Gusto vs Pipedrive
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.
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM designed to help small and mid-size sales teams manage their pipelines and close more deals. It features a visual deal pipeline interface that makes it easy to track where every deal stands. Pipedrive is loved by sales teams for its simplicity and focus on driving sales activity.
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
- ✓Intuitive visual pipeline that sales teams love
- ✓Easy to set up with minimal training required
- ✓Strong mobile app for on-the-go sales
- ✓Affordable pricing with good value at entry level
Cons
- ✗Limited marketing automation compared to HubSpot
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower tiers
- ✗Not ideal for teams that need strong customer service tools
Gusto vs Pipedrive: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Pipedrive |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | $14/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Pipedrive Features
- ✓Visual deal pipeline
- ✓contact management
- ✓email integration
- ✓activity reminders
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓AI sales assistant
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 →Pipedrive
PaidStarts at $14/user/mo
Essential: $14/user/mo · Advanced: $34/user/mo · Professional: $49/user/mo · Power: $64/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
Pipedrive
- →Sales teams wanting a visual pipeline-focused CRM
- →SMBs tracking deals from lead to close
- →Companies wanting a CRM that sales reps will actually use
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
Pipedrive is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies needing full marketing automation built in
- ✗Teams requiring complex territory management
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Pipedrive
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Trello
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Pipedrive 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 Pipedrive?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Pipedrive is best for small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Which is better, Gusto or Pipedrive?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pipedrive cost?
Pipedrive starts at $14/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Pipedrive?
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management