When it comes to managing human resources (HR) needs, finding the right platform is essential to ensure smooth operations, employee satisfaction, and compliance. With numerous HR software options on the market, Gusto and Namely stand out for their feature-rich solutions tailored to different business needs. Whether you are a small-to-medium-sized business or a fast-growing business, each offers unique strengths. But which one truly stands out in the areas that matter most to your business?
In this comparison, we will explore the key features, pricing, and benefits of both platforms, helping you decide which one aligns best with your organizational goals.
Gusto Vs Namely: At A Glance
Feature
Gusto
Namely
Payroll
Full-service payroll, automated tax filings, global payroll options
Comprehensive payroll, tax filings, unlimited payroll runs, mobile access
Benefits Administration
Health, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), FSAs, HSAs, workers’ compensation
Benefits management with ACA enrollment and reporting, open enrollment dashboard
Talent Management
Basic tools for performance reviews, feedback culture, employee development
Advanced features like goal alignment, 360-degree feedback, performance reviews, competency mapping
Customizable onboarding tasks, company social newsfeed, performance tracking
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6 per employee
Starts at $9 per employee/month
What Is Gusto?
Gusto is an all-in-one HR platform that simplifies payroll, benefits administration, and employee management for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Features like ‘Global Payroll Support’ and ‘Payroll For AutoPilot’ enhance payroll processing efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. The software is known for its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities.
Serving a wide range of industries, including retail, construction, real estate, manufacturing, and more, Gusto is a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive HR solution.
Unique Features Of Gusto
Global Payroll: It enables businesses to pay international contractors across 120+ countries seamlessly
AutoPilot For Payroll: The software automates payroll processing, reducing manual errors, and saving time for HR teams
Gusto Wallet: It offers a built-in employee finance tool called Gusto Wallet, which helps employees to see their Paystubs and W-2s at any time. It also allows them to manage their finances by tracking earnings, saving for goals, and accessing pay in advance
Gusto Pros And Cons
Pros:
Payroll processing reminders keep you on track
Tax reporting is hassle-free
Easily register in new states for multi-state employers
Cons:
Geofencing with time tracking can occasionally cause delays
Adjusting salary for a one-time change can be a bit cumbersome
What Is Namely?
Namely is an HR software offering solutions for payroll, benefits, and talent management. Its emphasis on customization and employee engagement sets it apart as a flexible platform for growing businesses. Additionally, it offers features such as ‘360-Degree Feedback’ and ‘Competency Mapping’ that promote deeper employee development and performance alignment.
The software is used by small to medium sized businesses from various industries including information technology (IT), life sciences, finance, and non-profit.
Unique Features Of Namely
Social Newsfeed: A company-wide social newsfeed promotes engagement and communication, creating a more connected workplace culture
Goal Alignment And Tracking: It enables employees and managers to set, align, and monitor progress on goals, driving accountability and performance
Embedded Employee Support: This feature guides employees through benefits enrollment and other HR processes, reducing confusion and workload for HR teams
Namely Pros And Cons
Pros:
Create custom reports and access real-time data
Use the performance management tool for efficient evaluations
Update personal profiles and enroll in benefits seamlessly
Cons:
The extensive selection of payroll reports can be a bit overwhelming to navigate
PTO reports aren't readily available, so you have to create our custom reports
Gusto Vs Namely: Key Features Comparison
Payroll
Gusto makes payroll processing simple with its ‘AutoPilot’ feature, which runs payroll automatically, reducing manual errors. It handles tax filings, direct deposits, and compliance seamlessly, so you can avoid the added expense of outsourcing payroll. Moreover, the software offers tools such as synced time tracking and international contractor payments, making it a good choice for small-to-medium-sized businesses.
On the other hand, Namely provides a payroll solution integrated with HR, benefits management, and time tracking. It ensures compliance with tax laws, supports wage garnishments, and offers detailed payroll reports. It caters to mid-sized companies needing advanced payroll configurations but can involve more manual work compared to Gusto.
Winner:Gusto excels in this as it is known for its simplicity, automation, and ease of use.
Employee Benefits
Gusto comes with a wide range of benefits, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans. It simplifies the administration process with pre-tax savings options and tools like ‘Gusto Wallet’ for smart paycheck management. Also, the system integrates with payroll to ensure accurate deductions and compliance.
Namely shines in benefits administration with features like an open enrollment dashboard, ‘Affordable Care Act’ (ACA) compliant reporting, and electronic carrier feeds. Its unified benefits, HR, and payroll data eliminate manual errors and streamline processes, making it ideal for mid-sized companies managing complex benefits.
Winner:Namely stands out as the winner for its advanced tools and seamless integration for larger organizations.
Talent Management
Gusto provides basic talent management tools, such as performance reviews and learning tools, but it focuses more on promoting an engaging workplace culture. The platform enables businesses to build a culture of feedback by creating a safe space for employees and managers to proactively share constructive insights. It also supports employee growth by helping individuals identify opportunities, develop skills, and advance their careers.
Namely provides talent management features that include goal alignment, 360-degree feedback, continuous performance reviews, and competency mapping. It’s tailored for companies looking to actively engage and develop their workforce.
Winner:Namely edges out Gusto in talent management due to its comprehensive tools like 360-degree feedback, competency mapping, and goal alignment. This makes it ideal for businesses aiming for in-depth workforce engagement and development.
Hiring And Onboarding
Gusto simplifies hiring and employee onboarding, supporting businesses from their first hire to scaling a growing team. The platform allows you to create job posts and send personalized offer letters to potential hires. Its custom onboarding checklist ensures new employees complete all necessary steps, from signing forms to setting up benefits, with ease.
Namely focuses on creating a positive and engaging onboarding experience that both HR teams and employees appreciate. It makes it easy to set up new hires for success from day one and it is built to leave a great first impression of your company. The platform combines simplicity and effectiveness to ensure employees adapt quickly and feel supported.
Winner:Gusto takes the lead with its comprehensive hiring tools, including job postings, personalized offer letters, and advanced onboarding checklists.
Pricing
Gusto offers transparent pricing plans tailored to businesses of varying sizes. The simple plan starts at $40 per month plus $6 per employee, the plus plan is $80 per month plus $12 per employee, and the premium plan is $180 per month plus $22 per employee. For businesses working solely with contractors, Gusto offers a Contractor-only plan for $35 per month plus $6 per contractor.
In contrast, Namely offers flexible pricing options, starting with the Namely Now plan at $9 per employee per month. Other plans are offered at custom pricing.
Winner:Gusto is the right choice if you are a small or growing business that prioritizes affordability and ease of use. Opt for Namely if you have a larger organization that needs advanced HR tools and tailored solutions.
Gusto Vs Namely: Which HR Platform Should You Choose?
Ultimately, choosing between Gusto and Namely comes down to your business size, specific HR needs, and long-term growth strategy. Gusto excels for small-to-medium-sized businesses that need simplicity, automation, and scalability, especially when it comes to payroll, benefits, and employee management.
On the other hand, Namely offers deeper customization and more features for mid-sized businesses. If you are looking for a more comprehensive talent management suite and tools to support employee engagement, feedback, and growth, Namely’s offerings will better serve your needs.
