Head-to-head · Google Workspace for HR Software
Zoho People vs Gusto
Zoho People leads on 1 check, Gusto on 0, and 0 are 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 scoreZoho People · 9.1/10
- Free planonly Zoho People
- Free trialonly Zoho People
Zoho People scores higher on our rubric for google workspace for hr software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Zoho People offers free plan; Gusto doesn't.
Zoho People is the better fit for budget-conscious teams seeking broad HR coverage. Gusto is the better fit for small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits.
- Zoho People fits best
Budget-conscious teams seeking broad HR coverage
- Gusto fits best
Small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits
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Side by side
| Feature | Zoho People 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Gusto 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Google Workspace for HR Software | #3 in Google Workspace for HR Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious teams seeking broad HR coverage | Small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Live chat, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, SSO/SAML, 2FA | SOC 2, HIPAA, 2FA |
| Integrations | 20 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Zoho People 0/1 · Gusto 0/1 | ||
| Employee self-service | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Employee limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Workspace deployment | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| HR modules | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Payroll support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Zoho People brings employee records and day-to-day HR processes into a cloud platform for small businesses through enterprise teams. Employees and managers can use self-service for leave requests, approvals, attendance, time tracking, and… Read the review → |
Gusto brings payroll, tax filings, benefits, and core HR workflows together for small businesses. Employers can manage employee records, onboarding checklists, e-signatures, PTO, performance reviews, timesheets, and benefits enrollment.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Zoho People — where it wins
- Free plan covers employee records, documents, and the Zia AI bot
- Paid tiers add time, performance, analytics, and help-desk tools
- Web, iOS, Android, API access, and a wide range of integrations
Where it doesn't
- Advanced tools such as performance management start at Premium
- HR help desk and learning management require Enterprise
- Broad tier structure may be more than teams seeking a narrow HR tool need
Gusto — where it wins
- Combines payroll, tax filings, benefits, onboarding, and employee records.
- Google Workspace integrates alongside accounting and team tools.
- Mobile apps support access to pay, benefits, time tracking, and time off.
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; listed plans use per-person fees, with some base prices not shown.
- Primarily U.S.-focused, limiting its fit for employers outside the United States.
- Advanced HR support and performance tools are reserved for Premium.
- Zoho People9.1/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A broad HR platform with a free plan and features that expand across five tiers.
Visit Zoho PeopleFull verdict → - Gusto9.0/10 · Paid
A payroll-centered HR platform with benefits, onboarding, time tracking, and mobile access.
Visit GustoFull verdict →
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All google workspace for HR software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






