Gusto review
A broader payroll and HR platform with a dedicated domestic contractor plan.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Gusto combines payroll, employee benefits, and human resources tools for small businesses. Its Contractor Only plan supports domestic contractor payments, 4-day pay, and Form 1099 creation and filings. The broader platform adds employee records, onboarding checklists, document storage, time-off management, time tracking, performance reviews, payroll processing, benefits administration, reporting, and employee analytics. Employees can access information, submit time-off requests, complete onboarding documents, and use mobile features.
Pricing is organized around four monthly plans. Contractor Only is $35 per month plus $6 per person and includes domestic contractor payments, 4-day pay, and Form 1099 creation and filings. Simple is $49 per month plus $6 per person for single-state payroll, unlimited payrolls, tax filings and payments, basic PTO policies, and holiday pay. Plus is $80 per month with multi-state payroll, next-day pay, and time tracking. Premium is $180 per month and adds a dedicated service advisor, certified HR experts, performance and compensation management, custom reports, and priority support. The published plans show a clear progression from contractor payments to broader payroll and HR administration.
Gusto also fits businesses that want connected workflows across web, iOS, Android, and API access. Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, LinkedIn, Indeed, Checkr, Lattice, Culture Amp, and 15Five. Its strongest case is for an employer that needs contractor payments alongside employee payroll, benefits, onboarding, time management, and HR processes. A business focused only on contractor payments may find the Contractor Only plan more relevant, while organizations seeking broader employee administration can consider the higher tiers for multi-state payroll, time tracking, reporting, and HR support.
Gusto pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Domestic contractor payments with 4-day pay and Form 1099 filings
- Payroll, tax filings, benefits, onboarding, and time tracking in one platform
- Web, iOS, Android, API access, and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan is offered
- Contractor Only costs $35 monthly plus $6 per person
- The verified feature set is primarily employee-focused
Gusto fact sheet, pricing and score →
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