Gusto vs Height
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.
Height
Height is a modern project management tool designed for product and engineering teams. It combines tasks, chat, and automation in a fast, keyboard-friendly interface with a focus on developer workflows.
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
- ✓Fast and keyboard-friendly interface
- ✓Built-in team chat alongside tasks
- ✓Strong automation
- ✓Good for engineering workflows
- ✓Generous free plan
Cons
- ✗Smaller user base and community
- ✗Fewer integrations than established tools
- ✗Less suited for non-technical teams
- ✗Still maturing as a product
Gusto vs Height: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Height |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Height Features
- ✓Task management
- ✓project tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓custom workflows
- ✓integrations
- ✓timeline view
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 →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
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
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Height if product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Height 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 Height?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Height is best for product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication.
Which is better, Gusto or Height?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Height if product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Height cost?
Visit Height website for current pricing.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Height?
Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication