Nutshell vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Nutshell is our recommended pick for most teams — small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Try Nutshell →Read our full Nutshell review →Nutshell
Nutshell is a simple and affordable CRM designed for small and mid-size B2B sales teams. It combines contact management, pipeline automation, and email marketing in one easy-to-use platform. Nutshell is known for its exceptional customer support and quick setup time, making it a favorite for teams switching from spreadsheets.
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.
Pros
- ✓Outstanding customer support included with every plan
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Built-in email marketing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Transparent and affordable pricing
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than HubSpot or Salesforce
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to enterprise CRMs
- ✗Limited native integrations compared to larger platforms
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
Nutshell vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Nutshell | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $16/user/mo | $40/mo + $6/employee |
| Best For | Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support | Small businesses under 100 employees |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Nutshell Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
Pricing Comparison
Nutshell
PaidStarts at $16/user/mo
Foundation: $16/user/mo · Pro: $42/user/mo · Business: $52/user/mo
See full pricing →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
Nutshell
- →B2B sales teams wanting a simple and affordable CRM
- →Small businesses replacing spreadsheets with a proper pipeline
- →Companies wanting built-in email marketing with their CRM
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
Nutshell is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex CRM customization
- ✗Teams requiring advanced AI-powered sales features
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Gusto is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex payroll rules
- ✗Businesses outside the United States
Integrations
Nutshell
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, QuickBooks, Zapier, Intercom, HubSpot, Mailchimp
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
Best For
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Also Consider
If neither Nutshell nor Gusto is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Nutshell and Gusto?
Nutshell is best for small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees.
Which is better, Nutshell or Gusto?
Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
How much does Nutshell cost?
Nutshell starts at $16/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Nutshell?
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees