A clear-eyed head-to-head comparison of Justworks and Gusto — pricing, service model, software, benefits, and where each one fits best. Updated for 2026.
| Attribute | Justworks | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 5–150 employees | 1–100 employees |
| Tag | Modern SMB-first | Payroll-first with PEO option |
| CPEO certified | Yes | Yes |
| ESAC accredited | Yes | No |
| Typical pricing | $59–$109 PEPM all-in (transparent flat pricing — no separate benefits or admin fees, with health premiums passed through). One of the most transparent pricing models in the industry. | Gusto Plus and Premium start around $80/month base + $12–$22 per employee per month for payroll-only. PEO add-on (Gusto Embedded PEO via partner) adds benefits administration. Lower price ceiling than full-service PEOs. |
| Service model | Software-first, lighter-touch service — chat support, email support, named account manager for larger accounts. Self-service is excellent. | Lightest-touch model — primarily payroll software with PEO and benefits layered on. Phone, chat, and email support. No named HR business partner in the standard offering. |
| Health benefits | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser, Anthem. Solid network for small businesses. | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser, others through state-specific networks. Coverage varies by state. |
| Technology | Best-in-class consumer-grade UX. Mobile app, Slack integration, modern dashboard. Justworks Hours for time tracking. | Best-in-class small-business UX. Excellent integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and many SaaS tools. |
| ICHRA support | Yes — supports ICHRA via Justworks' platform. | Yes — robust ICHRA support; Gusto was an early platform to embrace ICHRA administration. |
Small-to-mid businesses (5–150 employees) — startups, SaaS, agencies, small professional services. Particularly strong for remote-first and multi-state hiring.
Micro-businesses and small companies (1–50 employees) with simple needs — agencies, freelance collectives, small professional services, restaurants with one location.
The choice between Justworks and Gusto comes down to your size, complexity, and what kind of service relationship you want.
Choose Justworks if small-to-mid businesses (5–150 employees) — startups, saas, agencies, small professional services. particularly strong for remote-first and multi-state hiring.
Choose Gusto if micro-businesses and small companies (1–50 employees) with simple needs — agencies, freelance collectives, small professional services, restaurants with one location.
For a personalized recommendation that factors in your industry, headcount, location, and specific compliance needs, take our 2-minute quiz — we'll evaluate both of these against the rest of the 30+ PEOs we work with and recommend the three that actually fit.
Justworks typically prices at $59–$109 PEPM all-in (transparent flat pricing — no separate benefits or admin fees, with health premiums passed through). One of the most transparent pricing models in the industry.. Gusto typically prices at Gusto Plus and Premium start around $80/month base + $12–$22 per employee per month for payroll-only. PEO add-on (Gusto Embedded PEO via partner) adds benefits administration. Lower price ceiling than full-service PEOs.. Actual pricing depends on your headcount, industry, and benefits selections — request custom quotes from both to compare.
Yes — moving between PEOs is mid-year possible but most companies time switches to coincide with January 1 (to align with benefits plan year and to reset payroll year-to-date wage bases). Plan 60–90 days for transition.
Justworks: Yes. Gusto: Yes. CPEO certification means the PEO assumes federal payroll tax liability — important in regulated industries.
Both Justworks and Gusto offer master 401(k) plans you can join. Investment lineups and fees vary — compare expense ratios and employer match flexibility during sales process.
Easiest path: use our matching quiz — we'll share your profile with both (if they fit your business) and you'll get apples-to-apples quotes. Otherwise contact each PEO's sales team directly with your headcount, industry, and zip code.
Tell us about your business in 2 minutes — we'll match you with the three PEOs that actually fit. Free service.