Head-to-head · Payroll APIs
Gusto vs Moonworkers
Gusto leads on 0 checks, Moonworkers 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 · 9.1/10
Gusto scores higher on our rubric for payroll apis: 9.1 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Gusto is the better fit for small and mid-market employers needing full payroll. Moonworkers is the better fit for UK employers needing HMRC payroll APIs.
- Gusto fits best
Small and mid-market employers needing full payroll
- Moonworkers fits best
UK employers needing HMRC payroll APIs
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Side by side
| Feature | Gusto 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Moonworkers 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Payroll APIs | #5 in Payroll APIs |
| Best for | Small and mid-market employers needing full payroll | UK employers needing HMRC payroll APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Docs |
| Compliance | SOC 2, HIPAA, 2FA | GDPR, 2FA |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 11 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Gusto 0/4 · Moonworkers 0/4 | ||
| Payroll data access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Payroll processing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Pay calculation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Worker onboarding | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Connection method | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform for small and mid-market employers. It combines payroll processing and tax filings with employee records, onboarding checklists, e-signatures, PTO, benefits administration, time tracking,… Read the review → |
Moonworkers is UK payroll software and an API for organisations paying CIS subcontractors, PAYE employees, directors and IR35 workers. It is aimed at sole traders, small and mid-sized businesses, accountants, construction firms and larger… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Gusto — where it wins
- Payroll processing, tax filings, benefits, and HR workflows in one platform
- Multi-state payroll, time tracking, onboarding, PTO, and performance tools
- Web, iOS, and Android access with broad business-app integrations
Where it doesn't
- Contractor Only is limited to domestic contractor payments
- Advanced payroll and support capabilities vary by plan
- The current offering is primarily U.S.-focused
Moonworkers — where it wins
- CIS verification, deductions, CIS300 returns and statements
- PAYE, RTI, pensions and statutory document generation
- REST API plus integrations with major accounting platforms
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Monthly employer pricing is calculated by payroll volume
- Payroll payout coverage is limited to the UK
- Gusto9.1/10 · Paid
A full payroll and HR suite for small and mid-market U.S. employers.
Visit GustoFull verdict → - Moonworkers8.2/10 · Paid
UK-focused payroll API with deep CIS, PAYE, RTI and accounting support.
Visit MoonworkersFull verdict →
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All payroll APIs comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




