PayPal vs Gusto

Evaluating PayPal and Gusto requires comparing two popular options in the finance & payments space. While PayPal is widely recognized for its ability to help the payments brand customers already trust., Gusto is optimized for teams that need to focus on payroll and benefits small teams love.. 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.

PayPal logoPayPal4.04.0 out of 5
vs
Gusto logoGusto4.54.5 out of 5 Higher rated
The quick verdict

Based on our comprehensive evaluation metrics, Gusto emerges as the stronger overall choice for most teams, earning a score of 4.5 compared to 4.0 for PayPal. A key factor in this recommendation is that Gusto provides well established product with an active user base, which helps streamline workflows. However, PayPal remains an excellent alternative if your team is specifically looking for a tool optimized for the payments brand customers already trust. and you value well established product with an active user base. Weigh the cost differences and feature limits carefully before making a commitment.

At a glance

PayPal vs Gusto at a glance

PayPalGusto
CategoryFinance & PaymentsFinance & Payments
Our rating4.0 / 54.5 / 5
Starts at2.99% + fee$40/mo
Free tierYesNo
Best forThe payments brand customers already trust.Payroll and benefits small teams love.
Score by score

How they scored, dimension by dimension

Ease of use Gusto wins
PayPal4.1
Gusto4.6

In our testing, Gusto comes out on top for ease of use with a rating of 4.6 versus 4.1 for PayPal. This difference reflects Gusto's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While PayPal is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.

Features Gusto wins
PayPal4.0
Gusto4.5

In our testing, Gusto is the stronger option for features with a rating of 4.5 versus 4.0 for PayPal. This difference reflects Gusto's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While PayPal is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.

Value Gusto wins
PayPal3.9
Gusto4.4

In our testing, Gusto edges ahead on value with a rating of 4.4 versus 3.9 for PayPal. This difference reflects Gusto's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While PayPal is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.

Support Gusto wins
PayPal4.0
Gusto4.5

In our testing, Gusto has the clear advantage on support with a rating of 4.5 versus 4.0 for PayPal. This difference reflects Gusto's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While PayPal is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.

PayPal logo

Where PayPal 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
Gusto logo

Where Gusto 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

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The decision

So which should you pick?

PayPal logo

Choose PayPal if

  • Built for the payments brand customers already trust.
  • You want a real free tier before paying
  • Budget is tight (from 2.99% + fee)
  • Well established product with an active user base
Try PayPal
Gusto logo

Choose Gusto if

  • Built for payroll and benefits small teams love.
  • ease of use and features matter most to you
  • Well established product with an active user base
Try Gusto
PayPal vs Gusto FAQ

Common questions

PayPal logo
PayPal4.0 out of 5
From 2.99% + feeFree tier
Visit PayPal
Gusto logo
Gusto4.5 out of 5
From $40/moPaid only
Visit Gusto
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Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy PayPal or Gusto through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. We only compare tools we have tested, and commissions never change our scores or which tool we recommend. We currently track 218+ tools.