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Head-to-head · Salon Payroll Software

SalonApp vs Gusto

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score SalonApp #1 in Salon Payroll Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit SalonApp
Gusto #3 in Salon Payroll Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Gusto

SalonApp leads on 1 check, Gusto on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSalonApp · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly SalonApp
  • Free trialonly SalonApp
  • Most featuresSalonApp · 6 of 6

SalonApp scores higher on our rubric for salon payroll software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

SalonApp offers free plan; Gusto doesn't.

SalonApp is the better fit for salons needing complete payroll and operations. Gusto is the better fit for businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll.

  • SalonApp fits best

    Salons needing complete payroll and operations

  • Gusto fits best

    Businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll

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 SalonApp 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Gusto 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Salon Payroll Software #3 in Salon Payroll Software
Best for Salons needing complete payroll and operations Businesses prioritizing tax-filing payroll
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $39/mo —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Live chat Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 4 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market
Features SalonApp 6/6 · Gusto 0/6
Commission tracking ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Tip calculation ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Contractor payments ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Tax filing ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Payroll reports ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Direct deposit ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • US and Canadian payroll with tax tables, reports, and direct deposits
  • Commission tracking supports configurable service and retail rules
  • Web, iOS, and Android access with QuickBooks and Xero integrations
  • Payroll processing and tax filings support salon payroll workflows
  • Time tracking, time off, employee records, and onboarding in one platform
  • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and broad business integrations
Cons
  • The Free plan is limited to 15 clients, 20 appointments, and 1 staff member
  • Multi-location support and custom integrations are limited to Enterprise
  • Payroll management appears in the Professional tier rather than Starter
  • Not designed specifically for salon operations
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced features and service support require higher-tier plans
Our verdict

SalonApp, branded on its current site as Salon Manager, is cloud-based software for independent stylists, growing salons, spas, and multi-location operators. It brings appointment scheduling, online booking, point of sale, client profiles,…

Read the review →

Gusto combines payroll, benefits administration, and human resources tools for small businesses. Salon owners can use it to maintain employee records, manage onboarding documents, handle time-off requests, track time and breaks, run…

Read the review →
  1. SalonAppSalon Payroll Software 9.4Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. GustoSalon Payroll Software 9.2Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SalonApp — where it wins

    • US and Canadian payroll with tax tables, reports, and direct deposits
    • Commission tracking supports configurable service and retail rules
    • Web, iOS, and Android access with QuickBooks and Xero integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan is limited to 15 clients, 20 appointments, and 1 staff member
    • Multi-location support and custom integrations are limited to Enterprise
    • Payroll management appears in the Professional tier rather than Starter

  • Gusto — where it wins

    • Payroll processing and tax filings support salon payroll workflows
    • Time tracking, time off, employee records, and onboarding in one platform
    • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and broad business integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Not designed specifically for salon operations
    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced features and service support require higher-tier plans
  • SalonApp9.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad salon operations suite with payroll, commissions, and multi-location options.

    Visit SalonAppFull verdict →
  • Gusto9.2/10 · Paid

    A broad payroll and HR platform for salons that prioritize tax filing support.

    Visit GustoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update