Gusto vs SurePayroll – Which One Fits Your Business?

When I started looking for a reliable payroll solution, I compared Gusto vs SurePayroll. Both platforms seemed promising, but the challenge was figuring out which would truly meet my business’s needs. If you’re in the same boat, I get it—choosing the right payroll system can feel like a big decision, especially when you want something simple yet effective.

Gusto and SurePayroll are two popular options for small businesses, each offering unique features and pricing plans. Whether you’re managing payroll for a handful of employees or a growing team, finding the right fit is crucial to saving time and staying compliant with tax regulations.

In this review, I’ll break down the key differences and share some insights that can help you pick the right platform for your business. Ready to start? Let’s go!

Gusto Overview

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses. It’s one of the most popular choices for businesses in the United States. Gusto offers payroll services, HR tools, and compliance features all in one place.

SurePayroll Overview

SurePayroll, a subsidiary of Paychex, is another cloud-based payroll service. It provides small business owners with an easy-to-use platform for payroll processing and tax filing. SurePayroll focuses on helping businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Payroll Features

Gusto’s Payroll Features

Gusto provides a comprehensive payroll solution. Some of the highlights include:

• Automatic Payroll Processing: Gusto automatically calculates and processes your payroll, including federal, state, and local taxes.
• Direct Deposit: Employees can receive their pay through direct deposit.
• Tax Filing: Gusto handles tax calculations and submissions, ensuring compliance.
• Garnishments & Benefits: Gusto also helps with garnishments and deductions like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.
• Multiple Pay Schedules: You can set up weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll schedules.

SurePayroll’s Payroll Features

SurePayroll also provides solid payroll features, though it’s more basic compared to Gusto’s extensive list. Here’s what SurePayroll offers:

• Automatic Payroll: SurePayroll offers automatic payroll processing as well.
• Direct Deposit: Similar to Gusto, employees can receive payments via direct deposit.
• Tax Filing: SurePayroll handles tax filing for federal and state taxes.
• W2 & 1099 Filing: SurePayroll supports W2 and 1099 tax form generation for year-end reporting.
• Employee Benefits: SurePayroll integrates with various third-party benefit providers but doesn’t offer as many in-house benefits as Gusto.

Gusto has more comprehensive features for benefits, HR tools, and payroll. It’s the better choice if you need additional HR functions, like hiring, performance tracking, and more.

You May Read Also: Wave Payroll Review

Pricing

Gusto’s Pricing

Gusto offers three pricing tiers:

• Core Plan: Starts at $39 per month + $6 per employee. This plan covers the basics, like payroll, tax filing, and employee self-service.
• Complete Plan: Starts at $39 per month + $12 per employee. Adds HR features like employee profiles, performance management, and more.
• Premium Plan: Custom pricing for businesses needing advanced features like dedicated support and enhanced security.

SurePayroll’s Pricing

SurePayroll’s pricing is also based on the number of employees and starts at $19.99 per month. The exact cost depends on your specific business needs and the number of employees you have.

• Basic Plan: Starts at $19.99 per month, and includes payroll and tax filing.
• Enhanced Plan: Starts at $34.99 per month, and includes more advanced HR tools.

SurePayroll is the more budget-friendly option, especially if you have a small business with just a few employees.

Ease of Use

Gusto’s Ease of Use

Gusto is known for its user-friendly interface. Setting up your payroll system is relatively easy, and the dashboard is clean and intuitive. It doesn’t require you to be an expert to manage payroll tasks. Most tasks can be completed with just a few clicks.

SurePayroll’s Ease of Use

SurePayroll also has an easy-to-use interface. The setup is simple, and it guides you step-by-step through the process. While it’s easy to navigate, some users report that the interface feels a bit outdated compared to Gusto’s sleek design.

Gusto’s interface is more modern and visually appealing, making it easier to navigate. It’s also packed with helpful features that guide you through the process seamlessly.

Customer Support

Gusto’s Customer Support

Gusto offers excellent customer support with various contact methods, including phone, email, and chat. They have a detailed knowledge base and helpful guides to solve most issues.

SurePayroll’s Customer Support

SurePayroll provides customer support through phone and email, but their service can sometimes feel slower than Gusto’s, especially during peak periods. Some users report delays in response times.

Gusto provides faster and more reliable support, making it easier for small business owners to resolve payroll issues quickly.

Compliance & Taxes

Gusto’s Compliance Features

Gusto takes care of federal, state, and local tax filings, ensuring your business stays compliant with tax laws. It also helps you keep track of changing laws and regulations, automatically updating your payroll system accordingly.

SurePayroll’s Compliance Features

SurePayroll also helps businesses stay compliant with tax laws by filing their taxes and generating the necessary forms, like W-2s and 1099s. However, it’s not as advanced in terms of compliance tracking as Gusto.

Gusto’s advanced compliance features make it a stronger option for businesses that want to ensure they’re always on top of tax regulations.

HR Features

Gusto’s HR Features

Gusto offers a wide range of HR features, including:

• Employee Onboarding: New hires can complete paperwork electronically.
• Time Tracking: Gusto offers an inbuilt time-tracking system.
• Performance Management: Track employee performance and set goals.
• Benefits Administration: Gusto helps you set up and manage employee benefits.

SurePayroll’s HR Features

SurePayroll’s HR features are more limited. It provides basic payroll reports, tax forms, and some integration with third-party HR tools but doesn’t have built-in features like time tracking or performance management.

Gusto’s HR features are more comprehensive, especially if you need to manage employee benefits and performance. It’s an all-in-one platform for both payroll and HR.

Integrations

Gusto’s Integrations

Gusto integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and other business tools, making it easy to sync payroll data. It also connects with many other platforms for HR, time tracking, and benefits management.

SurePayroll’s Integrations

SurePayroll also integrates with popular software like QuickBooks, Xero, and other tools. However, its list of integrations is not as extensive as Gusto’s.

Gusto offers a wider variety of integrations, making it easier to connect with other tools you may already use in your business.

Gusto vs SurePayroll: Which One Fits Your Business?

So, which one is the better option for your business?

• Choose Gusto if you need an all-in-one payroll and HR platform with advanced features and a modern interface. It’s ideal if you want seamless integration with accounting software and robust compliance tools. Gusto is especially suited for businesses with growing teams who need HR features like performance management and benefits administration.
• Choose SurePayroll if you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable payroll solution. It’s a great option for smaller businesses that don’t require advanced HR tools but still want a reliable and easy way to handle payroll and taxes.

Ultimately, both Gusto and SurePayroll are excellent choices for payroll processing, but Gusto shines when it comes to comprehensive features and ease of use. If you want a more budget-friendly option and don’t need the extra HR tools, SurePayroll is a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is better than Gusto?

While Gusto is a popular payroll solution, alternatives like SurePayroll might be better for businesses on a tighter budget or those needing more basic payroll features. However, Gusto’s all-in-one HR and payroll tools make it hard to beat for businesses that require more than just payroll.

Why is Gusto so popular?

Gusto is popular because it combines payroll processing with HR tools, tax filing, and benefits management all in one platform. Its user-friendly interface, automation, and strong customer support make it a top choice for small businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

How long does SurePayroll take to process payroll?

SurePayroll processes payroll within 1-2 business days, depending on the complexity of your payroll and any deductions. For simple payroll setups, it’s relatively quick. However, more complex configurations may take a little longer to process.

Does Gusto handle tax filing?

Yes, Gusto handles all federal, state, and local tax filings automatically. It ensures that your business stays compliant by calculating, filing, and paying taxes on your behalf, which can save a lot of time and stress.

Is SurePayroll cheaper than Gusto?

Yes, SurePayroll is generally more affordable than Gusto. It starts at $19.99 per month, while Gusto’s basic plan starts at $39 per month. However, Gusto offers more features, so it’s worth considering the added value when deciding which platform to choose.

Conclusion: Gusto vs SurePayroll

In the battle of Gusto vs SurePayroll, the right choice depends on your business needs. If you’re looking for a full-featured platform with advanced HR tools and seamless payroll processing, Gusto is the clear winner. It’s perfect for businesses that need more than just payroll.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and need a simple, affordable solution, SurePayroll might be the better option. Both platforms offer reliable payroll processing, but Gusto shines when it comes to added features and ease of use.

I hope this comparison helps you make the right decision for your business. Have you used either of these services before? Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to share your experience!