Gusto
$49/mo + $6/person (Simple); automated filings; employee portal.
- From $49/mo
- +$6/person
- Auto tax filing
Business
Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll: which is better?
Short version: Gusto is better for most small businesses, especially first-time employers: guided setup, automatic tax filings and a clean employee portal, from $49 a month plus $6 per person. QuickBooks Payroll is better if your accounting already runs in QuickBooks Online and you want one vendor.
Gusto Simple is $49 a month plus $6 per person for one state; Plus is $80 plus $12 per person for multi-state. QuickBooks Payroll (sold under the QuickBooks Workforce name) lives inside QuickBooks Online; Intuit’s pricing varies by plan and promotion, so compare your full monthly cost with your headcount.
Based on IRS · Gusto pricing · OnPay pricing +1 more
Which one should you buy?
QuickBooks Payroll
Built into QuickBooks Online; see Intuit’s current plans.
- QuickBooks native
- Auto taxes
- One vendor
Prices are official list prices as of October 2026 and can change. Links on this page go to official sites with no affiliate tag. How we choose.
The short answer: Gusto for most, and for anyone not on QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Payroll if you already use QuickBooks Online and want everything in one system.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best payroll software for small business.
Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll: side by side
Swipe the table sideways to see both →
| Spec | Best for mostGusto | Best for QuickBooks usersQuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | $49/mo (Simple) | See Intuit pricing |
| Per person | $6/person | Per employee |
| Multi-state | Plus plan ($80 + $12/person) | Varies by plan |
| Tax filing | Federal, state, local filings | Federal and state filings |
| Best for | Most small businesses | QuickBooks Online users |
| Plans | See plans | See plans |
Why pick Gusto?
Gusto is the easiest way to run payroll for a first employee, with guided setup, automatic federal, state and local tax filings, and a portal for pay stubs and W-2s.
Simple covers one state; multi-state needs Plus at $80 plus $12 per person. Gusto also integrates with other accounting software, including Xero.
Great if you
- Hire your first employees
- Want a clean employee portal
- Are in one state
Skip it if you
- Have employees in multiple states on a tight budget
Key specs
- Simple
- $49/month + $6/person, single state
- Plus
- $80/month + $12/person
- Includes
- Automated filings, W-2s and 1099s
- Contractors
- Supported
GustoPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Why pick QuickBooks Payroll?
If your books are in QuickBooks Online, Intuit’s payroll avoids syncing two systems and keeps payroll expenses in your ledger automatically.
Pricing varies by plan and promotion, so price it against Gusto with your headcount.
Great if you
- Already use QuickBooks Online
- Want one vendor
Skip it if you
- Don’t use QuickBooks
Key specs
- Integration
- Built into QuickBooks Online
- Pricing
- See Intuit’s current plans
- Includes
- Automated payroll taxes
QuickBooks PayrollPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site How to choose between Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll
Start with where your books live. Then compare total monthly cost with your headcount.
Accounting system
On QuickBooks Online? Its payroll avoids a sync.
Total cost
Base fee plus per-person fee times headcount.
States
Gusto Simple is single-state; check QuickBooks plan details.
Employee experience
Gusto’s portal is a strength.
GustoPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll: common questions
Is Gusto better than QuickBooks Payroll?
For most small businesses and first-time employers, yes. If you already use QuickBooks Online, its payroll can be simpler.
Does Gusto work with QuickBooks?
Gusto integrates with major accounting software; check its current integrations list.
How much is Gusto?
Simple is $49 a month plus $6 per person; Plus is $80 plus $12 per person (October 2026).
How much is QuickBooks Payroll?
Intuit’s prices vary by plan and promotion; check its pricing page with your headcount.
How we compared them
We compared Gusto and Intuit official pricing and feature pages and IRS employer tax guidance as of October 2026.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- IRS: employment taxes for small businesses (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Gusto pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- OnPay pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- QuickBooks Workforce (payroll) (accessed October 23, 2026)