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Head-to-head · Salon Payroll Software

Gusto vs DaySmart Salon

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Gusto #3 in Salon Payroll Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Gusto
DaySmart Salon #4 in Salon Payroll Software 9.1/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit DaySmart Salon

Gusto leads on 0 checks, DaySmart Salon on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGusto · 9.2/10
  • Free trialonly DaySmart Salon

Gusto scores higher on our rubric for salon payroll software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

Gusto is the better fit for businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll. DaySmart Salon is the better fit for salons wanting affordable all-in-one payroll tools.

  • Gusto fits best

    Businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll

  • DaySmart Salon fits best

    Salons wanting affordable all-in-one payroll tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Gusto 9.2/10 Visit ↗ DaySmart Salon 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #3 in Salon Payroll Software #4 in Salon Payroll Software
Best for Businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll Salons wanting affordable all-in-one payroll tools
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $29/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Integrations 8 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Gusto 0/6 · DaySmart Salon 0/6
Commission tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Tip calculation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Contractor payments Not checked yet Not checked yet
Tax filing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Direct deposit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Payroll processing and tax filings support salon payroll workflows
  • Time tracking, time off, employee records, and onboarding in one platform
  • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and broad business integrations
  • Combines payroll, commissions, time clocks, and staff calendars
  • Starts at $29/month with online booking and payment processing
  • Supports memberships, inventory, POS, reminders, and multi-location operations
Cons
  • Not designed specifically for salon operations
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced features and service support require higher-tier plans
  • Basic supports only 1 user
  • Advanced payroll and commission tracking require Premium Growth
  • QuickBooks is the listed accounting integration
Our verdict

Gusto combines payroll, benefits administration, and human resources tools for small businesses. Salon owners can use it to maintain employee records, manage onboarding documents, handle time-off requests, track time and breaks, run…

Read the review →

DaySmart Salon is cloud-based management software for independent stylists, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, skin clinics, and multi-location businesses. It brings appointment scheduling, online booking, reminders, payment…

Read the review →
  1. GustoSalon Payroll Software 9.2Paid
  2. DaySmart SalonSalon Payroll Software 9.114-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Gusto — where it wins

    • Payroll processing and tax filings support salon payroll workflows
    • Time tracking, time off, employee records, and onboarding in one platform
    • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and broad business integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Not designed specifically for salon operations
    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced features and service support require higher-tier plans

  • DaySmart Salon — where it wins

    • Combines payroll, commissions, time clocks, and staff calendars
    • Starts at $29/month with online booking and payment processing
    • Supports memberships, inventory, POS, reminders, and multi-location operations

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic supports only 1 user
    • Advanced payroll and commission tracking require Premium Growth
    • QuickBooks is the listed accounting integration

More comparisons

All salon payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update