Gusto vs Freshsales
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.
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation 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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
Gusto vs Freshsales: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Freshsales 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 Freshsales?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Which is better, Gusto or Freshsales?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools