Performance at Glance

Specifications	Rating	Our Verdict
Ease of Use		User-friendly and offers a simple interface for payroll and HR management.
Ease of Setup		Offers a straightforward onboarding process, making it easy to set up and get started.
Value for Money		Gusto's pricing is competitive and offers great value for small businesses.
Features		Comprehensive suite of payroll and HR features, including benefits management, time off accrual, and tax filing.
Support		Offers excellent customer support with access to a dedicated support team via phone, chat, or email.
G2 Rating		Gusto has a high rating on G2 with positive reviews from verified users, highlighting its ease of use, functionality, and customer support.

Ease of Use

This refers to how user-friendly and intuitive a software is to use. Ease of use is an important factor for businesses as it affects the overall productivity and efficiency of the payroll and HR processes. Gusto offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and perform tasks.

Ease of Setup

 This is how quickly and easily a software can be set up and implemented in a business. Gusto offers a straightforward setup process, with a helpful onboarding experience that guides users through the steps necessary to get started.

Value for Money

 The balance between the cost of the software and the features and benefits it provides is important. Gusto offers a competitive pricing model with affordable plans that include a wide range of features to help businesses manage their payroll and HR processes.

Features

This includes the capabilities and functionalities of the software. Gusto offers a comprehensive set of features, including payroll processing, tax management, benefits administration, time off tracking, and more. These features are designed to help businesses streamline their payroll and HR processes, saving them time and money.

Support

This refers to the level of customer support and assistance provided by the software company. Gusto offers a dedicated support team, with a range of resources and tools to help businesses get the most out of their software.

G2 Rating

G2 is an independent software review site that provides ratings and reviews of software products. Gusto has a high rating on G2 of 4.0/5.0, indicating that it is well-regarded by users and provides a high level of customer satisfaction.

Features of Gusto Payroll Software

Gusto offers a wide range of features to help streamline payroll and HR processes for small businesses:

Reporting & Dashboards:

Gusto offers a robust reporting and dashboard feature that allows users to access and analyze critical payroll data. The dashboard provides real-time insights into key metrics such as employee count, payroll summary, and tax liabilities. The reporting function allows users to generate custom reports based on various parameters, such as pay cycles, employee information, and tax details.

User, Role & Access Management:

It allows administrators to manage user roles and access permissions to ensure that sensitive payroll data is only accessible to authorized personnel. With this feature, users can grant different levels of access to different users based on their roles and responsibilities.

Performance & Reliability:

The software is designed to be highly reliable and performant, ensuring that users can access critical payroll data without interruption. The platform employs robust security measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

HR-Adds on:

There are a range of HR add-ons that allow users to manage employee benefits, track time and attendance, and generate compliance reports. These features help organizations streamline their HR workflows and simplify complex HR tasks.

Scalability:

It is designed to be scalable, making it an ideal payroll solution for growing organizations. The platform can easily accommodate changes in headcount and payroll complexity, ensuring that it can support businesses of any size.

Web Portal:

Gusto’s web portal provides a central location for users to access critical payroll information and manage their accounts. The portal is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and find the information they need.

Benefits Manager:

Gusto’s benefits manager allows users to manage employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more. The platform makes it easy to enroll employees in benefits plans and manage ongoing benefits administration.

Mobile Usability:

It is optimized for mobile use, allowing users to access critical payroll information and manage their accounts from anywhere, at any time.

Payroll Entry:

Gusto’s payroll entry feature streamlines the process of entering payroll data, making it easy for users to calculate employee compensation, taxes, and other deductions.

Time Off Accrual:

It’s time off accrual feature allows users to set up and manage employee vacation, sick leave, and other time-off policies. The platform automatically calculates time-off accruals based on user-defined policies, simplifying the process of managing employee time-off.

Direct Deposit:

The direct deposit feature allows users to pay employees electronically, saving time and reducing the risk of errors associated with manual payment processing.

Pre-Tax Deductions:

Gusto’s pre-tax deductions feature allows users to deduct employee contributions to pre-tax benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, reducing employees’ taxable income and saving them money on taxes.

Check/W-2 Delivery:

It has a check/W-2 delivery feature that allows users to distribute paychecks and W-2 forms electronically or via mail, providing employees with timely and accurate payment information.

Check/W-2 Printing:

Gusto’s check/W-2 printing feature allows users to print paychecks and W-2 forms in-house, providing greater flexibility and control over the payroll process.

Tax Calculation:

It can automate the process of calculating employee and employer payroll taxes, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance with federal and state tax laws.

Tax Filing:

Gusto’s tax filing feature automates the process of filing payroll taxes with federal and state tax agencies, simplifying tax compliance and reducing the risk of penalties and fines associated with late or inaccurate tax filings.

Employee Benefits Management:

Gusto employee benefits include managing employee benefits for businesses, including health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Time Tracking:

Gusto’s time tracking feature helps businesses track their employees’ work hours and pay them accordingly, reducing the chances of errors and time theft.

Hiring and Onboarding:

Gusto has robust hiring and onboarding tools, including creating custom offer letters and onboarding checklists, that make it easier to manage new employees.

Employee Finance Tools: 

Gusto offers a variety of financial tools for employees, including the ability to set up and manage pre-tax benefits, view their pay stubs and tax documents online, and manage their retirement accounts.

Employee Self-Service Tools: 

Gusto provides employees with a self-service portal where they can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other important documents. They can also update their personal information, such as their address and tax withholding status.

Custom Reports:

Gusto allows businesses to create custom reports, giving them access to important payroll and HR data in real-time.

Integrations:

Gusto integrates with a wide range of accounting, time tracking, and HR tools, including QuickBooks, Xero, and TSheets. This makes it easy for businesses to streamline their payroll processes and manage all their employee-related tasks in one place.

Gusto Payroll Platform on Mobile Devices 

The Gusto payroll platform is available on mobile devices through the Gusto mobile app, which is free to download for both iOS and Android devices. 

• With the app, employees can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other payroll information from anywhere, at any time.
• Employers can use the app to manage payroll and approve time off requests on the go.
• The app also includes features for managing employee benefits and tracking time and attendance.
•  Employees can use the app to request time off, view their time off balances, and track their hours worked.
• The app supports multiple pay schedules and pay rates, so you can easily manage different types of employees.
• The mobile app is easy to use and offers a streamlined user experience, making it a great tool for managing payroll and HR tasks on the go.

Employee App: Gusto Wallet

Gusto Wallet is an employee app offered by Gusto Payroll that allows employees to view their paystubs, request time off, and manage their finances from their mobile devices. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded for free.

• The app also allows employees to set up direct deposit, which means they can receive their paychecks directly into their Gusto Wallet account.
• With the Gusto Wallet, employees can also manage their finances by setting savings goals and tracking their spending.
• The app offers a cash-out feature, which allows employees to access their earnings before payday for a small fee.
•  Employees can also use the Gusto Wallet to pay bills and make purchases with their Gusto debit card, which is linked to their Gusto Wallet account.
• The app uses advanced security measures to protect employee data and transactions, including two-factor authentication and biometric login options.

Gusto wallet reviews say it’s a convenient and secure way to manage payroll and finances from mobile devices, increasing flexibility and control over financial well-being.

Top Gusto Payroll Software Alternatives

ADP Run and Paychex Flex are two of the leading payroll software for small business solutions in the market. Both platforms offer a range of features and tools to help businesses manage their payroll, HR, and benefits administration.

ADP Run

ADP Run is a cloud-based payroll and HR management platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance management. ADP Run also provides tools for managing employee benefits, time and attendance, and HR tasks such as onboarding and performance management. With ADP Run, businesses can access their payroll and HR information from anywhere and at any time through a web browser or mobile app.

Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll and HR management platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of features such as payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance management. Paychex Flex also provides tools for managing employee benefits, time and attendance, and HR tasks such as recruiting and onboarding. With Paychex Flex, businesses can access their payroll and HR information from anywhere and at any time through a web browser or mobile app. Paychex Flex also offers additional services such as HR consulting, retirement plan administration, and employee health insurance.

As much as Gusto stands out as an all-in-one HR platform, there are still plenty of other alternatives available on the market. Each of these alternatives offers unique features and capabilities that may be better suited for different businesses based on their specific needs.

Is Gusto Payroll Software Right for Your Business?

Deciding whether or not Gusto Payroll Software is right for your business depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your business, the complexity of your payroll needs, and your budget. 

Business Size:

Gusto features are a great payroll solution for small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 100 employees. However, larger businesses may find that Gusto’s limited customization options and lack of a dedicated account representative make it less suitable for their needs.

Industry:

It is versatile and suitable for many industries, but it is particularly well-suited for service-based businesses with hourly or salaried employees. Companies in more specialized industries, such as manufacturing or healthcare, may find that Gusto lacks specific features they need.

Payroll Complexity:

Gusto is a user-friendly software, but it may not be the best fit for businesses with complex payroll needs, such as multiple pay rates or intricate bonus structures. In these cases, businesses may require a more specialized payroll solution.

Budget:

Competitive pricing is offered by the Gusto payroll system, making it an affordable payroll option for small businesses. However, larger companies may find that Gusto’s pricing structure, which charges per employee, can become cost-prohibitive.

Integration:

Gusto integrates with a variety of accounting and HR software, making it an excellent option for businesses that use these platforms. However, companies that require more specialized integrations, such as those for inventory management or e-commerce, may need to consider other payroll software solutions.

Customer Support:

Gusto customer service comes with excellent support options, including email and phone support, as well as an extensive help center. However, some users have reported longer wait times for customer service than they would like.

Ultimately, it’s important to carefully evaluate your payroll needs and compare multiple payroll software options before making a decision.

Conclusion

Gusto Payroll is an excellent option for small and medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly payroll solution. The platform offers a full range of payroll and HR features, including employee benefits management, time tracking, and automated tax filing. The software also integrates well with other popular business tools and software, making it a flexible and versatile option for businesses of all kinds. While there are some limitations to Gusto, such as the lack of global payroll features and mandated deduction processing, it remains a solid choice for businesses in the United States. With its affordable pricing, responsive customer support, and robust feature set, Gusto Payroll is definitely worth considering for your business.

One thing to keep in mind is that while Gusto offers a lot of features, not all businesses will need or use every feature. It’s important to evaluate your business needs and see if Gusto aligns with them. Additionally, while Gusto is an affordable option, it’s not the cheapest on the market. If pricing is a top concern for your business, you may want to explore other options as well.

Overall, through the Gusto reviews, we conclude that it is a well-rounded payroll software that offers a range of features, great user experience, and responsive customer support. It’s a popular choice among small to medium-sized businesses for good reason. If you’re looking for a reliable payroll software that can handle all aspects of payroll processing and more, Gusto is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Gusto work?

Gusto streamlines payroll, HR, and benefits administration by automating processes and providing an intuitive, user-friendly interface. It can calculate employee paychecks, process tax filings, manage benefits, and more.

• What features does Gusto offer?

Gusto offers a range of features, including full-service payroll, employee self-service tools, time tracking, automated tax filings, HR compliance, and employee benefits management.

• Does Gusto offer benefits administration?

Yes, Gusto offers benefits administration for health insurance, 401(k) plans, and other benefits. Gusto partners with leading benefits providers to offer a range of options for businesses.

• Is Gusto easy to use?

Yes, Gusto payroll reviews say it’s known for its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use features. Gusto provides a dashboard that gives businesses an overview of their payroll and benefits information.

• Does Gusto offer a mobile app?

Yes, Gusto offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app allows employees to view their pay stubs, request time off, and manage their benefits.

• Is Gusto suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Gusto is a popular payroll software among small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use. Gusto’s pricing plans are designed to be scalable for businesses of all sizes.