TemperStack
G
Gusto4.5/5
vs
W
Workday4.1/5

Gusto vs Workday (March 2026)

GGustoWWorkday
Price$40/mo$100/mo
Rating4.5 4.5/54.1 4.1/5
Free Tier✗ No✗ No
Best ForSmall businesses, StartupsEnterprise, Large organizations
Quick Verdict

Gusto edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating versus Workday's 4.1/5, offering stronger value for most teams.

Quick Overview

G

Gusto

All-in-one HR platform with payroll, benefits, and team management for small businesses.

  • Best for: Small businesses, Startups
  • Starting price: $40/mo
  • Category: HR Software
  • Founded: 2011
  • Pricing model: subscription
View Full Profile →
W

Workday

Enterprise cloud platform for HR, finance, and planning with advanced analytics.

  • Best for: Enterprise, Large organizations
  • Starting price: $100/mo
  • Category: HR Software
  • Founded: 2005
  • Pricing model: subscription
View Full Profile →

Feature Comparison

FeatureGustoWorkday
Employee Database
Time-off Management
Onboarding
Performance Management
Reporting
Mobile App
Integrations
Payroll

Pricing Comparison

Prices last verified: March 16, 2026

Gusto

$40/mo
Starting price
subscription · 3 plans
Simple
$40/mo
PlusPopular
$80/mo
Premium
$180/mo
View full Gusto pricing →

Workday

$100/mo
Starting price
subscription · 3 plans
HCM Core
$100/mo
HCM CompletePopular
$150/mo
Enterprise
Free
View full Workday pricing →

Pros & Cons

Gusto

Pros
  • Easy payroll
  • Benefits administration
  • Great onboarding
  • Excellent UI
Cons
  • Gets expensive
  • US only
  • Limited customization
  • Add-on costs

Workday

Pros
  • Comprehensive platform
  • Strong analytics
  • Regular updates
  • Great for large orgs
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Complex implementation
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires dedicated admin

Which Is Best for You?

G

Choose Gusto if:

  • Small businesses
  • Startups
  • First-time employers
  • US companies
  • Budget is a priority ($40 vs $100)
  • Higher user rating matters to you (4.5 vs 4.1)
W

Choose Workday if:

  • Enterprise
  • Large organizations
  • Global companies
  • Complex HR needs

Our Verdict

🏆
GGusto — WinnerWWorkday — Runner-up

After thorough analysis, Gusto takes the lead in this comparison with a higher rating of 4.5/5 versus Workday's 4.1/5.

Gusto is best for Small businesses and Startups. Easy payroll.

Workday remains a strong alternative, especially for Enterprise and Large organizations. Comprehensive platform.

Pricing-wise, Gusto is the more affordable starting option. Evaluate free trials of both before committing.

Try GustoTry Workday

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Related Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Gusto edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating versus Workday's 4.1/5, offering stronger value for most teams.
Gusto starts at $40/mo, while Workday starts at $100/mo.
Yes. Most users can migrate data between the two. Check both platforms for import/export tools before switching.
Gusto integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Slack. Workday integrates with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, SAP, Oracle. Both offer solid third-party connectivity, though the best choice depends on your existing tech stack.
Both tools are designed for ease of use. Gusto is best for Small businesses and Startups, while Workday excels for Enterprise and Large organizations. Consider trying both free trials to judge which interface suits your workflow.
Gusto has a 4.5/5 rating from 3,800 reviews, while Workday scores 4.1/5 from 1,500 reviews. Higher review counts generally indicate a more established support ecosystem.
For small businesses, Gusto may be more budget-friendly starting at $40/mo. However, Workday ($100/mo) could offer better value depending on the features you need most.
For enterprise use, consider which offers more advanced plans. Gusto has 3 plans while Workday has 3 plans. Evaluate each tool's enterprise features, security compliance, and team management capabilities before committing.
Check each tool's website for the latest mobile app availability. Both Gusto and Workday offer web-based access, and many modern SaaS tools provide companion mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Choose Gusto if you prioritize easy payroll. Choose Workday if you value comprehensive platform.

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Written by

A
Alex Morgan
Senior SaaS Analyst

Alex has spent over 8 years analyzing and comparing business software solutions. With a background in enterprise software sales and product management, he brings hands-on experience to every review. Alex specializes in CRM, marketing automation, and sales enablement tools.

CRMMarketing AutomationSales Tools127 articles