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Compare Gusto and Wave Payroll 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.0% 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
(7,582)4.6 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (84.0% 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 satisfaction, with a significantly higher overall score compared to Wave Payroll. Users appreciate Gusto's intuitive interface and smooth onboarding process, making it easy to navigate payroll tasks without hassle.
- Users say Gusto's automation features are a standout, as they help keep track of compliance with state and local laws. One user highlighted, "I never have to worry or question if we filed what needed filing," showcasing how Gusto alleviates administrative burdens.
- According to verified reviews, Wave Payroll is favored for its flexibility, particularly for freelancers and small business owners who may not have a full team. Users have noted that it provides a professional appearance while being budget-friendly, which is crucial for those just starting out.
- Reviewers mention that Gusto's customer support is highly rated, with many users praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. This level of service contributes to a more positive overall experience, especially when navigating payroll complexities.
- G2 reviewers highlight that while Wave Payroll is free to start, Gusto's comprehensive features justify its entry-level price. Users appreciate the value Gusto provides, especially with features like direct deposit and tax filing, which are essential for smooth payroll operations.
- Users report that Gusto's performance and reliability are top-notch, with high scores in areas like payroll entry and tax calculations. This reliability is crucial for businesses that need to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, a point emphasized by many satisfied users.
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
6,042
8.7
24
Ease of Use
9.5
6,243
9.0
24
Ease of Setup
9.3
4,943
9.2
14
Ease of Admin
9.3
2,175
8.8
14
Quality of Support
9.0
5,038
8.0
23
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
2,174
8.5
14
Product Direction (% positive)
9.2
6,141
7.9
22
Features by Category
Core HR
8.8
894
Not enough data
9.0
896
Not enough data
8.0
786
Not enough data
8.6
838
Not enough data
8.8
853
Not enough data
8.7
853
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
472
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2234
Not enough data
8.0
2043
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2260
Not enough data
9.2
2263
Not enough data
8.9
2173
Not enough data
8.8
2229
Not enough data
9.1
2259
Not enough data
Employee Self Service
9.5
5043
|
Verified
8.3
18
|
Verified
8.9
4606
|
Verified
8.1
13
|
Verified
9.0
4666
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
Administration
9.4
4871
|
Verified
8.4
18
|
Verified
9.0
4545
|
Verified
8.2
12
|
Verified
9.6
5009
|
Verified
8.8
19
|
Verified
8.9
4419
|
Verified
7.9
15
|
Verified
9.2
4622
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
8.8
4153
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
9.1
4346
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
9.2
4521
|
Verified
8.0
10
|
Verified
9.2
4530
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
Taxes
9.3
4786
|
Verified
8.4
15
|
Verified
9.2
4665
|
Verified
7.9
12
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
7.9
11
|
Verified
Integration
8.6
4066
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
8.8
4095
|
Verified
7.7
11
|
Verified
8.8
4150
|
Verified
8.8
16
|
Verified
8.6
3898
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
Platform
9.0
4538
|
Verified
8.4
19
|
Verified
9.2
4545
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
9.3
4707
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
9.2
4427
|
Verified
8.1
18
|
Verified
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1353
Not enough data
8.9
1310
Not enough data
8.4
1215
Not enough data
9.0
1318
Not enough data
9.0
1304
Not enough data
9.2
1337
Not enough data
9.0
1272
Not enough data
8.8
1249
Not enough data
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
1353
Not enough data
8.9
1310
Not enough data
8.4
1215
Not enough data
9.0
1318
Not enough data
9.0
1304
Not enough data
9.2
1337
Not enough data
9.0
1272
Not enough data
9.1
926
Not enough data
8.8
1249
Not enough data
8.5
1057
Not enough data
8.3
974
Not enough data
8.9
1039
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.2
837
Not enough data
7.2
834
Not enough data
7.1
829
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2234
Not enough data
8.0
2043
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2260
Not enough data
9.2
2263
Not enough data
8.9
2173
Not enough data
8.8
2229
Not enough data
9.1
2259
Not enough data
Platform Basics
8.5
182
Not enough data
9.2
189
Not enough data
8.9
182
Not enough data
Platform Performance
8.8
186
Not enough data
8.5
176
Not enough data
Platform Functionality
9.1
183
Not enough data
8.5
179
Not enough data
8.8
176
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
8.8
178
Not enough data
8.4
173
Not enough data
8.1
170
Not enough data
Generative AI
7.3
156
Not enough data
Platform Basics
9.2
772
Not enough data
9.2
776
Not enough data
Platform Administration
8.6
711
Not enough data
9.1
752
Not enough data
9.0
761
Not enough data
Platform Payment Content
9.0
755
Not enough data
8.4
651
Not enough data
9.1
733
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
242
Not enough data
7.9
244
Not enough data
8.0
245
Not enough data
Platform Content
8.7
1145
Not enough data
9.0
1164
Not enough data
9.2
1162
Not enough data
8.4
1081
Not enough data
8.7
1092
Not enough data
8.6
1085
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
9.2
1140
Not enough data
8.7
1090
Not enough data
8.5
1062
Not enough data
8.9
1106
Not enough data
9.1
1127
Not enough data
Platform Data
8.4
1014
Not enough data
8.7
1054
Not enough data
8.8
1041
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
2234
Not enough data
8.0
2043
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.9
2260
Not enough data
9.2
2263
Not enough data
8.9
2173
Not enough data
8.8
2229
Not enough data
9.1
2259
Not enough data
Recruiting and Onboarding
8.0
991
Not enough data
9.0
1083
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Gusto and Wave Payroll are categorized as Payroll
Unique Categories
Gusto is categorized as Contractor Payments, Onboarding, Benefits Administration, Core HR, and Contractor 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
5.6%
Computer Software
5.3%
Accounting
5.2%
Health, Wellness and Fitness
4.8%
Hospital & Health Care
4.4%
Other
74.6%
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
What is Gusto used for?
2 Comments
PP
Gusto is payroll software. Online Payroll & HR Solutions etc.Gusto handles payments to employees and contractors and also handles paperwork necessary to help...Read more
Wave Payroll has no more discussions with answers
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