SurePayroll vs Gusto: Which Payroll Costs Less?
Both run payroll and file your payroll taxes. The differences are the price, what you get on the cheapest plan, and SurePayroll's free months.
Prices checked on each company's own pricing page on Oct 30, 2026. They change often, so check before you sign up.
SurePayroll vs Gusto at a glance
| SurePayroll | Gusto Simple | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $29/mo | $49/mo |
| Per person | $7 per worker | $6 per person |
| Payroll tax filing | Federal and state, filed and deposited. Local taxes cost extra. | Federal, state and local, filed and paid |
| Contractor payments | Yes. W-2 and 1099 forms are billed once a year: $50 plus $5 per form. | Yes. Contractors are billed only in months you pay them. |
| Free trial or promo | 6 months free over your first year | None listed. Free setup, cancel anytime. |
| More than one state | +$9.99/mo | Needs the Plus plan ($80/mo + $12 per person) |
What 5 people cost
At list price in one state, SurePayroll is $29 + 5 x $7 = $64 a month. Gusto Simple is $49 + 5 x $6 = $79 a month.
SurePayroll adds its year-end forms once a year. For 5 W-2s that's $50 + $25 = $75. Even with that, it costs less over a year, and the free months cut the first year a lot more.
Which one to pick
- SurePayroll if you want the lower monthly bill for a small team in one state, or you pay a nanny (its household plan is $39/mo with one employee).
- Gusto if you want local taxes filed with no extra fee, benefits and HR tools in the same app, or you plan to hire in other states.
Also see SurePayroll vs QuickBooks Payroll and our payroll price chart for 2026.
FAQ
Is SurePayroll cheaper than Gusto?
For one state, yes at list price: $29/mo plus $7 per worker, vs. $49/mo plus $6 per person on Gusto Simple. SurePayroll bills W-2 and 1099 forms once a year ($50 plus $5 per form).
Does Gusto have a free trial?
Gusto's pricing page doesn't list one. Setup is free and it's month-to-month, so you can cancel anytime.
Can I pay contractors with both?
Yes. Gusto includes contractor payments on every plan and bills a contractor only in months you pay them. SurePayroll pays contractors too and files their 1099s for a yearly fee.
How do SurePayroll's free months work?
Your monthly payroll fees are free in months 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, so 6 free months in your first year. Extras like multi-state and year-end forms are still billed.
Related deal
Payroll and tax filing for small businesses and household employers. Get a 6-month free trial with our referral link.
