Head-to-head · Payroll APIs
Gusto vs Pinwheel
Gusto leads on 0 checks, Pinwheel on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGusto · 9.1/10
- Most featuresPinwheel · 2 of 4
Gusto scores higher on our rubric for payroll apis: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Gusto is the better fit for small and mid-market employers needing full payroll. Pinwheel is the better fit for fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs.
- Gusto fits best
Small and mid-market employers needing full payroll
- Pinwheel fits best
Fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs
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Side by side
| Feature | Gusto 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Pinwheel 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Payroll APIs | #8 in Payroll APIs |
| Best for | Small and mid-market employers needing full payroll | Fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 | |
| Compliance | SOC 2, HIPAA, 2FA | SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Gusto 0/4 · Pinwheel 2/4 | ||
| Payroll data access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Payroll processing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Pay calculation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Worker onboarding | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Connection method | Not checked yet | Both |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
Pinwheel provides payroll connectivity infrastructure for banks, fintechs, lenders, and other financial platforms. With a consumer’s permission, its APIs retrieve income, employment, current and historical paystub data, and payroll tax… 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
Pinwheel — where it wins
- Retrieves income, employment, historical paystubs, and payroll tax forms
- Supports direct-deposit allocation updates with user permission
- Link SDK, webhooks, and sandbox and development modes support integration
Where it doesn't
- API access requires contacting Sales or a Client Success Manager
- Production API calls are billable
- Integration depends on supported payroll employers and platforms
- Gusto9.1/10 · Paid
A full payroll and HR suite for small and mid-market U.S. employers.
Visit GustoFull verdict → - Pinwheel7.8/10 · Pricing on request
A payroll connectivity API for fintechs retrieving payroll data and updating direct deposits.
Contact PinwheelFull verdict →
Gusto vs Pinwheel: questions
Which is better for payroll APIs, Gusto or Pinwheel?
Gusto scores higher on our rubric for payroll apis: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
How do Gusto and Pinwheel compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do Gusto and Pinwheel have a free plan?
Gusto: No. Pinwheel: No.
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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