Gusto vs BambooHR
Gusto and BambooHR 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.
Gusto
All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform
Starting from
$40/mo
BambooHR
WinnerIntuitive HR software for growing businesses
Starting from
Free
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $40/mo | Free |
| 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
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
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
Key Difference
The key difference: Gusto offers benefits admin while BambooHR provides performance management. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Gusto
Choose Gusto if you prioritize full-service payroll included, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent benefits administration.
BambooHR
Choose BambooHR if you prioritize exceptionally user-friendly, want to start with a free tier, or value great employee self-service.
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 Gusto better than BambooHR?
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, Gusto or BambooHR?
BambooHR is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $40.00/mo. BambooHR offers 100% savings.
Gusto vs BambooHR: which should I choose?
Choose Gusto if you prioritize full-service payroll included. Choose BambooHR if you need exceptionally user-friendly. Both are solid hr software options.
What's the main difference between Gusto and BambooHR?
The main difference is Gusto offers all-in-one payroll, benefits, and hr platform, while BambooHR focuses on intuitive hr software for growing businesses.