Workday Recruiting vs Gusto
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Gusto is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses under 100 employees.
Try Gusto →Read our full Gusto review →Workday Recruiting
Workday Recruiting is an enterprise-grade applicant tracking system built into the broader Workday HCM suite. It offers end-to-end recruiting from sourcing to offer management within a unified platform.
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
- ✓Seamlessly integrated with Workday HR and Payroll
- ✓Strong reporting and analytics
- ✓Excellent for large enterprises
- ✓Unified candidate and employee data
- ✓Configurable workflows
Cons
- ✗Very expensive for small businesses
- ✗Complex implementation process
- ✗Requires dedicated admin
- ✗Overkill for teams under 500 employees
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
Workday Recruiting vs Gusto: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday Recruiting | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/employee |
| Best For | Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data | Small businesses under 100 employees |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Workday Recruiting Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓interview management
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓onboarding
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance
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
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 Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
Best For
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Best For
Small businesses under 100 employees
Also Consider
If neither Workday Recruiting nor Gusto is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workday Recruiting and Gusto?
Workday Recruiting is best for large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Gusto is best for small businesses under 100 employees.
Which is better, Workday Recruiting or Gusto?
Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Gusto if small businesses under 100 employees.
How much does Workday Recruiting cost?
Visit Workday Recruiting website for current pricing.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto starts at $40/mo + $6/employee. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday Recruiting?
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Who should use Gusto?
Small businesses under 100 employees