TrustRadius: an HG Insights company

Gusto Reviews & Insights

Score8.9 out of 10

1,262 Reviews and Ratings

Top industries

Based on 1,467 HG Insights installations.

Powered by

Community Insights for Gusto

Synthesised from 37 verified reviews.


Synthesised from 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026


Gusto serves as a comprehensive platform for payroll and HR management, primarily addressing challenges related to manual processing, compliance, and administrative efficiency for organizations. In TrustRadius reviews, users value its ability to automate calculations, manage multi-state tax filings, and simplify W-2 and 1099 distribution. Its exceptional payroll processing capabilities, often described as simple and automated, are a dominant strength, cited by 57% of reviewers.

Reviewers also commend its responsive customer support and streamlined new employee onboarding. However, the mobile application experience is a notable point of friction, with 14% of reviewers citing a lack of functionality and ease of use. Additionally, integration capabilities, particularly with accounting software and retirement systems, and reporting tools are areas identified for improvement. Overall, Gusto is seen as a valuable tool for optimizing operational costs and maximizing strategic output through significant time and cost savings.


  • Automated and simplified payroll processing, including calculations and tax filings.
  • Streamlined management of multi-state tax filings and W-2/1099 distribution.
  • Responsive and helpful customer support for user queries.
  • Intuitive interface and straightforward navigation for ease of use.
  • Efficient and streamlined onboarding process for new employees.
  • Mobile application lacks key functionalities like document uploads and is harder to use on certain platforms.
  • Limited or insufficient integrations with specific accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and retirement systems.
  • Reporting tools can be confusing to set up and use, requiring improved clarity.
  • Healthcare options are not diverse enough in plans and providers.
  • Payroll features need refinement, such as improved hour tracking for split pay and automated payroll runs.
What other products like Gusto have you used or evaluated?

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Reviewers frequently cite experience with other payroll solutions when discussing Gusto, indicating a landscape of established alternatives. The most commonly mentioned alternative is QuickBooks Online Payroll, which 14% of reviewers have used or evaluated. This platform receives mixed sentiment, suggesting that while it is a prevalent option, it presents a varied user experience compared to Gusto. Another significant alternative identified is ADP, mentioned by 5% of reviewers. Similar to QuickBooks Online Payroll, ADP garners mixed sentiment, implying that users find both advantages and disadvantages when comparing it to Gusto or other payroll systems. The prevalence of these two platforms highlights that users often come to Gusto with prior experience in payroll management software, informing their perspectives and expectations.

Quickbooks Online Payroll

Quickbooks Online Payroll

ADP

ADP Comprehensive Services and QuickBooks Online

What positive or negative impact (i.e. Return on Investment or ROI) has Gusto had on your overall business objectives?

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Gusto demonstrably contributes to positive returns on investment for businesses, primarily by significantly reducing the time and effort required for administrative tasks. A substantial majority of reviewers, 51%, highlight considerable "Time Savings," which allows them to redirect focus to core business activities and enhance overall productivity. This efficiency gain is frequently cited as enabling business owners to concentrate on strategic growth rather than operational minutiae. Beyond time, Gusto also generates direct "Cost Savings," noted by 14% of reviewers, by offering more economical payroll and benefits solutions compared to previous providers. The platform's ability to streamline "Payroll Processing" further underpins these benefits, ensuring accuracy and smooth operations, which collectively contribute to a more efficient and focused business environment. These combined effects position Gusto as a valuable tool for optimizing operational costs and maximizing strategic output.

Ease of Use

Easy to train support staff to monitor payroll.

Reduced HR Burden

This is given us back time - filing taxes on our behalf and time tracking integration specifically.

Payroll Processing

Efficient payroll processing.

Besides Gusto, what other software do you regularly use? How likely would you be to recommend it to a friend or colleague?

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Reviewers frequently integrate various software solutions alongside Gusto to manage different aspects of their business operations. QuickBooks Online emerges as the most commonly cited complementary tool, mentioned by 30% of reviewers, primarily for accounting and financial management. This indicates a strong reliance on dedicated financial software to track transactions and manage finances beyond payroll. Other frequently used applications include Google Workspace, cited by 8% of reviewers for productivity and collaboration, and Wave Accounting, mentioned by 5% for its accounting capabilities. Guideline, also mentioned by 5% of reviewers, is utilized for specialized financial services like 401(k) administration. While QuickBooks Online shows a mixed sentiment due to its varied versions and specific use cases, tools like Guideline receive positive feedback, suggesting satisfaction with their specialized functions. The selection of these tools often reflects a need for comprehensive financial tracking, communication, and specialized HR-related services that complement Gusto's core payroll functions.

Wave Accounting

QuickBooks Online, Wave Accounting, Google Workspace, PDF Xchange Viewer and Editor

Google Workspace

QuickBooks Online, Wave Accounting, Google Workspace, PDF Xchange Viewer and Editor

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online Advanced, WooCommerce Subscriptions

Describe how you use Gusto in your organization. What are the business problems the product addresses and what is the scope of your use case?

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Gusto is primarily utilized by organizations as a comprehensive platform for payroll and HR management, addressing challenges related to manual processing, compliance, and administrative efficiency. Its most frequently cited application is payroll processing, highlighted by 78% of reviewers, who value its ability to automate calculations, manage multi-state tax filings, and simplify W-2 and 1099 distribution. Reviewers consistently report a positive experience with the platform's ease of use and onboarding process, with 43% noting its intuitive interface and streamlined setup. Gusto also plays a significant role in ensuring tax filings and compliance, a benefit mentioned by 30% of users, as it automates state and federal tax withholdings and filings. Beyond core payroll, the product extends its utility to time tracking, cited by 16% of reviewers, and functions as a centralized HR platform for document management, as noted by 14% of the feedback, helping organizations consolidate various HR functions.

Payroll Processing

We utilize Gusto for payroll, onboarding, and offboarding of employees, PTO tracking, and HR functions.

Ease of Use and Onboarding

Setup and onboarding with Gusto are simple and very user-friendly.

Tax Filings and Compliance

It addresses problems related to manual payroll processing, compliance, and efficiency in HR operations.

Please provide some detailed examples of areas where Gusto has room for improvement.

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Reviewers frequently identified several areas where Gusto could enhance its product offering, with concerns primarily centered on mobile functionality, integrations, and reporting. The mobile application experience for both owners and employees was a notable point of friction, cited by 14% of reviewers, who described it as harder to use on certain platforms and lacking key functionalities like document uploads. Integration capabilities also emerged as a significant area for development, with 11% of reviewers expressing a desire for more robust or broader connections, particularly with accounting software like QuickBooks and retirement systems. Furthermore, 8% of reviewers found the reporting tools to be occasionally confusing, suggesting a need for improved clarity in setup and usage. Less frequently, but still present, were suggestions for expanding healthcare options to include more diverse plans and providers, as noted by 5% of reviewers. Similarly, 5% of reviewers pointed to opportunities for refining payroll features, such as improved hour tracking for split pay and automated payroll runs. These observations collectively indicate a user base seeking more comprehensive and seamless experiences across various facets of the platform.

Employee Onboarding/Setup

more orientation materials like short videos included in onboarding

Benefits Customization

The full HR suite has room for improvement. Being able to offer benefits beyond the standard healthcare and retirement plans.

Payroll Features

Hour tracking from week to week on split employee pay.

Please provide some detailed examples of things that Gusto does particularly well.

From 37 reviews | Last Published June 10, 2026

Gusto is highly regarded by reviewers for its efficiency and user-friendliness in managing essential HR and payroll functions. A dominant theme in the feedback, cited by 57% of reviewers, is the platform's exceptional payroll processing capabilities, often described as simple and automated. This core strength is complemented by strong customer support, which 27% of users commend for its responsiveness and helpfulness. Reviewers also frequently highlight the overall ease of use of the platform, with 19% noting its intuitive interface and straightforward navigation. Additionally, Gusto receives positive feedback for its time tracking features, mentioned by 16% of reviewers, and its streamlined onboarding process for new employees, which 14% of the reviews specifically praised.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit

Reporting

reports

Onboarding

onboarding new employees

Loading Reviews List....