Gusto vs Pinpoint
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.
Pinpoint
Pinpoint is an applicant tracking system designed with a focus on candidate experience and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). It offers powerful employer branding tools, structured hiring workflows, and anonymous screening features to help companies build more diverse and inclusive hiring processes. Pinpoint is popular with mission-driven companies and those with strong DEI commitments.
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
- ✓Excellent candidate experience — one of the best career page builders in the market
- ✓Strong DEI and anonymous screening features
- ✓Clean and modern interface
- ✓Good structured hiring tools to reduce bias
Cons
- ✗Less well known than larger ATS platforms
- ✗Pricing requires custom quote
- ✗Limited analytics compared to Ashby or Greenhouse
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established players
Gusto vs Pinpoint: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Pinpoint |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Pinpoint Features
- ✓Candidate experience tools
- ✓employer branding
- ✓DEI features
- ✓anonymous screening
- ✓structured interviews
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓analytics
- ✓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 →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 Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Pinpoint 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 Pinpoint?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Pinpoint is best for companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
Which is better, Gusto or Pinpoint?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pinpoint cost?
Pinpoint starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Pinpoint?
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process