Gusto vs SurePayroll: Which HR Software Is Right For You?
The selection of appropriate HR software is significant to have easy payroll management, employee data, and compliance. Both Gusto and SurePayroll are reliable HR systems that assist businesses with workforce-related tasks more effectively.
Gusto is associated with a clean design and simple automation features, whereas SurePayroll emphasizes overall payroll processing and dependable employee benefits. The comparison will assist you in identifying the one that fits your business goals, size, and budget.
This guide will discuss all the information you need to make a decision between Gusto and SurePayroll about the cost and usability of the product, customer support, and the value of the business on the whole.
Key Differences Between Gusto vs SurePayroll
- Platform Scope and HR Integration: Gusto is a complete HR tool that integrates payroll, benefits, hiring, and onboarding features. On the other hand, SurePayroll specializes in payroll and tax filing, and the HR add-ons are optional.
- Employee-Centric Tools: Gusto offers self-service pay stubs, leave requests, and financial wellness. In contrast, SurePayroll provides a simple portal with no advanced engagement options.
- Interface and User Experience: Gusto is a modern and user-friendly software with clean integrations. On the other hand, SurePayroll offers basic payroll functionality with a less advanced or traditional design.
Gusto vs SurePayroll: Comparison Table
| Feature |
Gusto |
SurePayroll |
| Benefits administration |
Wide benefits include health, 401(k), FSA/HSA, and insurance. |
Basic benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. |
| HR features |
Comprehensive HR tools, including hiring, onboarding, and compliance support. |
Basic HR functions, lacks advanced engagement and management tools. |
| Payroll processing |
Automated tax filings, unlimited payroll runs, next-day deposits. |
Automatic tax filings, unlimited payroll runs, and no tax filing option. |
| Multi-state payroll |
Supports multiple states with full compliance handling. |
Multi-state payroll is available as a paid add-on. |
| Time tracking and scheduling |
Built-in time tracking with the higher-tier Time Kiosk feature. |
Basic time tracking, integration available as a paid add-on. |
| Reporting & Analytics |
Advanced reporting and analytics for payroll and HR insights. |
Offers basic reports, fewer advanced analytics options. |
| Integrations |
Connects with accounting, time tracking, and HR software. |
Limited integrations mainly with QuickBooks and Xero. |
| Customer support |
Highly rated support with live phone on higher plans. |
Mixed reviews, support via phone, chat, and email. |
| Best for |
Growing small to mid-sized businesses need integrated HR tools. |
Small businesses or households want simple, affordable payroll solutions. |
| Pricing |
Starting at USD 49 per month. |
Starting at USD 20 per month. |
Detailed Feature Comparison of Gusto and SurePayroll
Gusto simplifies the complex processes with automation of payroll, whereby their payroll is deposited within a day, tax calculation, compliance support, and custom payroll rules. SurePayroll mainly comes in to cover basic payroll processing and tax filing with little or no flexibility in variable pay or bonus management or custom payroll schedules, and is therefore more applicable to small companies with simple payroll requirements.
Gusto offers its employees a powerful self-service platform to see pay stubs, request vacation, access financial wellness, and handle personal data online. SurePayroll provides a simple portal primarily focused on pay stubs and tax forms, which does not have many self-service features, engagement features, or financial wellness and HR interaction digital tools.
The onboarding process at Gusto is simplified through digital forms, assignment of tasks, and tracking compliance, making the process of acquiring a new employee easy. SurePayroll specializes in payroll setup of new workers and simple compliance paperwork, with little assistance for onboarding work such as task tracking, document collection, or hooking in with HR procedures for managing new hires.
- Leave and Absence Management
Gusto includes paid-time-off trackers, sick leave, vacation management, and customizable leave policies, which allow managers to have a more accurate account of schedules. SurePayroll has little leave tracking, PTO tracking, does not allow customization of policies, does not have inbuilt approvals, and does not have detailed absence reporting, which would limit its utility to the company that requires a fully-fledged leave and absence management software.
Gusto is an easy-to-manage company that handles a wide range of employee benefits, such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, commuter benefits, and life insurance. Surepayroll offers some basic benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, although it does not provide any depth in terms of benefits coverage, customization, and integrated management. Therefore, it is less adaptable to any business that has complicated benefits programs or multiple benefit types.
Gusto has an in-built time tracking, scheduling, and advanced features such as Time Kiosk, which is used to manage the workforce. SurePayroll does not offer time tracking features, and schedules and attendance management are also based on add-ons or integrations, which is why Gusto is more adequate when companies need to track time thoroughly and manage workforce, including working schedules and time control.
- Performance and Compliance
Gusto provides compliance reporting, regulatory compliance monitoring, audit logs, and performance management. SurePayroll focuses largely on payroll compliance and provides less support for performance tracking or reporting, has fewer tools to evaluate employee performance, regulatory audit, and company compliance management, which can work against businesses aiming to combine HR and payroll compliance services.
When to Choose Gusto and SurePayroll?
| Scenario |
Gusto |
SurePayroll |
| Employee Financial Wellness |
Provides retirement planning, savings tips, and payroll insights digitally. |
Focuses only on payroll basics, no financial wellness tools included. |
| Mobile App Experience |
Full-featured mobile app for payroll, benefits, and HR access. |
Limited app functionality, mainly for viewing pay stubs and forms. |
| Bonus & Incentive Management |
Supports bonus calculation, commission tracking, and variable pay management. |
No advanced bonus, commission, or incentive tracking features available. |
| Custom Workflows |
Allows automated workflows for approvals, PTO, onboarding, and tasks. |
Workflow automation is minimal, and HR tasks are mostly handled manually. |
| Document Storage & Management |
Securely stores employee records, payroll, and compliance documents efficiently. |
Provides basic document access with limited secure storage options. |
Final Verdict: Gusto or SurePayroll
In selecting the appropriate HR software, you have to consider the size of your business, needs, and financial capabilities. Gusto is well-suited to grow companies that require a full HR service, which covers payroll, benefits administration, employee onboarding, and self-service products. SurePayroll is more suitable for small companies or families that intend to use simple and cost-effective payroll with limited HR functions. Gusto provides stronger functionality to businesses that are more concerned with automation, multi-state compliance, and engagement with employees. SurePayroll, on the other hand, offers simple payroll processing and optional taxes, which are applicable to smaller teams or companies with simple payroll. Contact our software specialists or the Techjockey Team to get a free consultation and demo, and select the most suitable option.