Deel vs Gusto: Payroll and HR Software Comparison

When it comes to managing payroll and HR operations, choosing the right platform is essential for your business's success, especially when handling international or remote teams. 

This article offers a detailed comparison of three popular platforms: Deel, Gusto, and Wisemonk.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Deel vs Gusto

This head-to-head comparison will highlight the unique strengths and specializations of each service, helping you identify which solution best aligns with your business needs, particularly if you're considering hiring and managing employees in India.

Service Focus and Target Market

• Deel offers global employment solutions, simplifying cross-border hiring and ensuring compliance for businesses hiring international employees and contractors.
• Gusto provides payroll, HR, and benefits management for small to medium U.S. businesses, with limited support for international hiring.
• Wisemonk specializes in Employer of Record (EOR) services in India, offering expertise in Indian labor laws and payroll for businesses expanding there.

Tax Optimization and Compliance

• Deel offers basic tax support for international employees, ensuring local compliance, but lacks market-specific tax optimization.
• Gusto handles comprehensive U.S. tax services, including federal, state, and local filings, ensuring full compliance.
• Wisemonk specializes in tax optimization for India, helping businesses maximize employee take-home pay while minimizing compliance risks.

Equipment Procurement and Management

• Deel offers limited equipment procurement services as part of their global EOR solution.
• Gusto does not offer equipment procurement services, as its platform is primarily designed for US-based payroll and HR management.
• Wisemonk offers comprehensive equipment procurement and management services in India, providing a one-stop solution for businesses establishing remote teams nationwide. They handle sourcing, logistics, and lifecycle management of IT assets, ensuring that employees have the necessary tools to work effectively.

Local Market Expertise and Support

• Deel offers broad international hiring guidance but lacks local expertise in specific markets. 
• Gusto specializes in U.S. payroll, taxes, and employee benefits, with limited international insights. 
• Wisemonk excels in Indian labor laws, payroll, and business practices, providing tailored support for hiring in India.

Office Space Setup and Facilities Management

• Deel does not offer office space setup or facilities management services as part of their standard EOR offering.
• Gusto does not provide office space setup or facilities management services, primarily catering to US-based businesses with existing office infrastructure.
• Wisemonk offers comprehensive office space setup and facilities management services in India, including assistance with leasing, furnishing, and managing office spaces. They also provide Global Capability Center (GCC) transition services, supporting businesses looking to establish a physical presence in India.

Recommended read: How to Set Up a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Customer Support and Service Model

• Deel provides global customer support through online channels, including live chat and email. 
• Gusto provides US-based customer support during regular business hours, with higher-tier plans offering extended support hours. 
• Wisemonk offers personalized customer support with a Dedicated Account Manager who understands the nuances of hiring and managing employees in India. They provide hands-on assistance with compliance, payroll, and HR issues and strategic guidance for businesses navigating the Indian market.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

• Deel’s contractor management starts at $49 per month, while EOR pricing for full-time employees begins at $599 per month.
• Gusto’s plans start at $49 per month plus $6 per employee, with contractor management included for U.S.-based contractors.
• Wisemonk offers competitive pricing for the Indian market, with EOR services starting at $99 per employee per month and contractor management at $19 per contractor per month.

Benefits Administration and Talent Retention

• Deel offers global benefits options, allowing businesses to provide competitive packages to their international employees. However, the depth and customization of these benefits may vary depending on the country and local regulations.
• Gusto provides comprehensive benefits administration for US-based employees, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and other perks.
• Wisemonk offers tailored benefits packages for employees in India, taking into account local market standards and employee preferences. They help businesses design and administer competitive benefits plans that attract and retain top talent in India.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Deel provides compliance support across multiple jurisdictions, helping businesses navigate local labor laws and regulations.
• Gusto focuses on US compliance, providing guidance and support for federal, state, and local regulations related to payroll, taxes, and employment. They help businesses stay compliant with US labor laws and minimize risk.
• Wisemonk specializes in compliance management for enterprises operating in India. They ensure that businesses remain compliant with local regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.

In summary, while Deel and Gusto offer comprehensive solutions for global and US-based hiring, Wisemonk stands out as the go-to provider for businesses looking to hire and manage talent in India. 

Conclusion: Deel vs Gusto

After a comprehensive analysis of Deel, Gusto, and Wisemonk, each platform offers unique advantages depending on a business's specific needs and requirements.

When to choose Deel?

Deel is ideal for companies expanding internationally, offering global hiring, payroll, and compliance in over 150 countries with support for 120 currencies. While EOR costs may be high for small businesses, it's a great choice for larger enterprises aiming for global growth.

When to choose Gusto?

Gusto is ideal for small to medium-sized U.S. businesses, offering user-friendly payroll, HR solutions, and strong benefits administration. While it integrates well with HR and accounting tools and offers competitive pricing, its limited international capabilities may not suit companies with global expansion plans.

When to choose Wisemonk?

Wisemonk is an excellent choice for companies hiring in India, offering tailored compliance solutions, competitive pricing for startups and SMEs, and unique services like equipment procurement, tax optimization, and employee gifting to boost engagement.

The choice between Deel, Gusto, and Wisemonk depends on a business's specific needs and requirements, taking into account factors such as global coverage, compliance expertise, pricing, and unique offerings.

For businesses focusing on hiring in India, Wisemonk's specialized EOR services provide a range of benefits, including comprehensive payroll, compliance, and HR support.

To explore how Wisemonk can enhance your India-focused expansion strategy, get in touch with us today

FAQ’s

1 Which platform supports global payroll?

Deel specializes in global payroll, making it ideal for companies hiring international employees. Gusto is more U.S.-focused but does offer support for international contractor payments.

2 How does Wisemonk compare to Deel and Gusto regarding companies hiring in India?

Wisemonk provides expert payroll, compliance, and HR support in India, whereas Deel and Gusto focus on broader international and U.S. markets, respectively.

3 Which platform offers better customer support?

Deel and Gusto both provide strong customer support, but Wisemonk offers localized, India-specific support, which can be more effective for companies with a focus on India.

4 Is there a setup fee for Deel, Gusto, or Wisemonk?

Deel and Gusto typically do not have setup fees for essential services. Wisemonk also follows a straightforward pricing model with no hidden costs.

5 What are the payroll management features of these platforms?

Deel supports multi-currency payroll across 150+ countries, Gusto offers payroll mainly for U.S.-based employees, and Wisemonk specializes in Indian payroll and compliance services.