BambooHR vs Gusto
BambooHR and Gusto are both popular options in this category. After extensive testing, BambooHR leads with a 9.2/10 rating, though the best choice depends on your specific needs.
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Quick Answer
BambooHR beats Gusto for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 9/10 and exceptionally user-friendly. Choose Gusto if you need full-service payroll included.
BambooHR
WinnerIntuitive HR software for growing businesses
Starting from
Free
Gusto
All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform
Starting from
$40/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Starting Price | Free | $40/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Core HR | ||
| Payroll | Add-on | |
| Benefits Admin | Add-on | |
| Time Tracking | ||
| PTO Management | ||
| Talent | ||
| ATS/Recruiting | ||
| Onboarding | ||
| Performance Management | Add-on | |
| Features | ||
| Employee Self-Service | ||
| Compliance Tools | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Reporting | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
BambooHR
- Exceptionally user-friendly
- Great employee self-service
- Comprehensive onboarding
- Strong reporting & analytics
- Excellent mobile app
- Time tracking included
- Award-winning customer support
- Payroll is an add-on
- Pricing not transparent
- Limited customization
Gusto
- Full-service payroll included
- Excellent benefits administration
- Very user-friendly
- Automated tax filing
- Great for small businesses
- Transparent pricing
- Limited for larger companies
- Some features cost extra
- International payroll limited
Key Difference
The key difference: BambooHR offers performance management while Gusto provides benefits admin. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
BambooHR
Choose BambooHR if you prioritize exceptionally user-friendly, want to start with a free tier, or value great employee self-service.
Gusto
Choose Gusto if you prioritize full-service payroll included, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent benefits administration.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, BambooHR is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to Gusto's 9/10. BambooHR stands out for its exceptionally user-friendly and great employee self-service. BambooHR also offers better value at its price point. However, Gusto remains an excellent choice if full-service payroll included is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BambooHR better than Gusto?
BambooHR scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 9/10). BambooHR excels at exceptionally user-friendly, while Gusto is better for full-service payroll included.
Which is cheaper, BambooHR or Gusto?
BambooHR is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $40.00/mo. BambooHR offers 100% savings.
BambooHR vs Gusto: which should I choose?
Choose BambooHR if you prioritize exceptionally user-friendly. Choose Gusto if you need full-service payroll included. Both are solid hr software options.
What's the main difference between BambooHR and Gusto?
The main difference is BambooHR offers intuitive hr software for growing businesses, while Gusto focuses on all-in-one payroll, benefits, and hr platform.