When it comes to managing payroll, the right service can make all the difference for your business. Among the most reputable names in the industry are Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll. While both provide robust solutions, Gusto stands out as the superior choice for several compelling reasons. Here’s why you should choose Gusto over QuickBooks Payroll.
Gusto doesn't just handle payroll—it revolutionizes it by integrating comprehensive employee benefits seamlessly. With Gusto, you get access to an extensive range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans (401(k)), and workers' compensation. These benefits are embedded directly into the payroll process, ensuring smooth management and easy access for employees. QuickBooks Payroll, on the other hand, offers fewer benefits options and lacks the same level of integration, making Gusto the clear winner for businesses that prioritize employee satisfaction.
Ease of use is crucial when it comes to payroll management, and Gusto excels in this area. Gusto’s interface is designed with the user in mind, featuring a straightforward setup and an intuitive dashboard that even those with limited accounting experience can navigate effortlessly. QuickBooks Payroll, while powerful, often requires a steeper learning curve and familiarity with the broader QuickBooks ecosystem. Gusto’s simplicity ensures that you can focus more on your business and less on figuring out your payroll software.
Gusto offers an all-inclusive full-service payroll solution that handles every aspect of payroll processing, including automatic tax filings and payments for federal, state, and local taxes—at no extra cost. This eliminates the hassle and worry of compliance issues. In contrast, QuickBooks Payroll often comes with additional fees for similar full-service features, potentially leading to unexpected costs. With Gusto, what you see is what you get—no hidden fees, just seamless service.
Gusto provides a powerful employee self-service portal where employees can view their pay stubs, W-2 forms, and manage their personal information. This feature not only enhances the employee experience but also reduces the administrative burden on employers. While QuickBooks Payroll also offers an employee portal, users consistently find Gusto’s interface more modern, intuitive, and user-friendly.
With Gusto, you get transparent and straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Their pricing tiers are clear, making it easy for businesses to budget effectively. In contrast, QuickBooks Payroll’s pricing can be more complex and may involve additional costs for certain services, potentially leading to budgetary surprises. Gusto’s honest pricing structure ensures you always know what you’re paying for.
Gusto is renowned for its exceptional customer support. Whether you need help via phone, email, or live chat, Gusto’s knowledgeable representatives are ready to assist you promptly and effectively. Their extensive resources and personalized service ensure that any issues are quickly resolved. QuickBooks Payroll also offers customer support, but many users report longer wait times and less personalized service compared to Gusto. Choosing Gusto means choosing peace of mind.
For businesses with hourly employees, Gusto’s built-in time tracking is a game-changer. Employees can easily clock in and out, and their hours are automatically synced with payroll, reducing errors and saving time. While QuickBooks Payroll offers time tracking, it typically requires integration with QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets), which can involve additional costs and setup. Gusto’s integrated solution simplifies your workflow and boosts efficiency.
Gusto offers robust onboarding tools that make bringing new employees onboard a breeze. From automated form filling for tax documents to digital signatures and customizable onboarding checklists, Gusto streamlines the entire process. QuickBooks Payroll offers some onboarding features, but they fall short in comparison to the comprehensive and user-friendly tools provided by Gusto.
Gusto is constantly innovating, adding new features that benefit small businesses. Recent additions include Gusto Cashout, which allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). These innovative features help small businesses offer benefits that rival those of larger companies. While QuickBooks Payroll continues to improve, it doesn’t match the pace and breadth of Gusto’s feature releases.
Choosing the right payroll service is crucial for the smooth operation and growth of your business. Gusto not only simplifies payroll management but also enriches it with comprehensive benefits administration, an intuitive interface, full-service features, and outstanding customer support. Its transparent pricing and continuous innovation make it the superior choice over QuickBooks Payroll. For businesses that value ease of use, integrated benefits, and an enhanced employee experience, Gusto is the clear winner. Elevate your payroll process and choose Gusto today.