Gusto Pricing Explorer

Gusto Pricing Explorer

Gusto Pricing Explorer

Compare plans, estimate costs, and benchmark against competitors.

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Cost Estimator

Plan:
Employees:
Contractors:
Billing:

Estimated cost: —

Key Takeaways

  • Simple: $40/mo base + $6/employee
  • Plus: $80/mo base + $12/employee
  • Contractors: $0 base + $6/contractor (no W2)
  • Annual = 2 months free (~16.7% off)
  • Health benefits: Broker or Gusto-integrated
  • SMB payroll leader: Simpler than ADP, cheaper than Rippling

Plans & Prices

PlanBasePer EmployeePer ContractorBest for
Simple$40/mo$6/mo$6/mo1–25 W2
Plus$80/mo$12/mo$12/mo25–100 W2
PremiumCustomCustomCustom100+ W2
Contractor Only$0N/A$6/mo1099 only

Competitor Comparison

Plan:
Employees:
Contractors:
Billing:
ToolMapped tierPricing basisMonthly cost
GustoPlus$80 + $12/emp
RipplingCore$8/emp + modules
ADP RUNEssential$59 + $10/emp
PaychexFlex Select$60 + $5/emp
BambeeCore$99/mo flat

Gotchas

  • Base fee applies even with 0 employees.
  • Health benefits: Broker fees extra.
  • Multi-state payroll on Plus+ only.

Average Ratings

G2 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (3,200+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.6 / 5 (2,900+ reviews)

Based on verified reviews as of 2025.

Common Complaints

  • Base fee adds up for small teams.
  • Support slow during tax season.
  • No native 401(k) on Simple.

Common Praises

  • Intuitive UI, fast onboarding.
  • Auto tax filing & payments.
  • Built-in benefits & time tracking.

Plans & Prices

PlanBasePer EmployeePer ContractorKey Features
Simple$40/mo$6/mo$6/moPayroll, benefits, support
Plus$80/mo$12/mo$12/moTime tracking, multi-state
PremiumCustomCustomCustomDedicated support, HR
Contractor Only$0N/A$6/mo1099 payments only

Annual billing saves ~16.7% (2 months free). All plans include unlimited payroll runs.

Add-ons

Add-onWhat it doesImpact on priceBest for
Health BenefitsMedical, dental, vision.Broker fee or Gusto %Full-time teams.
401(k)Retirement plans.$49/mo + $8/participant10+ employees.
Time TrackingClock-in/out, PTO.Included in Plus+Hourly workers.
HR ToolsOffer letters, onboarding.Included in Premium50+ employees.

When to buy

  • Offering benefits or 401(k).
  • Multi-state or hourly staff.

When to skip

  • Contractor-only payroll.
  • Under 5 employees.

Tip: Start with Simple, upgrade to Plus after 20 employees.

Usage & Limits

MeterThresholdsHow pricing changesControl tactic
EmployeesAny$6–$12/employeeOffboard inactive.
ContractorsAny$6/contractorPay via other tools if occasional.
States1 on SimpleUpgrade to PlusCentralize payroll state.
Payroll RunsUnlimitedNo overageRun bi-weekly.