Gusto vs Kashoo
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.
Kashoo
Kashoo is a simple cloud accounting platform designed for small businesses and freelancers who want straightforward bookkeeping without complexity. It offers automatic transaction categorization powered by AI, invoicing, and basic financial reporting. Kashoo is known for its simplicity and flat-rate annual pricing with no per-user fees, making it one of the most affordable full-featured accounting options available.
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 simple and easy to use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Flat annual pricing with unlimited users — no per-seat fees
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization saves time
- ✓Affordable compared to QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks or Xero
- ✗Limited integrations compared to larger platforms
- ✗Not suitable for businesses with complex accounting needs
- ✗Less widely known — fewer accountants familiar with it
Gusto vs Kashoo: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Kashoo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $216/yr |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Kashoo Features
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓multi-currency support
- ✓unlimited users
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Kashoo 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 Kashoo?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Kashoo is best for very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
Which is better, Gusto or Kashoo?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Kashoo cost?
Kashoo starts at $216/yr. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use Kashoo?
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution