Build my stackBambooHR vs Gusto
Evaluating BambooHR and Gusto requires comparing two popular options in the hr & payroll space. While BambooHR is widely recognized for its ability to help friendly HR software for small companies., Gusto is optimized for teams that need to focus on small business owners, startups, and agencies wanting automated full-service payroll, state tax filing, and employee benefits.. In this hands-on evaluation, we look at their pricing structures, feature sets, user reviews, and performance to help you decide which tool fits your daily workflow best.
When comparing BambooHR and Gusto, Gusto comes out ahead with a 4.7/5 score for small business owners, startups, and agencies wanting automated full-service payroll, state tax filing, and employee benefits.. BambooHR starts at Custom, while Gusto starts at $40/mo base + $6/person. Choose BambooHR for friendly HR software for small companies., or Gusto for small business owners, startups, and agencies wanting automated full-service payroll, state tax filing, and employee benefits..
Based on our comprehensive evaluation metrics, Gusto emerges as the stronger overall choice for most teams, earning a score of 4.7 compared to 4.3 for BambooHR. A key factor in this recommendation is that Gusto provides autoPilot feature runs payroll automatically on your set schedule with zero manual clicks., which helps streamline workflows. However, BambooHR remains an excellent alternative if your team is specifically looking for a tool optimized for friendly HR software for small companies. and you value well established product with an active user base. Weigh the cost differences and feature limits carefully before making a commitment.
BambooHR vs Gusto at a glance
| BambooHR | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | HR & Payroll | HR & Payroll |
| Our rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Starts at | Custom | $40/mo base + $6/person |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Best for | Friendly HR software for small companies. | Small business owners, startups, and agencies wanting automated full-service payroll, state tax filing, and employee benefits. |
Side-by-Side Feature Matrix
| Feature | BambooHR | Gusto | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier Access | Gusto has free tier | ||
| Native Time Tracking | Built-in timer & logging capabilities | ||
| AI Assistant & Summary | AI text generation & automated summary support | ||
| Custom Views (Board/List/Gantt) | Multiple workspace view perspectives | ||
| Mobile Apps (iOS & Android) | Native mobile app support | ||
| CSV & Workspace Export | Full data portability and CSV exports | ||
| Role-Based Permissions | Granular access controls per member | ||
| Workflow Automations | Trigger-action automation rules | ||
| External Guest Sharing | Client and guest collaboration access | ||
| Enterprise SSO & SAML | Single Sign-On enterprise security |
Where BambooHR shines
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
- Solid documentation and onboarding
- Our full hands-on testing is still in progress
- Pricing can climb on higher tiers
Where Gusto shines
- AutoPilot feature runs payroll automatically on your set schedule with zero manual clicks.
- Calculates and files all federal, state, and local payroll taxes automatically.
- Employees maintain lifetime access to pay stubs and W-2s even after leaving the company.
- Integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero.
- Multi-state tax registration requires manual state account setup by the business owner.
- Next-day direct deposit requires upgrading to the $80/mo Plus tier.
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So which should you pick?
Choose BambooHR if
- Built for friendly HR software for small companies.
- Well established product with an active user base
Choose Gusto if
- Built for small business owners, startups, and agencies wanting automated full-service payroll, state tax filing, and employee benefits.
- AutoPilot feature runs payroll automatically on your set schedule with zero manual clicks.
Migrating from Gusto to BambooHR?
Estimated setup & migration time: ~14 hours for a 10-person team.
💡 Migration Tip: Export all projects from Gusto in CSV format before mapping custom fields into BambooHR. Test with a 3-person sub-team first.
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Gusto (Rated 4.7/5)