QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto: Price, Taxes and Features
Both handle full-service payroll and taxes for small teams. QuickBooks makes the most sense if your books are already in QuickBooks. Gusto is a little cheaper per person.
Prices checked on each company's own pricing page on Oct 30, 2026. They change often, so check before you sign up.
QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto at a glance
| QuickBooks Payroll | Gusto Simple | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $50/mo | $49/mo |
| Per person | $7 per employee | $6 per person |
| Payroll tax filing | Full-service payroll: taxes done for you | Federal, state and local, filed and paid |
| Contractor payments | 1099 e-file included | Included. Contractors are billed only in months you pay them. |
| Free trial or promo | No trial shown. 50% off the base price for 3 months. | None listed. Free setup, cancel anytime. |
| Direct deposit speed | Next-day (same-day on Premium and Elite) | Standard (next-day is an add-on or on Plus) |
What 5 people cost
At list price, QuickBooks Payroll is $50 + 5 x $7 = $85 a month. With 50% off the base for 3 months, that's $60 a month to start. Gusto Simple is $49 + 5 x $6 = $79 a month.
The next plan up
- QuickBooks Workforce Premium: $88/mo + $13 per employee. Adds time tracking, HR tools and same-day direct deposit. Elite is $134/mo + $17 and adds expert setup and tax penalty protection.
- Gusto Plus: $80/mo + $12 per person. Adds time tracking, next-day pay and payroll in more than one state. Premium is $180/mo + $22.
Which one to pick
- QuickBooks Payroll if you already do your books in QuickBooks and want payroll in the same place, or you want next-day direct deposit on the base plan.
- Gusto if you want the lower price per person, or benefits and HR tools without switching accounting software.
Comparing more options? See SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll or our payroll price chart for 2026.
FAQ
Is QuickBooks Payroll more expensive than Gusto?
Slightly. The entry plans are $50/mo plus $7 per employee for QuickBooks and $49/mo plus $6 per person for Gusto. For 5 people that is $85 vs. $79 a month at list price.
Do I need QuickBooks accounting to use QuickBooks Payroll?
QuickBooks' pricing page has you pick a payroll plan first and add accounting as a separate step. If you already use QuickBooks, you can add payroll from inside your account.
Does Gusto work with QuickBooks?
Yes. Gusto lists QuickBooks among the accounting tools it connects to.
Which one has a free trial?
Neither pricing page shows a free trial right now. QuickBooks offers 50% off the base price for 3 months, and Gusto has free setup with no contract.
Related deal
New customers save 30% on QuickBooks Online for 6 months, no code needed.
