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Head-to-head · Core HR Software

OrangeHRM vs Gusto

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score OrangeHRM #5 in Core HR Software 9.0/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit OrangeHRM
Gusto #7 in Core HR Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Gusto

OrangeHRM leads on 1 check, Gusto on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOrangeHRM · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly OrangeHRM
  • Free trialonly OrangeHRM

OrangeHRM scores higher on our rubric for core hr software: 9.0 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

OrangeHRM offers free plan; Gusto doesn't.

OrangeHRM is the better fit for teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage. Gusto is the better fit for small businesses combining HR with payroll and benefits.

  • OrangeHRM fits best

    Teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage

  • Gusto fits best

    Small businesses combining HR with payroll and benefits

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 OrangeHRM 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Gusto 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.9
Ranking #5 in Core HR Software #7 in Core HR Software
Best for Teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage Small businesses combining HR with payroll and benefits
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance GDPR SOC 2, HIPAA, 2FA
Integrations 4 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market
Features OrangeHRM 1/5 · Gusto 1/5
Payroll module Not checked yet Not checked yet
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Benefits administration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Onboarding workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Employee limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source Starter covers core HR administration and employee management
  • Combines leave, time tracking, onboarding, performance and recruitment features
  • Offers cloud, self-hosted and mobile workflows, plus an API
  • Combines payroll, tax filings, employee records, and benefits management
  • Supports onboarding, PTO, time tracking, and performance workflows
  • Offers web and mobile access plus integrations with business tools
Cons
  • Advanced pricing requires a customized quote
  • Listed integrations are limited to authentication, payroll, LMS and Microsoft 365
  • No 24/7 support
  • Paid product with no free plan
  • Multi-state payroll and time tracking are in the Plus plan
  • The current offering is primarily U.S.-focused
Our verdict

OrangeHRM brings employee records, leave and PTO, time and attendance, onboarding, performance, recruitment, and reporting into a modular HR platform. Its free, open-source Starter edition makes it relevant to teams that want broad core HR…

Read the review →

Gusto brings payroll, benefits, and HR workflows into a cloud-based platform aimed mainly at small businesses. Employers can manage employee records, onboarding checklists, e-signatures, PTO, time tracking, performance reviews, and…

Read the review →
  1. OrangeHRMCore HR Software 9.0Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. GustoCore HR Software 8.9Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OrangeHRM — where it wins

    • Free, open-source Starter covers core HR administration and employee management
    • Combines leave, time tracking, onboarding, performance and recruitment features
    • Offers cloud, self-hosted and mobile workflows, plus an API

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced pricing requires a customized quote
    • Listed integrations are limited to authentication, payroll, LMS and Microsoft 365
    • No 24/7 support

  • Gusto — where it wins

    • Combines payroll, tax filings, employee records, and benefits management
    • Supports onboarding, PTO, time tracking, and performance workflows
    • Offers web and mobile access plus integrations with business tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid product with no free plan
    • Multi-state payroll and time tracking are in the Plus plan
    • The current offering is primarily U.S.-focused
  • OrangeHRM9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad HR platform with a free open-source Starter edition and cloud or self-hosted deployment.

    Visit OrangeHRMFull verdict →
  • Gusto8.9/10 · Paid

    A small-business platform that brings payroll, benefits, and core HR workflows together.

    Visit GustoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All core HR software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update