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Compare Gusto and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.1% of reviews)
Small-Business (84.0% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $49.00 Per Month
$500.00 Per Year
Gusto
Star Rating
(8,014)4.6 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.1% 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 ease of use, with many users highlighting its intuitive interface and features like the On-Demand Pay option, which allows employees to access their earnings quickly. This user-friendly design makes payroll management straightforward and efficient.
- Users say that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers a level of control over information that some find beneficial, allowing them to handle payroll without relying on external deadlines. However, this self-service approach can come with a steeper learning curve compared to Gusto's more guided experience.
- Reviewers mention Gusto's excellent customer support, which is frequently praised for being responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the ability to get assistance when needed, enhancing their overall experience with the platform.
- According to verified reviews, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll provides a robust dashboard for time entry and processing, making it easier for users to manage payroll tasks. However, some users feel that the interface could be more modern and intuitive compared to Gusto's design.
- G2 reviewers highlight Gusto's ability to integrate various payroll functions, such as paying both US and international contractors seamlessly. This flexibility is a significant advantage for businesses with diverse payroll needs, setting Gusto apart in terms of functionality.
- Users express that while QuickBooks Desktop Payroll has strong reporting capabilities, Gusto's flexible data views allow for better customization and insights, making it easier for leaders to access the information they need to make informed decisions.
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
6,236
9.3
33
Ease of Use
9.5
6,441
8.9
33
Ease of Setup
9.3
5,117
8.6
14
Ease of Admin
9.3
2,209
9.3
14
Quality of Support
9.0
5,203
8.2
33
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
2,207
8.0
14
Product Direction (% positive)
9.2
6,315
7.7
30
Features by Category
Core HR
8.8
899
Not enough data
9.0
907
Not enough data
8.1
792
Not enough data
8.6
842
Not enough data
8.8
859
Not enough data
8.7
862
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
472
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2237
Not enough data
8.0
2046
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2267
Not enough data
9.2
2272
Not enough data
8.9
2178
Not enough data
8.8
2239
Not enough data
9.1
2263
Not enough data
Employee Self Service
9.5
5105
|
Verified
8.6
17
|
Verified
8.9
4632
|
Verified
7.3
11
|
Verified
9.0
4693
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
Administration
9.4
4936
|
Verified
9.5
28
|
Verified
9.0
4575
|
Verified
8.3
21
|
Verified
9.6
5041
|
Verified
9.8
19
|
Verified
8.9
4432
|
Verified
9.2
19
|
Verified
9.2
4640
|
Verified
8.7
20
|
Verified
8.8
4155
|
Verified
8.9
18
|
Verified
9.1
4358
|
Verified
9.2
12
|
Verified
9.2
4528
|
Verified
9.3
23
|
Verified
9.2
4535
|
Verified
8.9
17
|
Verified
Taxes
9.3
4815
|
Verified
9.4
27
|
Verified
9.2
4691
|
Verified
9.2
22
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
8.5
16
|
Verified
Integration
8.6
4080
|
Verified
8.6
7
|
Verified
8.8
4104
|
Verified
7.6
15
|
Verified
8.8
4156
|
Verified
9.0
14
|
Verified
8.6
3899
|
Verified
8.8
10
|
Verified
Platform
9.0
4558
|
Verified
9.2
23
|
Verified
9.2
4558
|
Verified
9.1
21
|
Verified
9.3
4761
|
Verified
8.9
24
|
Verified
9.2
4435
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1357
Not enough data
8.9
1312
Not enough data
8.4
1217
Not enough data
9.0
1323
Not enough data
9.0
1305
Not enough data
9.2
1343
Not enough data
9.0
1275
Not enough data
8.8
1250
Not enough data
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1357
Not enough data
8.9
1312
Not enough data
8.4
1217
Not enough data
9.0
1323
Not enough data
9.0
1305
Not enough data
9.2
1343
Not enough data
9.0
1275
Not enough data
9.1
928
Not enough data
8.8
1250
Not enough data
8.5
1058
Not enough data
8.3
975
Not enough data
8.9
1040
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
838
Not enough data
7.2
835
Not enough data
7.1
830
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2237
Not enough data
8.0
2046
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2267
Not enough data
9.2
2272
Not enough data
8.9
2178
Not enough data
8.8
2239
Not enough data
9.1
2263
Not enough data
Platform Basics
8.5
183
Not enough data
9.2
191
Not enough data
8.9
183
Not enough data
Platform Performance
8.8
189
Not enough data
8.5
177
Not enough data
Platform Functionality
9.1
184
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
Platform Basics
9.2
773
Not enough data
9.2
778
Not enough data
Platform Administration
8.6
711
Not enough data
9.1
754
Not enough data
9.0
762
Not enough data
Platform Payment Content
9.0
757
Not enough data
8.4
651
Not enough data
9.1
734
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
7.6
240
Not enough data
7.9
242
Not enough data
7.8
243
Not enough data
7.9
244
Not enough data
8.0
246
Not enough data
Platform Content
8.7
1148
Not enough data
9.1
1171
Not enough data
9.2
1167
Not enough data
8.4
1085
Not enough data
8.8
1098
Not enough data
8.6
1091
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
9.2
1146
Not enough data
8.7
1091
Not enough data
8.5
1064
Not enough data
8.9
1110
Not enough data
9.1
1131
Not enough data
Platform Data
8.4
1018
Not enough data
8.7
1057
Not enough data
8.8
1041
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2237
Not enough data
8.0
2046
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2267
Not enough data
9.2
2272
Not enough data
8.9
2178
Not enough data
8.8
2239
Not enough data
9.1
2263
Not enough data
Recruiting and Onboarding
8.0
992
Not enough data
9.0
1094
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Gusto and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll are categorized as Payroll
Unique Categories
Gusto is categorized as Contractor Payments, Onboarding, Benefits Administration, Core HR, and Contractor 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
5.5%
Computer Software
5.3%
Accounting
5.2%
Health, Wellness and Fitness
4.8%
Hospital & Health Care
4.5%
Other
74.6%
Non-Profit Organization Management
14.0%
Accounting
8.0%
Construction
6.0%
Retail
4.0%
Restaurants
4.0%
Other
64.0%
Discussions
Is there an app for Gusto payroll?
4 Comments
MM
Yes it’s gusto wallet but it’s used by employees or payees not payroll provider.
Read more
Why doesn't Gusto take responsibility and rectify the pay problems that they have caused?
2 Comments
Official Response from Gusto
Hi there, we see you've been in touch with several customer support advocates and managers to help go through the situation as well as provide options for...Read more
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll has no discussions with answers
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