Gusto vs Nutshell
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.
Nutshell
Nutshell is a simple and affordable CRM designed for small and mid-size B2B sales teams. It combines contact management, pipeline automation, and email marketing in one easy-to-use platform. Nutshell is known for its exceptional customer support and quick setup time, making it a favorite for teams switching from spreadsheets.
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
- ✓Outstanding customer support included with every plan
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Built-in email marketing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Transparent and affordable pricing
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than HubSpot or Salesforce
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to enterprise CRMs
- ✗Limited native integrations compared to larger platforms
Gusto vs Nutshell: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | $16/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Nutshell Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
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 →Nutshell
PaidStarts at $16/user/mo
Foundation: $16/user/mo · Pro: $42/user/mo · Business: $52/user/mo
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
Nutshell
- →B2B sales teams wanting a simple and affordable CRM
- →Small businesses replacing spreadsheets with a proper pipeline
- →Companies wanting built-in email marketing with their 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
Nutshell is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex CRM customization
- ✗Teams requiring advanced AI-powered sales features
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Nutshell
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, QuickBooks, Zapier, Intercom, HubSpot, Mailchimp
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Nutshell 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 Nutshell?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Nutshell is best for small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Which is better, Gusto or Nutshell?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Nutshell cost?
Nutshell starts at $16/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Nutshell?
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support