Compare Gusto and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (83.9% of reviews)
Small-Business (84.0% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $49.00 Per Month
$500.00 Per Year
Gusto
Star Rating
(9,205)4.6 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (83.9% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $49.00 Per Month
Free Trial is available
Browse all 3 pricing plansQuickBooks Desktop Payroll
Star Rating
(50)4.2 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.0% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Not enough data
Entry-Level Pricing
$500.00 Per Year
Browse all 2 pricing plansSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that Gusto excels in user-friendliness, with many users appreciating its intuitive design and straightforward navigation. One user highlighted that Gusto is "simple in the best way," making it easy to manage payroll and HR tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
- Users say that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers a level of control that some find beneficial, particularly in managing their own information without relying on external deadlines. This flexibility is noted as a strong point, especially for those who prefer a hands-on approach to payroll management.
- Reviewers mention that Gusto's implementation process is notably quick and efficient, with users praising the "organized pathway" for onboarding and offboarding employees. This ease of setup is a significant advantage for small businesses looking to streamline their HR processes.
- According to verified reviews, Gusto's support quality stands out, with users rating it highly for responsiveness and helpfulness. One user remarked on the "fast updates/emails," indicating a reliable support system that enhances the overall user experience.
- G2 reviewers highlight that while QuickBooks Desktop Payroll has a robust dashboard for time entry and processing, it may not be as user-friendly as Gusto. Some users noted that the interface could feel less intuitive, which might slow down new users as they adapt to the system.
- Users report that Gusto's pricing is perceived as reasonable for the features offered, making it an attractive option for small businesses. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll's higher entry-level price point may deter some users, especially those with tighter budgets.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Gusto
Simple Plan
Starting at $49.00
Per Month
For small businesses or s-corps needing basic payroll.
- Full-service single-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
- Basic support
- Employee profiles and self-service
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
Annual billing
$500.00
Per Year
- +$5/employee per month
Free Trial
Gusto
Free Trial is available
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.4
6,770
9.3
33
Ease of Use
9.5
6,986
8.9
33
Ease of Setup
9.3
5,601
8.6
14
Ease of Admin
9.3
2,360
9.3
14
Quality of Support
9.0
5,634
8.2
33
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
2,356
8.0
14
Product Direction (% positive)
9.2
6,843
7.7
30
Features by Category
Core HR
8.8
907
Not enough data
9.0
940
Not enough data
8.1
797
Not enough data
8.6
847
Not enough data
8.8
871
Not enough data
8.7
878
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
473
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2246
Not enough data
8.0
2048
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2288
Not enough data
9.2
2288
Not enough data
8.9
2192
Not enough data
8.8
2252
Not enough data
9.1
2272
Not enough data
Employee Self Service
9.5
5266
|
Verified
8.6
17
|
Verified
8.9
4730
|
Verified
7.3
11
|
Verified
9.0
4772
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
Administration
9.4
5114
|
Verified
9.5
28
|
Verified
9.1
4670
|
Verified
8.3
21
|
Verified
9.6
5126
|
Verified
9.8
19
|
Verified
8.9
4466
|
Verified
9.2
19
|
Verified
9.2
4679
|
Verified
8.7
20
|
Verified
8.8
4167
|
Verified
8.9
18
|
Verified
9.1
4378
|
Verified
9.2
12
|
Verified
9.2
4556
|
Verified
9.3
23
|
Verified
9.2
4551
|
Verified
8.9
17
|
Verified
Taxes
9.3
4928
|
Verified
9.4
27
|
Verified
9.2
4783
|
Verified
9.2
22
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
8.5
16
|
Verified
Integration
8.6
4129
|
Verified
8.6
7
|
Verified
8.8
4126
|
Verified
7.6
15
|
Verified
8.8
4178
|
Verified
9.0
14
|
Verified
8.6
3903
|
Verified
8.8
10
|
Verified
Platform
9.0
4639
|
Verified
9.2
23
|
Verified
9.2
4594
|
Verified
9.1
21
|
Verified
9.3
4935
|
Verified
8.9
24
|
Verified
9.2
4489
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1361
Not enough data
8.9
1315
Not enough data
8.4
1219
Not enough data
9.0
1335
Not enough data
9.1
1308
Not enough data
9.2
1349
Not enough data
9.0
1277
Not enough data
8.8
1253
Not enough data
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1361
Not enough data
8.9
1315
Not enough data
8.4
1219
Not enough data
9.0
1335
Not enough data
9.1
1308
Not enough data
9.2
1349
Not enough data
9.0
1277
Not enough data
9.1
930
Not enough data
8.8
1253
Not enough data
8.5
1059
Not enough data
8.3
976
Not enough data
8.9
1042
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
839
Not enough data
7.2
836
Not enough data
7.1
831
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2246
Not enough data
8.0
2048
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2288
Not enough data
9.2
2288
Not enough data
8.9
2192
Not enough data
8.8
2252
Not enough data
9.1
2272
Not enough data
Automation
Not enough data
Not enough data
Logistics
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Management
Not enough data
Not enough data
9.0
5
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
10.0
7
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Monitoring
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform Basics
8.5
183
Not enough data
9.2
192
Not enough data
8.9
183
Not enough data
Platform Performance
8.8
190
Not enough data
8.5
177
Not enough data
Platform Functionality
9.0
185
Not enough data
8.5
180
Not enough data
8.8
177
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
8.8
180
Not enough data
8.4
174
Not enough data
8.1
171
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.3
157
Not enough data
Performance reviews
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Goals
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Feedback
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Agentic AI - Performance Management
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform Basics
9.2
772
Not enough data
9.2
777
Not enough data
Platform Administration
8.6
710
Not enough data
9.1
756
Not enough data
9.0
762
Not enough data
Platform Payment Content
9.0
759
Not enough data
8.4
651
Not enough data
9.1
736
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Agentic AI - Onboarding
7.7
242
Not enough data
7.9
242
Not enough data
7.8
244
Not enough data
7.9
245
Not enough data
8.0
246
Not enough data
Platform Content
8.7
1152
Not enough data
9.1
1176
Not enough data
9.2
1177
Not enough data
8.4
1088
Not enough data
8.8
1101
Not enough data
8.6
1094
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
9.2
1155
Not enough data
8.7
1092
Not enough data
8.5
1066
Not enough data
8.9
1112
Not enough data
9.1
1136
Not enough data
Platform Data
8.4
1018
Not enough data
8.7
1058
Not enough data
8.8
1041
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2246
Not enough data
8.0
2048
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2288
Not enough data
9.2
2288
Not enough data
8.9
2192
Not enough data
8.8
2252
Not enough data
9.1
2272
Not enough data
Recruiting and Onboarding
8.0
992
Not enough data
9.0
1106
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Gusto and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll are categorized as Payroll
Unique Categories
Gusto is categorized as Contractor Payments, Contractor Management, Time & Attendance, Onboarding, Benefits Administration, Core HR, HCM Software, and Performance Management
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Gusto
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Non-Profit Organization Management
5.7%
Computer Software
5.1%
Accounting
5.1%
Health, Wellness and Fitness
4.7%
Hospital & Health Care
4.6%
Other
74.8%
Non-Profit Organization Management
14.0%
Accounting
8.0%
Construction
6.0%
Capital Markets
4.0%
Financial Services
4.0%
Other
64.0%
Discussions
Is there an app for Gusto payroll?
4 Comments
DL
Yes there is just look for GUSTO app to download to your phone doesnt matter if you have OS or Android its available for bothRead more
What is gusto payroll?
2 Comments
ZA
Gusto payroll is a web client platform where you can perform payment for an employees or contractor for your owned business. Simply it is your accounting...Read more
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll has no discussions with answers
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