Gusto vs Homebase Payroll
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.
Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
Gusto vs Homebase Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Homebase Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
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
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
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
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Homebase Payroll 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 Homebase Payroll?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Which is better, Gusto or Homebase Payroll?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place