Gusto vs EngageBay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
EngageBay is our recommended pick for most teams — budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Try EngageBay →Read our full EngageBay 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.
EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers a free plan that includes CRM, email marketing, live chat, and helpdesk tools — making it one of the most generous free plans in the market. EngageBay is positioned as an affordable alternative to HubSpot.
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
- ✓One of the most generous free plans available — includes CRM, marketing, and support tools
- ✓Affordable paid plans compared to HubSpot
- ✓All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
- ✓Good automation features
Cons
- ✗Less brand recognition and fewer integrations than HubSpot
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with so many features
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
Gusto vs EngageBay: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | EngageBay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| 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 | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
EngageBay
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Basic: $12/mo · Growth: $24.99/mo · Pro: $49.99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
EngageBay
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
- →Companies migrating away from expensive HubSpot plans
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
EngageBay is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced customization
- ✗Teams requiring sophisticated marketing attribution
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated enterprise support
Integrations
EngageBay
Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, SendGrid, Mailgun, Twilio, Xero
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor EngageBay 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 EngageBay?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Which is better, Gusto or EngageBay?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan