Is ADP better than Gusto?

No. Gusto is the better choice for most small businesses. It starts at $49/month versus ADP's $79/month, has a higher G2 rating of 4.6 compared to ADP's 4.2, and users consistently praise its ease of use and faster setup process. ADP's higher cost and more complex interface make it less suitable for teams under 50 employees.

How much more expensive is ADP than Gusto?

ADP's Starter plan begins at $79/month plus $4 per employee monthly, while Gusto's Starter plan costs $49/month plus per-employee fees. For a 10-person company, ADP runs approximately $119/month ($79 + $40), whereas Gusto costs roughly $99/month ($49 + $50). ADP's higher base fee makes it 20% more expensive at small scale. However, ADP's higher tiers lack published pricing, requiring custom quotes, which may offer volume discounts unavailable in Gusto's transparent tiered structure.

What are the main feature differences between Gusto and ADP?

Gusto includes time tracking, shift scheduling, and project cost reporting on all plans, while ADP limits automated time tracking to its Premium tier. Gusto's native ATS integrates with external platforms like Greenhouse, whereas ADP's recruiting module includes AI-powered candidate sourcing and scoring built in. ADP offers 401(k) tracking and multi-country payroll tax via GlobalView for enterprise clients; Gusto handles US payroll only. Both provide benefits administration, but ADP's full suite requires the Plus plan and above. For small teams under 50 employees, Gusto's feature set is more complete at the entry level.

How difficult is it to migrate from ADP to Gusto?

Migration from ADP to Gusto is straightforward for payroll data. Gusto accepts historical payroll records, tax filings, and employee information in standard formats, and the setup process is designed to be quickΓÇömost small businesses complete it within days. However, you'll need to reconfigure benefits elections, update direct deposit authorizations, and re-enter any custom workflows or report templates. ADP's limited API flexibility means custom integrations won't transfer automatically, so you may need to rebuild connections to accounting software or time-tracking systems. Gusto's support team can assist with data mapping, but the process requires some internal coordination to ensure no payroll gaps occur between systems.

Does Gusto have better integrations and support than ADP?

Yes, but with important caveats. Gusto integrates with essential platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and major ATS tools, covering most small-business workflows. ADP offers 350+ pre-built integrations through its Marketplace, providing broader coverage for enterprise needs. On support, both face criticism: ADP users report slow response times and difficulty resolving issues, while Gusto users cite poor support and limited communication options. For small businesses under 50 employees, Gusto's focused integration library and responsive setup support outweigh ADP's broader but slower support infrastructure.

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ADP vs Gusto: Which Is Better in 2026?

Reviewed by the PickMySaaS editorial team · Last updated: May 21, 2026

ADP From $79/mo

Gusto From $49/mo

Quick answer: Gusto wins for small businesses prioritizing ease of use and affordability. It starts at $49/month with a 4.6 G2 rating across 9,395 reviews, compared to ADP's $79/month and 4.2 rating. Gusto's simpler interface and faster setup make it the stronger choice for teams under 50 employees.

Gusto is the better choice for small businesses seeking simplicity and lower cost. Gusto wins

Gusto delivers superior ease of use, faster onboarding, and lower entry pricing than ADP Workforce Now. While both platforms handle core payroll and compliance, Gusto's streamlined interface and included time tracking on all plans reduce friction for small teams. ADP's strength lies in advanced AI hiring features and deeper customization for larger organizations, but those capabilities come at a premium and steeper learning curve.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	ADP	Gusto
401(k) Tracking	Yes Track 401(k) participant contributions and employer match	No
ACA Reporting	Yes Collect data and compile reports to stay in compliance with Affordable Care Act requirements	No
Benefits dashboard	Yes Offers a clear interface for viewing benefit plans, tracking vacation and sick hours, and managing enrollment. Users appreciate the simplicity and autonomy it provides, though some note partial integration gaps.	No

Verdict Scores — How we score →

Feature Comparison

Feature	ADP	Gusto
401(k) Tracking	Yes Track 401(k) participant contributions and employer match	No
ACA Reporting	Yes Collect data and compile reports to stay in compliance with Affordable Care Act requirements	No
Benefits dashboard	Yes Offers a clear interface for viewing benefit plans, tracking vacation and sick hours, and managing enrollment. Users appreciate the simplicity and autonomy it provides, though some note partial integration gaps.	No
Candidate tracking	Yes Supports applicant progress monitoring, onboarding paperwork, and internal referrals. Reviewers find it useful for managing multiple roles and maintaining hiring workflows in high-turnover environments.	No
Clock in/out	Yes Tracks work hours and attendance with mobile and desktop access. Teams mention biometric readers, location restrictions, and the ability to correct missed punches, which supports payroll accuracy.	No
Direct deposit	Yes Allows employees to split deposits across multiple accounts and receive timely, secure payments. YouΓÇÖll get note real-time updates, clear breakdowns of pay, and reduced reliance on paper checks.	No
Employee Database	Yes Electronic storage of staff/employee contact information and job status in a centralized repository	No
Employee self-service	Yes Enables employees to manage payroll, benefits, and personal data independently. Teams highlight time savings, easy access to pay statements, and the ability to submit paperwork without involving HR.	No
Payroll reporting	Yes Generates detailed reports on earnings, deductions, and tax data. Your team will value its role in audits and budgeting, with easy access to historical data and visual comparisons.	No
Administration (Payroll)	Yes Continuous payroll calculation with AI anomaly detection; pay-at-any-time with no extra off-cycle fees.	Yes Unlimited payroll runs with instant or same-day pay options; AutoPilot for fully automated scheduled payroll runs.
Agentic AI - Onboarding	Yes Agentic onboarding automation supported via AI-driven workflow triggers; not offered as standalone agent product.	Yes Agentic onboarding with autonomous task execution and adaptive learning listed; depth limited versus enterprise platforms.
Agentic AI - Performance Management	Yes Multi-step planning and natural language interaction for performance workflows listed; limited depth compared to Workday.	Yes Multi-step planning and natural language interaction for performance workflows listed; not a marketed standalone capability.
Benefits Administration	Yes ACA and COBRA administration automated; benefits features are tiered ΓÇö full administration is on Plus plan and above.	Yes Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) built in with brokerage support; US-only benefits ΓÇö no international benefits administration.
Core HR Platform	Yes Targets 50ΓÇô999 employees; backed by data from 42M+ employees for embedded compensation benchmarking.	Yes Centralised employee records with document storage; best suited for US-based teams under 200.
Employee Self Service	Yes ADP Mobile app available on all plans; includes ADP Connect for social-style employee communication.	Yes Mobile app for payslips, time-off requests, and benefits enrollment; available on all plans including entry-level Simple.
Generative AI	Yes AI-generated job descriptions and payroll anomaly detection embedded; AI assistant for HR queries available platform-wide.	Yes AI text generation and summarization embedded; R&D tax credit identification via AI is a unique payroll-linked feature.
Integration	Yes ADP Marketplace offers 350+ pre-built partner integrations; users report limited API flexibility for custom builds.	Yes Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Clover, TSheets, and major ATS platforms; smaller library than Rippling or ADP.
Monitoring / Compliance	Yes Multi-state payroll compliance in all 50 US states; OSHA and multi-jurisdiction compliance tools available across plans.	Yes ACA compliance and multi-state payroll compliance across all 50 US states; no native international compliance capability.
Onboarding	Yes Onboarding workflows and e-signatures included; advanced onboarding automation requires Premium tier.	Yes Self-onboarding with e-signatures, offer letters, and app provisioning; custom onboarding checklists available on all plans.
Performance Management	Yes 360 reviews, goal tracking, and performance workflows included; calibration and talent analytics on higher tiers.	Yes Goal tracking, performance review templates, and feedback tools available; 360 reviews available but no calibration tooling.
Recruiting & Onboarding	Yes Native ATS with AI-powered sourcing and job description generation; candidate scoring available on Premium.	Yes Native ATS with job postings and applicant tracking; no AI-powered candidate screening ΓÇö integrates with Greenhouse and Lever.
Taxes	Yes Full-service federal, state, and local tax filing for US; multi-country payroll tax via ADP GlobalView for enterprise.	Yes Auto-files federal, state, and local taxes in all 50 US states; contractor payments in 120+ countries but no international employee payroll tax.
Workforce / Time & Attendance Management	Yes Automated time tracking with scheduling is included only on the Premium plan; lower tiers require manual entry.	Yes Time tracking with geolocation and shift scheduling included; project tracking and cost reports on Plus and above.

Highlighted rows indicate features where the tools differ.

Pros & Cons

Based on G2 reviews. Source: our review methodology.

ADP

Pros

Users appreciate the ease of use of ADP Workforce Now, finding it intuitive for both admins and employees.

Users find the ease of use and helpful guidance in ADP Workforce Now highly beneficial for all.

Users appreciate the reliable centralized payroll management of ADP Workforce Now, simplifying HR tasks and enhancing efficiency.

Users value the integrated platform of ADP Workforce Now, simplifying payroll and providing seamless access to various modules.

Cons

Users experience poor customer support, with slow response times and difficulty in resolving issues effectively.

Users find ADP Workforce Now to be not user-friendly, struggling with navigation and a clunky report process.

Users find the missing features frustrating, as it complicates navigation and resolution of issues in ADP Workforce Now.

Users struggle with navigation difficulties, finding the interface unintuitive and workflows overly complex, leading to frustration.

Gusto

Pros

Users appreciate Gusto's ease of use, noting its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process.

Users appreciate the effortless payroll automation Gusto provides, significantly reducing stress and saving valuable time.

Users love Gusto for its easy setup, enabling a quick start and hassle-free payroll management experience.

Users appreciate the user-friendly design of Gusto, finding the platform seamless and accessible for payroll management.

Cons

Users find Gusto's missing features frustrating, particularly in expense tracking and report customization options.

Users experience poor customer support, facing difficulties in reaching representatives and limited communication options.

Users report payroll issues like confusion over paused payroll and complications with manual entries for complex pay structures.

Users experience login issues with Gusto, often needing multiple attempts and managing another separate account.

Pricing

ADP

Plan	Monthly	Annual
Starter	$79/mo	$79/mo
Contact ADP for pricing	Custom	—
Growth	Custom	—
Pro	Custom	—

Gusto

Plan	Monthly	Annual
Starter	$49/mo	$49/mo
Growth	$80/mo	$80/mo
Pro	$180/mo	$180/mo

Ratings & Reviews

ADP

4.2/5 G2 · 3,984 reviews

4.4/5 Capterra

Users consistently praise the ease of use and centralized access to payroll and HR functions in ADP Workforce Now, highlighting its ability to streamline administrative tasks and reduce errors. Many appreciate the comprehensive features that allow for efficient management of employee data, although some note that the customer support can be inconsistent, making it challenging to resolve issues quickly.

Gusto

4.6/5 G2 · 9,395 reviews

4.6/5 Capterra

Users consistently praise Gusto for its ease of use and user-friendly interface, which simplifies payroll and HR tasks. Many appreciate the seamless onboarding process and the ability to manage payroll and benefits all in one place, making it a valuable tool for small businesses. However, some users note that customer support can be inconsistent, which may lead to delays in resolving issues.

Who Should Choose Which?

You are a small business owner with 20ΓÇô40 employees in a service industry. You need payroll, benefits, and basic time tracking without complexity. Gusto's all-in-one platform, included time tracking, and straightforward mobile app let you manage operations without IT support. The $49/month base fee plus per-employee cost is transparent and predictable, and setup takes days, not weeks. Direct deposit, tax filing, and employee self-service are built in across all tiers.

You are an HR manager at a mid-sized healthcare provider (100ΓÇô300 employees) needing advanced hiring, performance management, and multi-state compliance. ADP Workforce Now's AI-powered candidate sourcing, anomaly detection in payroll, and deeper customization options justify the higher cost. However, expect a steeper onboarding curve and potential support delays. ADP's 350+ integrations and enterprise-grade compliance tools are valuable if your team has the bandwidth to configure them.

Bottom Line

Gusto is the better choice for small businesses seeking simplicity, speed, and affordability.

Visit ADP → Visit Gusto →

Read ADP review → Read Gusto review →

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADP better than Gusto?

No. Gusto is the better choice for most small businesses. It starts at $49/month versus ADP's $79/month, has a higher G2 rating of 4.6 compared to ADP's 4.2, and users consistently praise its ease of use and faster setup process. ADP's higher cost and more complex interface make it less suitable for teams under 50 employees.
How much more expensive is ADP than Gusto?

ADP's Starter plan begins at $79/month plus $4 per employee monthly, while Gusto's Starter plan costs $49/month plus per-employee fees. For a 10-person company, ADP runs approximately $119/month ($79 + $40), whereas Gusto costs roughly $99/month ($49 + $50). ADP's higher base fee makes it 20% more expensive at small scale. However, ADP's higher tiers lack published pricing, requiring custom quotes, which may offer volume discounts unavailable in Gusto's transparent tiered structure.
What are the main feature differences between Gusto and ADP?

Gusto includes time tracking, shift scheduling, and project cost reporting on all plans, while ADP limits automated time tracking to its Premium tier. Gusto's native ATS integrates with external platforms like Greenhouse, whereas ADP's recruiting module includes AI-powered candidate sourcing and scoring built in. ADP offers 401(k) tracking and multi-country payroll tax via GlobalView for enterprise clients; Gusto handles US payroll only. Both provide benefits administration, but ADP's full suite requires the Plus plan and above. For small teams under 50 employees, Gusto's feature set is more complete at the entry level.
How difficult is it to migrate from ADP to Gusto?

Migration from ADP to Gusto is straightforward for payroll data. Gusto accepts historical payroll records, tax filings, and employee information in standard formats, and the setup process is designed to be quickΓÇömost small businesses complete it within days. However, you'll need to reconfigure benefits elections, update direct deposit authorizations, and re-enter any custom workflows or report templates. ADP's limited API flexibility means custom integrations won't transfer automatically, so you may need to rebuild connections to accounting software or time-tracking systems. Gusto's support team can assist with data mapping, but the process requires some internal coordination to ensure no payroll gaps occur between systems.
Does Gusto have better integrations and support than ADP?

Yes, but with important caveats. Gusto integrates with essential platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and major ATS tools, covering most small-business workflows. ADP offers 350+ pre-built integrations through its Marketplace, providing broader coverage for enterprise needs. On support, both face criticism: ADP users report slow response times and difficulty resolving issues, while Gusto users cite poor support and limited communication options. For small businesses under 50 employees, Gusto's focused integration library and responsive setup support outweigh ADP's broader but slower support infrastructure.