Gusto VS QuickBooks Workforce Comparison

It’s challenging to determine which payroll software comes out on top in the Gusto vs. QuickBooks Workforce debate, as both options are among the best payroll software solutions on the market. Fortunately, this means that you’ll have a solid payroll solution, regardless of which option you go with.

Despite an overwhelming overlap in features, Gusto and QuickBooks Workforce differ significantly in their plans, pricing, ideal business, and standout features. Understanding these differences will help you determine which payroll software solution makes the most sense for your business.

Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of Gusto and QuickBooks Workforce, including a feature breakdown, pricing comparison, and much more.

Gusto VS QuickBooks Comparison At A Glance

Gusto is better for businesses that want a broader payroll and HR platform with stronger onboarding, benefits, integrations, and employee management tools. QuickBooks Workforce is better for businesses already using QuickBooks accounting or QuickBooks Time, especially if they want payroll, time tracking, employee records, and accounting connected in the same ecosystem.

QuickBooks Workforce also has an edge for fast direct deposit options. Workforce Payroll includes next-day direct deposit, while Workforce Premium and Elite include same-day direct deposit. Gusto offers four-day payroll on its contractor-only plan, plus faster payment options depending on plan or add-on.

Where Gusto Wins

Gusto outshines QuickBooks Workforce in third-party integrations, HR features, contractor payroll, and overall ease of use. The combination of benefits administration, 401(k)s, and HR resources makes Gusto a strong payroll and HR solution for small and growing businesses.

Gusto wins when it comes to:

Where Gusto Falls Short

While Gusto has a lot going for it, some of its strongest features are limited to higher-tier plans or add-ons. Time tracking, multistate payroll, advanced HR tools, and access to HR experts may require a more expensive plan. Other drawbacks include:

Where QuickBooks Workforce Wins

QuickBooks Workforce wins for businesses already using QuickBooks Online. Its biggest advantage is how tightly payroll connects with accounting, time tracking, employee records, project tracking, and reporting inside the QuickBooks ecosystem.

QuickBooks Workforce is most attractive to businesses that prioritize accounting, payroll, time tracking, and reporting over deeper standalone HR tools.

QuickBooks Workforce stands out for:

Where QuickBooks Workforce Falls Short

While QuickBooks Workforce has a lot going for it, there are a few places where it falls short.

If you use QuickBooks Workforce with QuickBooks Online, you can connect payroll data with QuickBooks’ broader accounting ecosystem and app marketplace.

Gusto VS QuickBooks: Pricing Comparison

Gusto’s full-service payroll plans start at a lower base price than QuickBooks Workforce, while QuickBooks Workforce’s higher-tier plans may be competitive depending on employee count, direct deposit needs, and included time tracking or HR features.

A few add-on payments are available for both QuickBooks Workforce and Gusto pricing plans. Gusto members can purchase add-ons for certain benefits, such as 401(k) retirement plans and savings accounts. QuickBooks Workforce may include or offer add-ons for features such as 1099 e-file/pay, time tracking, HR support, benefits, and multistate payroll, depending on the plan.

While both Gusto and QuickBooks Workforce can pay contractors, only Gusto offers a dedicated contractor-only payroll plan with a simpler pricing structure.

That said, QuickBooks Workforce could still be worth it, as it offers fast direct deposit options, stronger QuickBooks accounting integration, built-in time tracking on higher-tier plans, and stronger accounting-focused reporting.

Gusto VS QuickBooks Workforce: Features Comparison

The features that come with both QuickBooks Workforce and Gusto include all the essentials you’d likely expect from a modern, cloud-based payroll solution. QuickBooks has recently expanded the options it provides for reports and features. However, Gusto also offers a large number of features, such as an employee portal, HR resources, and options for employee management. Take a look at the main features you can expect with QuickBooks Workforce and Gusto.

(Want to take a deeper dive into the world of QuickBooks Workforce and Gusto? Our QuickBooks Workforce review and Gusto review provide an in-depth look at both software options, including a pricing breakdown, features explanations, and much more.)

Only Gusto:

• Has third-party integrations
• Users can edit and update their employee information without contacting an admin
• Includes federal, state, and local payroll tax support
• Offers on-call, certified HR professionals with the premium plan

Only QuickBooks Workforce:

• Has native QuickBooks accounting integration
• Offers partner-supported benefits options
• Can track projects by hour and/or billable labor expenses
• Allows for reports that generate activity feeds, complete with notes, custom project updates, and photos

Is Gusto Or QuickBooks Workforce Better For My Business?

Gusto and QuickBooks Workforce overlap each other in more ways than one. But at the end of the day, whether you choose QuickBooks Workforce vs. Gusto for your business depends on your immediate and long-term focus, what you’ll be using the software for most often, and how many contractors and/or employees you have.

Businesses that require reliable and customizable HR resources and payroll processes should consider purchasing a plan with Gusto. Gusto works best for newer companies that need full-service payroll processing and HR resources, and its entry-level full-service payroll plan starts at a lower base price than QuickBooks Workforce.

QuickBooks Workforce may be the better fit for businesses already using QuickBooks Online, managing hourly teams, or needing payroll tied closely to accounting, time tracking, project tracking, and reporting.

Choose Gusto If…

Choose QuickBooks Workforce If…

While QuickBooks and Gusto are great payroll software solutions, they may not be the best fit for your business. If you’re still not sold on either solution and want something that seems custom-tailored to your business’s payroll needs, check out the best small business payroll software options on the market this year.