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ADP vs Gusto

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Payroll and HR at any scale.

Payroll, benefits, and HR for small business.

The verdict

Both ADP and Gusto are credible payroll tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

ADP — Payroll and HR at any scale.

Choose Gusto if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $40/mo) and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Payroll, benefits, and HR for small business.

ADP vs Gusto: side by side

DimensionADPGusto
Starting priceCustomFrom $40/moWinner
Free planNoNo
Pricing modelSubscriptionSubscription
Best forMid Market, EnterpriseSmb, Startups
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb, Ios, Android
Rating4.1/54.6/5Winner

ADP key facts

Vendor
ADP
Pricing
Subscription — Custom
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android
Best for
Mid Market, Enterprise
Editor rating
4.1 / 5
Founded
1949
Headquarters
Roseland, NJ, USA

Gusto key facts

Vendor
Gusto
Pricing
Subscription — From $40/mo
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android
Best for
Smb, Startups
Editor rating
4.6 / 5
Founded
2011
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA, USA

Frequently asked questions

Is ADP better than Gusto?

Neither is universally better — Gusto edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.

Is ADP or Gusto cheaper?

Gusto is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $40/mo. ADP starts at custom; Gusto starts at from $40/mo.

Can ADP replace Gusto?

Yes for most teams — both are payroll tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.