Countingup vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
Gusto
Gusto is a full-service payroll platform built for small businesses in the US. It handles payroll taxes automatically, offers employee benefits administration, and includes onboarding tools that make it easy to bring on new hires. Gusto is known for its clean interface and transparent pricing, making it a top choice for founders managing payroll for the first time.
Pros
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
Pros
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing saves hours each month
- ✓Transparent flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent onboarding flow with offer letters and e-signatures
- ✓Strong benefits administration including health, dental, and 401k
Cons
- ✗International payroll is limited and requires third-party tools
- ✗Can get expensive as headcount grows beyond 50 employees
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise tools
Countingup vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Countingup | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Also Consider
If neither Countingup nor Gusto is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Countingup and Gusto?
Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Which is better, Countingup or Gusto?
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits