BambooHR vs Gusto 2026
Quick Verdict
BambooHR and Gusto are closely matched with similar ratings (4.5 vs 4.6). BambooHR is more affordable at $6/user/mo vs $40/mo + $6/user. Both are strong options in the HR & Payroll category. Choose based on your specific needs, team size, and feature priorities.
BambooHR
Gusto
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BambooHR | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| employee records | ||
| time off tracking | ||
| applicant tracking | ||
| payroll | paid | |
| performance management | ||
| onboarding | ||
| reporting | ||
| self service |
Best For
- Small to medium-sized businesses (10-500 employees)
- Companies wanting user-friendly HR system
- Teams needing strong applicant tracking
- Small businesses needing full-service payroll
- Companies wanting integrated benefits administration
- US-based businesses with W-2 employees
Limitations
- Payroll is separate add-on
- Limited customization options
- Not ideal for large enterprises
- Limited to US-only (no international payroll)
- No performance management features
- Higher base cost for very small teams
People Also Ask
What is the main difference between BambooHR and Gusto?
BambooHR is best for small to medium-sized businesses (10-500 employees), with a starting price of $6/user/mo and a 4.5/5 rating. Gusto excels at small businesses needing full-service payroll, starting at $40/mo + $6/user with a 4.6/5 rating. The key differences lie in their feature sets and target audiences.
Which is cheaper: BambooHR or Gusto?
BambooHR is more affordable, with BambooHR starting at $6/user/mo and Gusto at $40/mo + $6/user. Neither tool offers a free tier. Consider your team size and required features when calculating total cost.
Can I use BambooHR and Gusto together?
Yes, many teams use both BambooHR and Gusto together as they serve different aspects of hr & payroll. BambooHR offers 125 integrations and Gusto has 150 integrations, which may include direct integration between the two platforms or through tools like Zapier.
Which has better customer support: BambooHR or Gusto?
BambooHR has slightly better customer support ratings at 4.5/5 compared to Gusto's 4.4/5. Support quality often varies by pricing tier, so check what's included in your chosen plan.
Is it easy to switch from BambooHR to Gusto?
Switching from BambooHR to Gusto typically involves data export, migration planning, and team training. Most hr & payroll tools offer data export features, and Gusto likely provides import tools or migration assistance. Plan for 2-4 weeks of transition time depending on your data volume and team size. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition period.
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