Gusto vs Teamwork
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.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a project management platform built specifically for client-facing teams and agencies. It includes built-in time tracking, invoicing, and client portals that make it ideal for professional services businesses managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Teamwork helps agencies deliver projects on time and on budget while keeping clients informed.
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
- ✓Built specifically for agencies and client-facing teams
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Client portal keeps clients informed without giving full system access
- ✓Strong resource and budget management features
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for internal team project management
- ✗Interface feels less modern than competitors
- ✗Some key features only on higher paid tiers
- ✗Can be complex to set up for new users
Gusto vs Teamwork: Side by Side
| Factor | Gusto | Teamwork |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/employee | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses under 100 employees | Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Teamwork Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓client portals
- ✓resource management
- ✓milestones
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓budgets
- ✓collaboration tools
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 Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Best For
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects
Also Consider
If neither Gusto nor Teamwork 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 Teamwork?
Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees. Teamwork is best for agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
Which is better, Gusto or Teamwork?
Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees. Choose Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Teamwork cost?
Teamwork starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees
Who should use Teamwork?
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects