Freshsales vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
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
Freshsales vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Freshsales | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Also Consider
If neither Freshsales nor Gusto is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Freshsales and Gusto?
Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Which is better, Freshsales or Gusto?
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits