Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software
QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto
QuickBooks Payroll leads on 0 checks, Gusto on 0, and 2 are 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 scoreQuickBooks Payroll · 9.1/10
- Free trialonly QuickBooks Payroll
- Most featuresQuickBooks Payroll · 1 of 3
QuickBooks Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks. Gusto is the better fit for small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits.
- QuickBooks Payroll fits best
U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks
- Gusto fits best
Small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits
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Side by side
| Feature | QuickBooks Payroll 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Gusto 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Small Business Payroll Software | #5 in Small Business Payroll Software |
| Best for | U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks | Small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $50/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Features QuickBooks Payroll 1/3 · Gusto 0/3 | ||
| Tax filing included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Direct deposit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Employee self-service | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Pay frequencies | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Worker pay types | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Payroll runs | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | QuickBooks Payroll is Intuit’s cloud payroll service for small businesses, including restaurants and other hospitality operators. It handles payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments, and provides direct deposit, employee access to… Read the review → |
Gusto brings payroll, tax filings, benefits, and HR workflows into a cloud platform for small businesses. Employers can manage employee records, onboarding checklists, e-signatures, PTO, time tracking, and performance reviews, while… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins
- Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Includes next-day direct deposit and an employee self-service portal
- Available on web, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month, plus $7 per employee monthly
- Time tracking and scheduling are limited to higher-tier plans
- Direct deposit timing and other features vary by plan
Gusto — where it wins
- Processes payroll and tax filings, with single- and multi-state options
- Combines onboarding, PTO, time tracking, benefits, and employee records
- Connects with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Slack, and Google Workspace
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is offered
- The Contractor Only plan is limited to domestic contractor payments
- Core payroll options differ by plan, including single- versus multi-state coverage
- QuickBooks Payroll9.1/10 · 30-day trial
Automates payroll taxes and direct deposit for small businesses in the QuickBooks ecosystem.
Visit QuickBooksFull verdict → - Gusto8.8/10 · Paid
Payroll with HR, benefits, onboarding, and time tracking in one cloud platform.
Visit GustoFull verdict →
More comparisons
- RUN Powered by ADP vs Gusto
- QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll
- QuickBooks Payroll vs Sage Payroll
- QuickBooks Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now
- QuickBooks Payroll vs Paylocity
- QuickBooks Payroll vs Rippling
- Xero Payroll vs Gusto
- Sage Payroll vs Gusto
All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update