Gusto vs SurePayroll
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.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
Gusto vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
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
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
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
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Gusto or SurePayroll?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll