Gusto vs OnPay
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Gusto and OnPay are credible payroll tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Gusto if you want broader platform coverage. Payroll, benefits, and HR for small business.
Choose OnPay if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Simple, affordable payroll.
Gusto vs OnPay: side by side
| Dimension | Gusto | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $40/mo | From $40/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Startups | Smb |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, AndroidWinner | Web |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
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
OnPay key facts
- Vendor
- OnPay
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $40/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto better than OnPay?
Neither is universally better — OnPay 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 Gusto or OnPay cheaper?
Gusto is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $40/mo. Gusto starts at from $40/mo; OnPay starts at from $40/mo.
Can Gusto replace OnPay?
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.