According to an analysis by EY, the average company maintains an 80% payroll accuracy rate, which means 20% of payroll transactions may contain errors. Each error costs $281 in direct expenses and $10 in indirect costs, adding up to thousands of dollars lost annually due to payroll mistakes. These financial losses highlight the importance of using the right payroll software, which can streamline payroll processes, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
Gusto and SurePayroll are two leading payroll software providers designed to help businesses manage payroll and HR tasks efficiently. Both are popular choices in the market and offer comprehensive solutions tailored to various business needs.
In this guide, we will compare Gusto and SurePayroll based on their key features, pricing, and usability to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your payroll and HR requirements.
Gusto Vs SurePayroll – At A Glance
Feature
Gusto
SurePayroll
Payroll Management
Automated payroll processing, next-day direct deposits, AutoPilot service, unlimited payroll runs, and tax registration in all 50 states
Unlimited payroll runs, auto payroll service, same-day direct deposit, and automatic calculation of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
HR Tools
Comprehensive HR tools including hiring, onboarding, talent management, and compliance
Basic HR tools, including employee self-service, eLearning materials, online HR library, and law alerts
Benefits Administration
Full-service benefits management including health, broker integration, dental, vision, 401(k), and HSA/FSA options
Limited benefits administration, offering basic health insurance, 401(k) plans, and workers’ compensation
Integrations
Integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Xero, 7Shifts, Asana, and more through an API and app directory
Integrates with FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6 per person
Starts at $20/month + $4 per employee
What Is Gusto?
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR management platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The software automates day-to-day administrative processes, such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee onboarding. It empowers organizations to streamline HR processes, ensure compliance with regulations, and automatically file taxes. Trusted by thousands of businesses, Gusto HR Software helps companies save time, reduce payroll errors, and achieve sustainable growth.
Unique Features Of Gusto
Insights And Reporting: Offers customizable reports, automatic alerts, and employee surveys to help businesses gain insights on employee performance, wages, benefits, and more
Time Tracking: Allows employers to track time, manage attendance, share schedules, and sync hours to payroll within a centralized platform
Hiring And Onboarding: Streamlines the hiring process with personalized offer letters, integrations with applicant tracking software, and custom onboarding checklists
Gusto Pros And Cons
Pros:
The EOR feature simplifies global payroll and compliance
Comprehensive benefits administration options are available
Seamlessly integrates time clock with payroll services
Cons:
No direct messaging feature for employee communication
Some users report issues with the off-boarding process
What Is SurePayroll?
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed for small businesses and households. It provides a centralized platform for payroll processing, tax filing, compliance management, and employee benefits. Its fully automated payroll system simplifies tax calculations, handles deductions, and ensures on-time payments for employees and contractors.
With over two decades of experience in the industry, SurePayroll focuses on simplifying payroll and ensuring accuracy for its clients.
Unique Features Of SurePayroll
HR Tools: Provides tools such as online HR resource library, job description builder, and employee handbooks to help businesses manage and train their workforce effectively
Benefits: Offers access to various benefits such as workers’ compensation insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and health insurance options
Payroll: Automates payroll processing with features to calculate and pay federal, state, and local payroll taxes, ensuring accuracy and compliance
SurePayroll Pros And Cons
Pros:
Mobile app enables payroll processing on-the-go
Employee self-service features enhance user experience
Automated email reminders help streamline payroll submissions
Cons:
Some users report issues with the customer support service
Limited customization options for reports
Gusto Vs SurePayroll – Key Features Comparison
Payroll Management
Gusto oprovides automated payroll processing with features that simplify the payroll experience for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers next-day direct deposits, an AutoPilot service for automatic payroll runs, and unlimited payroll runs each month. Gusto also handles tax registration in all 50 states to help businesses stay compliant with federal and state regulations.
SurePayroll also offers unlimited payroll runs and an auto payroll service that allows businesses to pay employees effortlessly. It provides same-day direct deposit and automatically calculates federal, state, and local payroll taxes. SurePayroll also includes a specialized service help that can help users pay nannies or other household employees.
Winner: This round ends in a draw, as both Gusto and SurePayroll provide comparable payroll management features for different business needs.
HR Tools
Gusto offers a comprehensive set of HR tools that include hiring, onboarding, talent management, and compliance features. The platform also provides customizable onboarding checklists, automated workflows for new hires, and tools for performance management to help businesses manage employee growth and automate HR processes efficiently.
SurePayroll provides basic HR tools that focus primarily on payroll-related functions. It offers features such as employee self-service options, e-learning materials, an online HR library, and law alerts to keep businesses informed about compliance requirements. However, it lacks more advanced features that are included in Gusto’s extensive HR suite.
Winner:Gusto is the clear winner due to its comprehensive suite of features that not only streamline hiring and onboarding but also support ongoing employee management.
Benefits Administration
Gusto offers a comprehensive benefits administration service that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, along with 401(k) plans and flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) options. It also connects businesses with licensed advisors and brokers to help them build the right package for their team.
SurePayroll provides basic benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and workers' compensation. However, it charges additional fees on top of workers' compensation premiums and does not offer the same range of benefits options that Gusto provides.
Winner:Gusto Gusto takes the lead here as well with its broader, more flexible benefits administration options.
Pricing
Gusto offers a straightforward pricing structure, starting with its Simple plan at $40 per month, plus $6 per employee. This plan includes essential payroll features suitable for small businesses. Higher-tier options are also available, including the Plus plan at $80 per month, with an additional $12 per employee, and the Premium plan at $180 per month, plus $22 per employee.
SurePayroll provides three pricing tiers tailored to different payroll needs. The No Tax Filing plan costs $20 per month, plus $4 per employee. The Full-Service Payroll Services plan is priced at $29 per month, with an additional $7 per employee. The Full Payroll Services plan costs $39 per month, covering one employee, with $10 charged for each additional employee.
Winner: This comparison results in a draw, as Gusto's extensive features justify its higher price, while SurePayroll offers more affordable options for businesses with simpler payroll needs.
Integrations
Gusto supports integration with a variety of popular platforms, including QuickBooks, Xero, 7shifts, and Asana Software. These integrations are designed to streamline operations, reduce manual data entry, and enhance productivity across different business areas. Gusto offers an open API and App Directory that connects users to tools for accounting, HR, collaboration, point of sale, and more.
SurePayroll integrates seamlessly with accounting software like FreshBooks Software, QuickBooks, and Xero Accounting Solution, catering to the financial needs of small businesses. These integrations simplify bookkeeping and payroll processing by automating data syncing between platforms. While SurePayroll’s integrations are solid, they focus mainly on accounting tools.
Winner:Gusto stands out here due to its broader integration options that allow businesses to connect with a wider variety of tools across different areas of operations.
Gusto Vs SurePayroll: Choosing The Best Software For Your Needs
Gusto and SurePayroll both offer reliable payroll and HR solutions, but they cater to different business needs. Gusto is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, as it offers a user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and scalable pricing options. It is especially strong in benefits administration, integrations, and HR tools that can grow with your business.
SurePayroll, on the other hand, is better for businesses that need a simpler, more affordable payroll solution without extra complexity.
When choosing between the two, consider whether you require an advanced, all-in-one HR and payroll solution like Gusto, or if a simpler, cost-effective option like SurePayroll meets your needs for basic payroll processing.
