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Compare Gusto and Wave Payroll 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.2% of reviews)
Small-Business (93.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $49.00 Per Month
Free Trial 0 NA NA
Gusto
Star Rating
(8,454)4.6 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.2% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $49.00 Per Month
Free Trial is available
Browse all 3 pricing plansWave Payroll
Star Rating
(31)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (93.3% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Not enough data
Entry-Level Pricing
Free Trial 0 NA NA
Browse all 2 pricing plansSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that Gusto excels in user experience, with many praising its intuitive interface that simplifies payroll and expense management. Users appreciate features like the ability to log hours easily and split shifts into multiple time blocks, making it a favorite for startups.
- Users say that Wave Payroll offers flexibility, particularly for freelancers and small business owners who may not have a full team. Reviewers highlight its affordability and the ease of running payroll, which can be a significant advantage for those just starting out.
- According to verified reviews, Gusto stands out for its robust support and onboarding process. Users frequently mention the ease of setup and compliance, which helps streamline day-to-day operations, making it a reliable partner for businesses.
- Reviewers mention that while Wave Payroll is a great tool for freelancers, it may not meet the needs of businesses with more complex payroll requirements. Some users have noted limitations in features compared to Gusto, which could impact larger teams or those needing advanced functionalities.
- G2 reviewers highlight Gusto's strong performance in areas like tax calculation and filing, with many users expressing confidence in its ability to handle these critical tasks efficiently. This reliability is a key factor for businesses looking to avoid compliance issues.
- Users report that while Wave Payroll is a solid entry-level option, Gusto's overall higher satisfaction ratings reflect its comprehensive features and better support, making it a more favorable choice for businesses looking for long-term payroll solutions.
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
Wave Payroll
Receipt scanning
Free Trial
0 NA NA
No set-up fees, no hidden charges, no monthly fee
- Unlimited receipt scanning with our free mobile app Integrate seamlessly with the accounting software by Wave Capture receipts even when you’re offline Say goodbye to paper receipts and spreadsheets Snap a photo of your receipt, we'll automatically fill in the rest Available on Android and iOS Incorporate receipts into your accounting reports Scan multiple receipts all at once No setup fees, monthly fees, or hidden fees
Free Trial
Gusto
Free Trial is available
Wave Payroll
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.4
6,435
8.7
24
Ease of Use
9.5
6,645
9.0
24
Ease of Setup
9.3
5,292
9.2
14
Ease of Admin
9.3
2,265
8.8
14
Quality of Support
9.0
5,361
8.0
23
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
2,263
8.5
14
Product Direction (% positive)
9.2
6,517
7.9
22
Features by Category
Core HR
8.8
904
Not enough data
9.0
921
Not enough data
8.1
795
Not enough data
8.6
845
Not enough data
8.8
864
Not enough data
8.7
870
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
472
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2238
Not enough data
8.0
2045
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2274
Not enough data
9.2
2276
Not enough data
8.9
2182
Not enough data
8.8
2243
Not enough data
9.1
2266
Not enough data
Employee Self Service
9.5
5176
|
Verified
8.3
18
|
Verified
8.9
4676
|
Verified
8.1
13
|
Verified
9.0
4729
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
Administration
9.4
4996
|
Verified
8.4
18
|
Verified
9.1
4608
|
Verified
8.2
12
|
Verified
9.6
5078
|
Verified
8.8
19
|
Verified
8.9
4443
|
Verified
7.9
15
|
Verified
9.2
4655
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
8.8
4157
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
9.1
4367
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
9.2
4540
|
Verified
8.0
10
|
Verified
9.2
4543
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
Taxes
9.3
4853
|
Verified
8.4
15
|
Verified
9.2
4725
|
Verified
7.9
12
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
7.9
11
|
Verified
Integration
8.6
4093
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
8.8
4113
|
Verified
7.7
11
|
Verified
8.8
4159
|
Verified
8.8
16
|
Verified
8.6
3900
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
Platform
9.0
4584
|
Verified
8.4
19
|
Verified
9.2
4570
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
9.3
4827
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
9.2
4450
|
Verified
8.1
18
|
Verified
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1358
Not enough data
8.9
1313
Not enough data
8.4
1218
Not enough data
9.0
1330
Not enough data
9.1
1307
Not enough data
9.2
1345
Not enough data
9.0
1276
Not enough data
8.8
1251
Not enough data
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1358
Not enough data
8.9
1313
Not enough data
8.4
1218
Not enough data
9.0
1330
Not enough data
9.1
1307
Not enough data
9.2
1345
Not enough data
9.0
1276
Not enough data
9.1
928
Not enough data
8.8
1251
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
2238
Not enough data
8.0
2045
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2274
Not enough data
9.2
2276
Not enough data
8.9
2182
Not enough data
8.8
2243
Not enough data
9.1
2266
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
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
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
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
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
773
Not enough data
9.2
778
Not enough data
Platform Administration
8.6
711
Not enough data
9.1
756
Not enough data
9.0
763
Not enough data
Platform Payment Content
9.0
760
Not enough data
8.4
652
Not enough data
9.1
735
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
7.6
241
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
1175
Not enough data
9.2
1176
Not enough data
8.4
1087
Not enough data
8.8
1101
Not enough data
8.6
1093
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
9.2
1153
Not enough data
8.7
1092
Not enough data
8.5
1066
Not enough data
8.9
1112
Not enough data
9.1
1135
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
2238
Not enough data
8.0
2045
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2274
Not enough data
9.2
2276
Not enough data
8.9
2182
Not enough data
8.8
2243
Not enough data
9.1
2266
Not enough data
Recruiting and Onboarding
8.0
992
Not enough data
9.0
1102
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Gusto and Wave 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
Wave Payroll has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Gusto
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Wave 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
5.2%
Accounting
5.2%
Health, Wellness and Fitness
4.7%
Hospital & Health Care
4.6%
Other
74.8%
Marketing and Advertising
10.0%
Information Technology and Services
10.0%
Financial Services
10.0%
Education Management
10.0%
Computer Software
10.0%
Other
50.0%
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
Wave Payroll has no more discussions with answers
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