Gusto vs Agile CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Gusto is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses under 100 employees.
Try Gusto →Read our full Gusto review →Gusto
Gusto is a full-service HR and payroll platform built for small businesses. 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 HR for the first time.
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM platform that combines sales, marketing, and customer service tools at an affordable price point. It offers a generous free plan for up to 10 users, making it one of the best free CRM options for small teams. Agile CRM is popular with startups and small businesses looking to consolidate their 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, e-signatures, and self-onboarding
- ✓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
- ✓Generous free plan for up to 10 users
- ✓All-in-one platform covering sales, marketing, and support
- ✓Affordable paid plans with strong feature sets
- ✓Built-in telephony included
Cons
- ✗Interface feels outdated compared to modern CRMs
- ✗Customer support quality is inconsistent
- ✗Can feel overwhelming with too many features for simple use cases
Gusto vs Agile CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Agile CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Agile CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓deal tracking
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓telephony
- ✓web engagement
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Gusto
PaidStarts at $40/mo + $6/employee
Simple: $40/mo + $6/employee · Plus: $80/mo + $12/employee · Premium: $180/mo + $22/employee
See full pricing →Agile CRM
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Solo: $16/user/mo · Team: $19/user/mo · Enterprise: custom
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Gusto
- →US small businesses running payroll for the first time
- →Startups wanting automated tax filing
- →Companies needing combined payroll and benefits administration
Agile CRM
- →Small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM
- →Startups needing free CRM with marketing automation
- →Teams replacing spreadsheets with a proper CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Gusto is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex payroll rules
- ✗Businesses outside the United States
Agile CRM is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced reporting
- ✗Teams requiring complex workflow automation
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated customer support
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Agile CRM
Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, Twilio, SendGrid, Zapier, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Agile CRM is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gusto and Agile CRM?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Agile CRM is best for startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
Which is better, Gusto or Agile CRM?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Agile CRM if startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one crm at an affordable price.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Agile CRM cost?
Agile CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Agile CRM?
Startups and small businesses wanting an all-in-one CRM at an affordable price