Seamless Integrations: Your payroll system shouldn’t be an island. Ensure it integrates smoothly with your existing accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero), time tracking tools, and other HR systems.
• Advanced HR Tools: Do you need a full human resource information system (HRIS), benefits administration, or automated onboarding workflows? Some gusto alternatives are complete HR platforms. BambooHR, for example, offers over 125 app integrations.
• Dedicated Support: If you’re tired of waiting in a support queue, look for providers that offer a dedicated account specialist or 24/7 assistance. Paychex is known for assigning a specialist to each client.
• Compliance Guarantees: Top payroll providers offer guarantees for their tax filings. OnPay, for instance, covers 100% of any tax penalty costs that result from its errors, giving you valuable peace of mind.

A Quick Comparison of Top Gusto Alternatives

Here’s a brief look at how some of the top contenders stack up.

Top Payroll Platforms: The Best Gusto Alternatives Reviewed

Diving deeper, here are the leading Gusto alternatives and what makes them stand out.

1. ADP: Enterprise Power for Scalable Growth

ADP is one of the oldest and most trusted names in payroll, with over 75 years in the business. It’s a global powerhouse that pays more than 42 million employees across 140 countries. In the US, ADP’s software is used to pay about one in six private sector employees. If you’re looking for a gusto alternative that can scale from a small team to a global enterprise, ADP is a safe bet. It offers everything from basic payroll to full PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services, with robust compliance and 24/7 support options.

2. OnPay: Simple, Flat Rate Payroll for Small Teams

OnPay is a perfect Gusto alternative for small businesses and startups that value simplicity and transparent pricing. It offers just one comprehensive plan for a flat fee of $40 per month plus $4 per employee, with no hidden costs or long term contracts. Despite its simple model, OnPay includes full service payroll for all 50 states, automated tax filings, and basic HR tools like offer letter templates and PTO tracking. It’s highly rated by users, earning a 4.8-star rating on G2 for its ease of use and responsive support.

3. Paychex: High Touch Service and HR Support

With over 50 years of experience, Paychex is a great choice for businesses that want a more hands on, service oriented approach. Each client gets a dedicated account specialist and access to 24/7 customer support, a level of service you won’t find with more automated platforms. Paychex Flex, its main platform, can handle everything from payroll and time tracking to benefits administration and employee screening. Because its solutions are tailored, pricing is quote based, but the investment can be well worth it for companies that value expert guidance.

4. QuickBooks Payroll: Seamless Accounting Integration

If your business already runs on QuickBooks for accounting, then QuickBooks Payroll is one of the most logical Gusto alternatives. The integration is seamless, meaning all your payroll data, from wages to tax liabilities, syncs automatically with your books, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors. QuickBooks Payroll offers full service payroll with unlimited pay runs, and its Elite plan includes Tax Penalty Protection that covers up to $25,000 in IRS penalties if they make an error.

5. Rippling: The All in One HR, IT, and Global Payroll Platform

Rippling is a powerful, modern platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance. It goes far beyond what typical Gusto alternatives offer. You can run payroll in just 90 seconds, pay international employees, and automatically manage employee software and hardware. For example, when you hire someone, Rippling can set up their payroll, enroll them in benefits, create their email account, and ship them a laptop. Its modular pricing starts at $8 per user per month, allowing you to build the exact platform you need. With a 4.8 star G2 rating, it’s a favorite among tech savvy companies.

6. TriNet: Full Service PEO for Outsourcing HR

TriNet is a leading PEO, which means it acts as a co employer for your team. This model allows you to completely outsource HR administration, including payroll, benefits, and compliance. TriNet provides HR solutions to over 23,000 businesses, covering more than 600,000 employees. A major benefit of a PEO is access to large group benefits, allowing even small startups to offer competitive health insurance and 401(k) plans. It’s a great option for businesses that want to offload HR risk and admin to focus on growth.

7. Checkwriters: Compliance Focused with Personalized Service

Checkwriters is an all in one payroll and HR platform that has built a strong reputation over 30 years, particularly with nonprofits and schools. It offers a great balance of modern technology and human support, focusing heavily on compliance and accuracy. Unlike Gusto, Checkwriters offers a robust mobile app for both employees and administrators. The company is known for building long term relationships with its clients and has earned a 4.6 star rating on G2, with users often praising its reliable service.

8. Xero Payroll: A Smart Choice for Xero Accounting Users

For businesses that use Xero for their accounting, Xero Payroll is a natural Gusto alternative. In many countries, its payroll functionality is built directly into the accounting software, creating a single, streamlined system for all your finances. In the US, Xero announced a solution powered by Gusto’s engine, allowing users to run payroll without ever leaving the Xero interface. The main benefit is the flawless integration that saves time and prevents data entry errors.

9. Justworks: Modern PEO with Great Benefits Access

Justworks is another modern PEO that simplifies HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance for small businesses. It’s known for its clean, user friendly platform and transparent pricing. As an IRS certified PEO, Justworks meets high standards for financial and reporting reliability, giving you an extra layer of confidence. Many startups choose Justworks to offer their teams Fortune 500 level benefits without the administrative headache. Its 4.6 star G2 rating reflects strong user satisfaction.

10. Factorial: An HRIS Focused, International Contender

Based in Barcelona, Factorial is a fast growing HR platform focused on automating administrative tasks for small and mid sized businesses. While it offers payroll services, its main strength is its comprehensive HRIS, which covers time tracking, performance management, and expense reporting. Factorial is a strong Gusto alternative for companies with a presence in Europe or those needing more advanced HR workflows. The company’s rapid growth is impressive, with plans to surpass $100 million in annual recurring revenue in 2025.

11. BambooHR: User Friendly HR Software with a Payroll Add On

BambooHR is a beloved HR software platform used by over 20,000 organizations. It excels at core HR functions like employee records, onboarding, and time off management. Recently, it added BambooHR Payroll for US customers, making it a more direct Gusto alternative. Its key advantage is its powerful yet intuitive HRIS, which can serve as the central hub for all employee data. With a 4.4 star G2 rating, it’s praised for its user experience and extensive integration marketplace.

12. Deel: Built for Hiring and Paying Global Teams

If your primary reason for seeking Gusto alternatives is international hiring, Deel is a top contender. Deel is a global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) platform that lets you hire employees and contractors in over 150 countries without setting up local legal entities. It handles local compliance, taxes, and benefits, and can pay your team in more than 120 currencies. Deel has scaled incredibly fast, serving over 15,000 businesses by 2023, making it a leader for distributed companies.

13. Zenefits (TriNet Zenefits): A Scalable, Tech First HR Suite

Zenefits was a pioneer in cloud HR, and after its acquisition by TriNet in 2022, it’s now known as TriNet Zenefits. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of HR tools, including onboarding, performance reviews, and time tracking, with payroll available as an add on. Zenefits is a good upgrade from Gusto for businesses needing a more robust HRIS. Its strong mobile app and automation features help streamline administrative tasks for both managers and employees.

Bolto: The All in One Recruiting and Gusto Alternative for Startups

For startups and high growth companies, some of the most exciting Gusto alternatives are newer platforms that solve multiple problems at once. Bolto is a standout example, uniquely combining US payroll, global EOR services, and AI powered recruiting into a single, unified system.

Instead of juggling separate tools for hiring, onboarding, and payroll, Bolto streamlines the entire process. You can post a job, receive a shortlist of vetted global software engineers in as little as 72 hours, hire them, and get them on payroll (whether in the US or abroad) all within one platform. This integrated approach is a game changer for founders who are short on time.

Here’s what makes Bolto a compelling Gusto alternative for startups:

• Integrated Recruiting and HR: Bolto helps you find top talent first, then handles the rest. Case studies show startups building entire engineering teams in under five weeks and making their first hire in just 15 days.
• Built for Global Teams: Like Deel, Bolto acts as an Employer of Record in over 100 countries, making it easy to hire the best person for the job, no matter where they live.
• Startup Friendly Pricing and Support: US payroll plans are priced competitively for early‑stage companies (see pricing), and Bolto emphasizes founder‑led, 24/7 support. This means even the smallest teams get dedicated attention.
• Unified Payroll Runs: You can pay both US‑based W‑2 employees and 1099 contractors in the same pay run via Bolto’s US payroll, simplifying your back office operations.

For founders who need to hire talent quickly and manage a distributed team without the administrative burden, Bolto offers a modern, all in one solution. It replaces the need for separate recruiters, payroll software, and EOR providers, saving both time and money. If you’re building a team from the ground up, you can see how Bolto works by booking a free demo.

How to Choose the Right Gusto Alternative for Your Business

With so many excellent Gusto alternatives available, the best choice depends entirely on your company’s specific needs.

Start by assessing your biggest pain points. Are you struggling with international hiring? Do you need more hands on support? Are you an existing QuickBooks user?

For very small US businesses, OnPay is a fantastic, affordable option. If you’re scaling quickly and need an enterprise grade solution, ADP is a reliable choice. For startups looking to hire a global team and move fast, an integrated platform like Bolto provides a powerful all in one solution for recruiting and payroll.

Compare your top 3 to 5 options side by side, request demos, and choose the partner that will best support your growth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gusto Alternatives

What is the best Gusto alternative for a very small business?
For businesses with just a few employees, OnPay is often recommended for its simple, transparent flat rate pricing. QuickBooks Payroll is also an excellent choice if you already use QuickBooks for your accounting.

Which Gusto alternatives can handle international payroll?
Several platforms specialize in global payroll. Rippling, Deel, and Bolto are all strong choices that offer Employer of Record (EOR) services, allowing you to hire and pay employees in many different countries while staying compliant with local laws. For a deeper overview, see our guide to the best global payroll services.

Is it difficult to switch from Gusto to an alternative?
Most reputable payroll providers make the switching process as smooth as possible. They typically offer data migration assistance and dedicated onboarding support to help you get your historical payroll data and employee information set up correctly in their system.

What is a PEO and when should I consider it over Gusto?
A PEO, or Professional Employer Organization, acts as a co employer for your team. PEOs like TriNet and Justworks handle all your HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance. You should consider a PEO when you want to outsource HR administration completely and gain access to better benefits than you could get on your own.

Can I find Gusto alternatives with better customer support?
Absolutely. If personalized support is a priority, look at providers like Paychex, which assigns a dedicated specialist to your account, or Checkwriters, which is known for its responsive service team. Many newer platforms like Bolto also differentiate themselves by offering high touch, founder focused support.