Lattice vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform that helps companies run performance reviews, set goals, and measure employee engagement. It combines performance management, OKRs, career development, and compensation tools in one platform. Lattice is widely used by tech companies that invest heavily in people development.
Gusto
Gusto is a full-service payroll platform built for small businesses in the US. 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 payroll for the first time.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class performance review and OKR tools
- ✓Strong engagement survey capabilities with actionable insights
- ✓Career development and growth tracking features
- ✓Good analytics for people managers and HR teams
Cons
- ✗No payroll or core HRIS functionality
- ✗Can be expensive when combining multiple modules
- ✗Some users find the platform complex to administer initially
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 and e-signatures
- ✓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
Lattice vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Lattice | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $11/person/mo | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-size companies focused on performance management | Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lattice Features
- ✓Performance reviews
- ✓OKRs
- ✓employee engagement
- ✓career development
- ✓compensation
Gusto Features
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee benefits
- ✓onboarding
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓contractor payments
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Best For
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits
Also Consider
If neither Lattice nor Gusto 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 Lattice and Gusto?
Lattice is best for mid-size companies focused on performance management. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
Which is better, Lattice or Gusto?
Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits.
How much does Lattice cost?
Lattice starts at $11/person/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Lattice?
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits