Gusto vs Remote.com
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.
Remote.com
Remote.com is a global HR platform that helps companies hire and manage full-time employees and contractors worldwide. It owns legal entities in all countries it operates in, ensuring true local compliance without third-party intermediaries. Remote is known for strong IP protection and transparent pricing.
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
- ✓Owned legal entities in all supported countries — no third-party EOR providers
- ✓Strong IP protection and invention assignment agreements
- ✓Transparent pricing published on website
- ✓Excellent employee experience with locally compliant benefits
Cons
- ✗Higher cost for EOR compared to some competitors
- ✗HRIS features are basic beyond global employment
- ✗Limited customization for benefits packages in some countries
Gusto vs Remote.com: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Remote.com |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | $29/contractor/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Companies hiring full-time employees internationally |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Remote.com Features
- ✓EOR services
- ✓global payroll
- ✓contractor management
- ✓benefits
- ✓IP protection
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 Remote.com if companies hiring full-time employees internationally.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Companies hiring full-time employees internationally
How Gusto and Remote.com Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Remote.com 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 Remote.com?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Remote.com is best for companies hiring full-time employees internationally.
Which is better, Gusto or Remote.com?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Remote.com if companies hiring full-time employees internationally.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Remote.com cost?
Remote.com starts at $29/contractor/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Remote.com?
Companies hiring full-time employees internationally
