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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

Sage Payroll vs Gusto

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Sage Payroll #4 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Sage
Gusto #5 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Gusto

Sage Payroll leads on 0 checks, Gusto 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 scoreSage Payroll · 8.9/10

Sage Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 8.9 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

Sage Payroll is the better fit for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools. Gusto is the better fit for small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits.

  • Sage Payroll fits best

    UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools

  • Gusto fits best

    Small businesses pairing payroll with HR 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. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Sage Payroll 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Gusto 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.8
Ranking #4 in Small Business Payroll Software #5 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools Small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 3 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market
Features Sage Payroll 0/3 · Gusto 0/3
Tax filing included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Direct deposit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service Not checked yet 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
Pros
  • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
  • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
  • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling
  • 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
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
  • Supports up to 150 employees
  • 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
Our verdict

Sage Payroll is cloud-based payroll software for UK start-ups and growing businesses that need to manage pay, statutory deductions and HMRC submissions. It calculates wages, PAYE, National Insurance and pension contributions, then supports…

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 →
  1. Sage PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 8.9Paid
  2. GustoSmall Business Payroll Software 8.8Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Sage Payroll — where it wins

    • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
    • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
    • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
    • Supports up to 150 employees

  • 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

More comparisons

All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update