Gusto vs OnPay: Which Payroll Platform Wins? (2026)
Both cost $40 + $6/employee. Here's what actually differs.
Quick Verdict:
Gusto wins for most businesses. Same pricing as OnPay but better benefits administration, larger integration ecosystem, and more polished UX. Choose OnPay only if you want pure payroll and don't care about HRIS/benefits features.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Gusto | OnPay | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $40 + $6/emp | $40 + $6/emp | Tie |
| Payroll Features | Full-service | Full-service | Tie |
| Tax Filing | ✅ Automatic | ✅ Automatic | Tie |
| Benefits Admin | ✅ Full (health, 401k, FSA) | ❌ Limited | Gusto |
| HRIS Features | ✅ Onboarding, PTO, org chart | ❌ Minimal | Gusto |
| Integrations | 100+ (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.) | ~30 (mainly accounting) | Gusto |
| Support | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email | Gusto |
| UX/Design | Modern, polished | Functional, basic | Gusto |
Pricing: Exact Same
Both platforms charge:
- Base fee: $40/month
- Per employee: $6/month
- Contractors: $6/contractor/month (Gusto), included in base (OnPay)
At 10 employees: $100/month for both
At 50 employees: $340/month for both
Where Gusto Wins
1. Benefits Administration
Gusto offers full benefits administration: health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA, HRA, commuter benefits, and life insurance. OnPay has minimal benefits features. If you want payroll + benefits in one platform, Gusto wins.
2. HRIS Features
Gusto includes onboarding checklists, offer letter templates, e-signature, PTO tracking, org chart builder, and basic reporting. OnPay is pure payroll with no HRIS capabilities.
3. Integrations
Gusto integrates with 100+ platforms: QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Asana, Trello, Greenhouse, Lever, and more. OnPay has ~30 integrations, mostly accounting software.
4. User Experience
Gusto has a modern, polished interface. Onboarding is intuitive, dashboards are clear, and the mobile app is well-designed. OnPay is functional but feels dated in comparison.
5. Support
Gusto offers phone, email, and live chat support. OnPay offers phone and email only. Gusto's support is consistently rated higher.
Where OnPay Competes
1. Pure Payroll Focus
If you only need payroll (no benefits, no HRIS), OnPay delivers the same core features as Gusto at identical pricing. Some teams prefer a focused tool without feature bloat.
2. Fixed Pricing Transparency
OnPay is known for fixed, transparent pricing. No upsells, no surprise fees. Gusto pricing is also transparent but has more tier options that can confuse buyers.
Real User Feedback
Gusto ratings: 4.5/5 on G2, 4.7/5 on Capterra
OnPay ratings: 4.3/5 on G2, 4.5/5 on Capterra
Both are well-liked. Gusto edges out on features and UX. OnPay edges out on simplicity for payroll-only needs.
Final Recommendation
Choose Gusto if: You want payroll + benefits + HRIS in one platform. Better integrations, better UX, better support. Same price as OnPay but more features.
Choose OnPay if: You only need payroll and want a focused, simple tool. Don't care about benefits or HRIS features.
For 90% of small businesses, Gusto is the better choice at identical pricing.
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Disclosure: We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our reviews or recommendations.