Gusto vs Keap
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.
Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
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
- ✓All-in-one platform covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Gusto vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | $249/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓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 →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
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
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
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Keap 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 Keap?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, Gusto or Keap?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one