Gusto vs ADP Workforce Now
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform trusted by over 900,000 businesses worldwide. It covers payroll, benefits, talent management, time tracking, and compliance in one integrated suite. ADP is the industry standard for mid to large businesses that need enterprise-grade reliability.
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
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading reliability and compliance expertise
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ third-party apps
- ✓Strong reporting and workforce analytics
- ✓Dedicated support and implementation resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- ✗User interface is complex and can require significant training
- ✗Long-term contracts with early termination fees
Gusto vs ADP Workforce Now: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | ADP Workforce Now |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $62/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor ADP Workforce Now is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gusto and ADP Workforce Now?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Which is better, Gusto or ADP Workforce Now?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR