Gusto vs Paylocity: Which Payroll Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Gusto vs Paylocity, in 15 seconds
Choose Gusto if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You want to trial before paying
Choose Paylocity if…
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You have strict security & compliance needs
- You need the broader feature set
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Gusto and Paylocity score
Paylocity leads on 4 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
GustoNo reviewsPaylocityNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Gusto0Paylocity0 - Gusto
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Gusto$49/moPaylocityCustom - Gusto
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
GustoFree trialPaylocityPaid only - Paylocity
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Gusto8Paylocity10 - Paylocity
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Gusto11Paylocity12 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Gusto1Paylocity1 - Paylocity
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Gusto2Paylocity4 - Paylocity
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Gusto4Paylocity5
Feature Comparison
Gusto vs Paylocity feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Gusto
PaylocityPricing Comparison
Gusto vs Paylocity pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Gusto
$49/mo to start- Full-service single-state payroll
- Automatic tax filing
- Employee self-service
- Basic hiring & onboarding
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Time tracking & PTO
- Project tracking
- Priority support & HR resources
- Compliance alerts
- Dedicated support
- Advanced integrations
- Unlimited contractor payments
- 1099 filings
- No monthly base (contractor-only)
- Self-service for contractors
Paylocity
Custom to start- Full-service payroll
- Tax filing and compliance
- Core HR (HRIS)
- Employee self-service
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance
- Talent management
- Learning
- Recruiting (~$3–$5 PEPM)
- Advanced analytics
- Surveys and recognition
- Expense management
- Advanced HR analytics
- Dedicated support
- Advanced integrations
- Custom configuration
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Gusto vs Paylocity: strengths and trade-offs
Gusto
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Paylocity
Pros
- Broad integration ecosystem (10)
- Compliance: SOC 1, SOC 2, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Buyer Fit
Who should use Gusto vs Paylocity?
Startups
Gusto
Gusto keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Gusto
Gusto offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Paylocity
Paylocity connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Paylocity
Paylocity integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Paylocity
Paylocity is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (1)
Only in Gusto (7)
Only in Paylocity (9)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar payroll software products buyers compare alongside Gusto and Paylocity.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Gusto and Paylocity against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationGusto vs Paylocity — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gusto and Paylocity?
Gusto and Paylocity are both Payroll Software solutions. Gusto is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Paylocity is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Gusto or Paylocity?
Based on user ratings, Gusto scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Gusto or Paylocity?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does Gusto or Paylocity have a free plan?
Neither Gusto nor Paylocity currently offers a free plan, but Gusto provides a free trial.
Can I switch from Gusto to Paylocity?
Switching between Gusto and Paylocity is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Gusto vs Paylocity?
Gusto is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Paylocity works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Gusto vs Paylocity
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Gusto
Gusto has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Gusto
Gusto delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.