Running payroll and employee benefits smoothly is important for businesses of any size. Gusto is a well-liked payroll service because it’s easy to use and has great features, making it a top choice for small and medium-sized companies. However, there are many other options out there that offer similar or even better features, which might fit your business needs better. This article will highlight Gusto’s competitors, discuss important features to look for when choosing a payroll provider, and give a detailed look at other alternatives.
What is Gusto?
Gusto is a helpful tool for small and medium-sized businesses that handles payroll, taxes, and employee benefits. It makes these tasks easier to do. Many businesses like Gusto because it’s easy to use and has many features, like direct deposit, automatic tax filing, employee onboarding, and benefits management.
Besides payroll, Gusto also offers health insurance, retirement plans, and helps businesses stay compliant with regulations. It works well with other accounting and time-tracking software, making HR work smoother.
Although Gusto has many good things, some businesses might prefer other options because of cost, how well it can grow with the business, or specific features they need.
Features You Must Consider When Choosing a Payroll Provider
Before switching to a payroll provider, it’s important to understand what features will serve your business best. While several payroll companies like Gusto exist, their offerings can vary significantly. Here are the top five features to evaluate when making your decision:
Automated Payroll Processing
Look for platforms that automate recurring payroll processes, such as calculating taxes and employee payments. Automation saves time and reduces human errors.
Tax Compliance
Ensure the provider handles federal, state, and local taxes accurately. This feature helps prevent mistakes that could result in penalties.
Employee Benefits Management
Some payroll providers integrate benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and workers’ compensation. This integration ensures that all employee-related data is managed in one place.
Integration with Other Software
A payroll solution that integrates with your existing accounting, time tracking, or HR software can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when issues arise. Whether it’s through email, chat, or phone, make sure the provider offers prompt assistance when needed.
Top Gusto Competitors
While Gusto is a popular choice, several competitors offer payroll solutions that cater to different business needs. Below are some of the top alternatives, each with its own strengths in areas such as automation, compliance, and scalability.
1. QuickBooks
QuickBooks Payroll is designed for businesses that already use QuickBooks for accounting. This integration makes it a seamless choice for companies looking to manage payroll and finances in one platform. It automates tax filings and offers health insurance options, making it a strong contender for small businesses.
2. Keka
Keka is an employee experience platform that includes payroll and HR tools. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including attendance management, performance tracking, and employee engagement. Keka is ideal for companies seeking a more holistic HR solution alongside payroll.
3. FreshBooks
FreshBooks Payroll is another option for businesses looking for simplicity. Known primarily as an invoicing and accounting platform, FreshBooks also offers basic payroll features. This service is particularly appealing for freelancers and small businesses that need an all-in-one solution for their finances.
4. Justworks
Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that provides payroll services along with HR tools, compliance management, and employee benefits. It is well-suited for growing businesses that need a comprehensive HR solution with built-in payroll capabilities.
5. Remote
Remote specializes in managing payroll and compliance for global teams. If your company has remote workers or plans to expand internationally, Remote offers the tools needed to manage global payroll, tax compliance, and benefits across multiple countries.
6. Papaya Global
Papaya Global offers an end-to-end payroll solution designed for businesses with international operations. It provides tools for compliance, tax filings, and benefits management in over 140 countries, making it a great choice for businesses with global teams.
7. ZingHR
ZingHR is an HR management platform that includes payroll, performance management, and recruitment tools. It provides comprehensive HR solutions for businesses looking to streamline their operations, making it ideal for mid-sized companies.
8. Intuit Payroll
Intuit Payroll integrates well with QuickBooks and provides payroll services that automate tax calculations, payments, and filings. It is designed for small businesses and includes options for both employee and contractor payments.
9. peopleHum
peopleHum is an all-in-one HR and payroll platform that provides payroll processing, performance management, and employee engagement tools. It is well-suited for businesses seeking a unified system for managing all aspects of human resources.
10. OnPay
OnPay offers a cloud-based payroll solution that is both affordable and feature-rich. It includes automated tax filings, employee onboarding, and benefits administration, making it a good choice for small and medium-sized businesses.
11. PeopleStrong Payroll and Workforce Management
PeopleStrong offers a complete payroll solution alongside workforce management tools. It helps businesses streamline their payroll processes while offering advanced analytics and reporting for better decision-making.
12. Spine Payroll
Spine Payroll provides businesses with a simple, scalable payroll solution that includes features like automated compliance, payroll processing, and employee attendance tracking. It is designed for businesses that want flexibility without compromising on compliance.
13. MSQUARE
MSQUARE offers payroll and HR solutions tailored to startups and small businesses. It helps businesses manage employee data, process payroll, and remain compliant with labor laws.
14. Allsec
Allsec provides payroll solutions for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on automation and compliance. Its global payroll services make it ideal for multinational companies that need a reliable solution for managing payroll across different regions.
15. Breathe
Breathe is a payroll and HR management platform that focuses on simplifying HR processes for small businesses. It offers payroll processing, employee records management, and compliance tracking in an easy-to-use platform.
Use the Most Suitable Payroll Platform for Your Business
Choosing the right payroll software is important for your business to run smoothly. Gusto is a popular option, but there are other choices with different features that might be better for your company.
If you need to pay employees in many countries, Remote is a good option. If you use QuickBooks for accounting, there are payroll software options that work well with it.
When choosing payroll software, look for features like automation, tax help, and good customer service. This will help you find the best software for your business’s needs and future growth.