Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll: Making Payroll Management Easier
Managing payroll can be a daunting task for businesses of all sizes. Fortunately, payroll software like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll are here to simplify the process. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of these two platforms to help you decide which one aligns best with your business needs.
Features Comparison: Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll
When it comes to choosing payroll software, understanding the features each platform offers is crucial. Here, we’ll highlight the differences between Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll:
Pricing Structure:
- Gusto: Charges a base fee plus an additional fee per employee.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Offers different pricing tiers based on the number of employees.
For smaller businesses with just a handful of employees, Gusto may be more cost-effective. However, as your business grows, QuickBooks Payroll might become the more affordable choice.
Automation:
- Gusto: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust automation features.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Offers automation but may require more manual input compared to Gusto.
Gusto can automatically calculate and file payroll taxes, making it a top choice for those seeking streamlined processes.
Features: Both platforms offer an array of features for efficient payroll management, including direct deposit, time tracking, and benefits administration. QuickBooks Payroll also tracks sick and vacation time, supports custom pay types, and generates detailed reports.
Employee Experience:
- Gusto: Stands out with its focus on enhancing the employee experience.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Offers employee-focused features like online pay stubs and W-2 forms.
Gusto provides onboarding tools, self-service portals, and access to HR experts to create a positive employee experience.
Mobile Apps: Both Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll offer mobile apps for on-the-go payroll management. Gusto’s app includes features like time tracking, employee profiles, and pay stub access. QuickBooks Payroll’s app allows users to run payroll, view employee information, and access reports from their mobile devices.
Customer Support:
- Gusto: Known for providing excellent customer support via phone, email, and chat.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Offers phone and chat support, as well as a community forum and knowledge base.
Pricing Comparison: Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll
Understanding the cost of using Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll is essential for budget-conscious businesses. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Gusto:
- Base plan starts at $39 per month.
- Additional $6 per employee.
- Higher-tier plans include time tracking and HR tools.
QuickBooks Payroll:
- Basic plan starts at $45 per month.
- Additional $4 per employee.
- Full-service plan can cost up to $125 per month, with an extra $10 per employee.
QuickBooks Payroll’s pricing offers more flexibility, but it can be challenging to compare costs across different plans.
Both platforms offer free trials, allowing you to explore their services before making a commitment.
User Experience Comparison: Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll
User experience plays a significant role in payroll management efficiency. Here’s how Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll compare in terms of user-friendliness and integration:
Gusto:
- Known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
- Offers dedicated support teams available via phone, email, or chat.
- Provides a comprehensive help center with articles and videos.
QuickBooks Payroll:
- Seamless integration with other QuickBooks products, ideal for existing QuickBooks users.
- Mobile app for easy on-the-go payroll management.
- Offers dedicated payroll experts for higher-tier plans.
Customer Support Comparison: Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll
Responsive customer support is crucial when using payroll software. Here’s how Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll stack up in terms of customer support:
Gusto:
- Offers excellent customer support via phone, email, and chat.
- Provides a dedicated representative to assist until your issue is resolved.
- Comprehensive help center with articles, videos, and FAQs.
QuickBooks Payroll:
- Customer support available via phone, email, and chat.
- Integrated support within QuickBooks software.
- Offers access to dedicated payroll experts for higher-tier plans.
While both platforms offer responsive support, Gusto’s personalized approach and extended customer support hours give it an edge. Additionally, Gusto’s comprehensive help center provides abundant resources for self-help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Gusto, and what is QuickBooks Payroll?
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR software platform designed to simplify payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR tasks for businesses. It offers features like automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and employee self-service tools.
QuickBooks Payroll, on the other hand, is a payroll service offered by QuickBooks, a popular accounting software. QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting, making it convenient for businesses that already use QuickBooks for financial management.
2. How does pricing differ between Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll?
Gusto offers pricing based on a base fee plus an additional fee per employee. The cost increases as you add more employees, making it a potentially cost-effective choice for small businesses with fewer employees.
QuickBooks Payroll provides different pricing tiers depending on the level of service you require. While it offers more pricing flexibility, it may be harder to compare costs across different plans.
3. Which platform offers better automation for payroll processing?
Gusto is known for its robust automation features, including automated tax calculations and filings. It streamlines payroll processes, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking efficiency and accuracy.
QuickBooks Payroll also offers automation features but may not be as comprehensive as Gusto. Some tasks may require more manual input.
4. What features are offered by Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll?
Both Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll provide essential payroll features such as direct deposit, time tracking, and benefits administration. QuickBooks Payroll offers additional tools like tracking sick and vacation time, creating custom pay types, and generating detailed reports.
5. How do Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll focus on the employee experience?
Gusto emphasizes the employee experience by providing onboarding tools, self-service portals, and access to HR experts. Employees can access their pay stubs, tax forms, and request time off conveniently.
QuickBooks Payroll also offers employee-focused features, including online access to pay stubs and W-2 forms.
6. Do Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll have mobile apps?
Yes, both Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll offer mobile apps. These apps allow users to manage payroll tasks on-the-go, including running payroll, viewing employee information, and accessing reports.
7. How is customer support provided by Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll?
Gusto is known for its excellent customer support, offering phone, email, and chat support. They assign dedicated representatives to assist until your issue is resolved. Additionally, Gusto provides a comprehensive help center with articles, videos, and FAQs.
QuickBooks Payroll offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. While they provide integrated support within the QuickBooks software, some users have reported varying response times.
8. Can I test Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll before committing?
Yes, both Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll offer free trials. These trials allow you to explore their platforms, test their features, and determine which one best suits your business’s needs before making a commitment.
