Gusto vs ClickUp
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.
ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that combines project management, docs, goals, and chat in a single tool. It is known for its extreme flexibility and customization, allowing teams to build their own workflows. ClickUp positions itself as a replacement for multiple tools with one of the most generous free plans in the market.
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
- ✓Extremely feature-rich with one of the most generous free plans available
- ✓Highly customizable to fit any workflow or team structure
- ✓Built-in docs, chat, and time tracking reduce need for other tools
- ✓Regular feature updates based on user feedback
Cons
- ✗Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of features and options
- ✗Performance can slow down with very large workspaces
- ✗Steep learning curve for new users setting up complex workflows
Gusto vs ClickUp: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
ClickUp Features
- ✓Tasks
- ✓docs
- ✓goals
- ✓chat
- ✓whiteboards
- ✓time tracking
- ✓dashboards
- ✓automation
- ✓multiple views
- ✓integrations
- ✓AI assistant
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose ClickUp if teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor ClickUp 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 ClickUp?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. ClickUp is best for teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
Which is better, Gusto or ClickUp?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose ClickUp if teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ClickUp cost?
ClickUp starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use ClickUp?
Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps