Gusto vs Breezy HR
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.
Breezy HR
Breezy HR is a visual recruiting and applicant tracking platform with a drag-and-drop pipeline interface. It makes it easy for small businesses to manage candidates, schedule interviews, and collaborate with hiring teams. Breezy HR offers a free plan and affordable paid tiers, making it accessible for startups and growing companies.
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
- ✓Intuitive drag-and-drop pipeline that is easy for non-HR users
- ✓Generous free plan available for companies with basic needs
- ✓Good candidate sourcing tools with job board integrations
- ✓Easy interview scheduling with calendar sync
Cons
- ✗Limited integrations compared to enterprise ATS platforms
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower pricing tiers
- ✗Not suitable for high-volume or complex enterprise hiring
Gusto vs Breezy HR: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Breezy HR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $157/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Breezy HR Features
- ✓Drag-and-drop pipeline
- ✓job postings
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Breezy HR if small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Breezy HR 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 Breezy HR?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Breezy HR is best for small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting.
Which is better, Gusto or Breezy HR?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Breezy HR if small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Breezy HR cost?
Breezy HR starts at $157/mo. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use Breezy HR?
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting