Gusto vs Agile CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Agile CRM is our recommended pick for most teams — startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Try Agile CRM →Read our full Agile CRM review →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.
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM platform that combines sales, marketing, and customer service tools at an affordable price point. It offers a generous free plan for up to 10 users, making it one of the best free CRM options for small teams. Agile CRM is popular with startups and small businesses looking to consolidate their tools.
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
- ✓Generous free plan for up to 10 users
- ✓All-in-one platform covering sales, marketing, and support
- ✓Affordable paid plans with strong feature sets
- ✓Built-in telephony included
Cons
- ✗Interface feels outdated compared to modern CRMs
- ✗Customer support quality is inconsistent
- ✗Can feel overwhelming with too many features for simple use cases
Gusto vs Agile CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Agile CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Agile CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓deal tracking
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓telephony
- ✓web engagement
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Agile CRM
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Solo: $16/user/mo · Team: $19/user/mo · Enterprise: custom
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Agile CRM
- →Small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM
- →Startups needing free CRM with marketing automation
- →Teams replacing spreadsheets with a proper CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Agile CRM is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced reporting
- ✗Teams requiring complex workflow automation
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated customer support
Integrations
Agile CRM
Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, Twilio, SendGrid, Zapier, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Agile CRM 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 Agile CRM?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Agile CRM is best for startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Which is better, Gusto or Agile CRM?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Agile CRM cost?
Agile CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use Agile CRM?
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price