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Quick verdict

Gusto edges it overall, winning 3 of 4 rating categories. BambooHR is cheaper to start ($10 vs $49).

Choose BambooHR if…

You’re small and mid-size companies that want a friendly core HR system. The HR system small and mid-size companies love: employee records, onboarding, time off, performance and an excellent employee experience, with payroll and benefits as add-ons.

Visit BambooHR
Choose Gusto if…

You’re uS small businesses running their first payroll. Friendly, full-service payroll for small businesses: automatic tax filings, benefits, onboarding and time tracking with transparent, published pricing.

Visit Gusto

Side by side

BambooHRGusto
Our rating4.4/54.5/5
Value4/54.3/5
Features4.4/54.4/5
Ease of use4.7/54.8/5
Output quality4.4/54.5/5
CategoryHR & payrollHR & payroll
Free planNo: demoNo: free setup
Cheapest paid plan (monthly)$10/mo$49/mo
Same plan billed yearly$10/mo -
Top planElite: $25/moPremium: $180/mo
SeatsPer employee (flat rate up to 25)Base fee plus a per-person fee
Trial / refundFree demoFree account setup
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Best forSmall and mid-size companies that want a friendly core HR systemUS small businesses running their first payroll

BambooHR: pros & cons

  • Excellent employee self-service
  • Published per-employee prices
  • Discounts for bundling and nonprofits
  • Flat rate of $250+/mo for small teams
  • Payroll priced separately

Read the full BambooHR review

Gusto: pros & cons

  • Transparent pricing
  • Very easy to run payroll
  • Benefits, 401(k) and HR built in
  • Per-person fees add up as you grow
  • Fewer advanced HR and IT tools than Rippling

Read the full Gusto review

Questions from readers

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