Streak vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Streak is our recommended pick for most teams — solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Try Streak →Read our full Streak review →Streak
Streak is a CRM built directly inside Gmail, allowing users to manage their sales pipeline without ever leaving their inbox. It turns Gmail into a fully functional CRM with pipelines, contact tracking, and email tools. Streak is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams that do all their business communication through Gmail.
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
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail — zero context switching
- ✓Free plan is genuinely useful for individuals
- ✓Easy to set up in minutes
- ✓Great for solopreneurs and freelancers
Cons
- ✗Only works if your team uses Gmail
- ✗Not suitable for large teams or complex sales processes
- ✗Limited features compared to standalone CRM 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
Streak vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Streak | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $40/mo + $6/employee |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail | Small businesses under 100 employees |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Streak Features
- ✓Gmail-based pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓mail merge
- ✓contact management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓collaboration
Gusto Features
- ✓Payroll automation
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
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
Streak
- →Gmail users wanting CRM built into their inbox
- →Small teams managing deals without switching apps
- →Businesses wanting a simple pipeline in Google Workspace
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
Streak is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Teams not using Gmail as their primary email
- ✗Companies needing advanced reporting and forecasting
- ✗Businesses requiring dedicated mobile CRM apps
Gusto is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex payroll rules
- ✗Businesses outside the United States
Integrations
Streak
Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Zapier, Slack
Gusto
QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Clover, When I Work, Deputy, BambooHR, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
Best For
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Also Consider
If neither Streak 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 Streak and Gusto?
Streak is best for solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees.
Which is better, Streak or Gusto?
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
How much does Streak cost?
Streak starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Streak?
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees