Gusto vs Lattice
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.
Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform that helps companies run performance reviews, set goals, and measure employee engagement. It combines performance management, OKRs, career development, and compensation tools in one platform. Lattice is widely used by tech companies that invest heavily in people development.
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
- ✓Best-in-class performance review and OKR tools
- ✓Strong engagement survey capabilities with actionable insights
- ✓Career development and growth tracking features
- ✓Good analytics for people managers and HR teams
Cons
- ✗No payroll or core HRIS functionality
- ✗Can be expensive when combining multiple modules
- ✗Some users find the platform complex to administer initially
Gusto vs Lattice: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Lattice |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $11/person/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits | Mid-size companies focused on performance management |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Lattice Features
- ✓Performance reviews
- ✓OKRs
- ✓employee engagement
- ✓career development
- ✓compensation
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Best For
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Lattice 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 Lattice?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Lattice is best for mid-size companies focused on performance management.
Which is better, Gusto or Lattice?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits. Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Lattice cost?
Lattice starts at $11/person/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Who should use Lattice?
Mid-size companies focused on performance management