Gusto vs Rippling: Full Comparison, Pricing & Reviews

Choosing between Gusto and Rippling feels overwhelming when you're staring at feature lists that all sound impressive. You need to know if Rippling's IT management is worth the complexity, or if Gusto's simpler approach handles everything your team needs. The last thing you want is committing to a payroll platform only to realize six months later it can't scale with you or that costs are spiraling beyond your budget.

Here's the reality: Gusto and Rippling solve different problems. Gusto works for small US-based businesses needing reliable payroll processing and benefits administration. Rippling wins if you're scaling internationally, managing remote workers across countries, or need HR systems that also handle device management. The wrong choice means wasted migration time, payroll headaches for your employees, and money spent on unused features.

This comparison breaks down what each platform does well, where they fall short, and which one actually fits your needs.

Overview of Gusto and Rippling[toc=Overview: Gusto vs Rippling]

Both Gusto and Rippling are popular payroll software solutions that help businesses manage payroll, but they take different approaches.

Gusto started as a straightforward payroll platform for small US teams and has grown into a comprehensive HR tool with benefits management and tax filing services.

Rippling, on the other hand, built an all in one platform from day one, combining payroll with IT management and device management, making it ideal for companies that want to control everything from paying employees to managing their laptops in a single system.

What is Gusto?

Gusto launched in 2011 with one clear goal: take the headache out of payroll and HR for small business owners. What kicked off as a simple payroll platform has transformed into a full-stack HR solution that tackles everything from running payroll to managing employee benefits, tracking time, and keeping you compliant with tax laws.

Right now, Gusto serves over 300,000 companies across the United States, making it one of the most trusted names in payroll software.

The platform works best for small businesses that need reliable payroll services without wrestling with complicated systems. You get automated payroll processing, tax filing that happens behind the scenes, and benefits administration all in one spot. No more jumping between five different tools just to pay your team and file quarterly taxes.

Features of Gusto

Gusto delivers the core payroll functionality small businesses actually need, plus extras that make HR management less of a chore. Here's what the platform brings to the table:

• Payroll Processing: Run unlimited payroll cycles for salaried staff and hourly workers with next-day direct deposit. The system handles payroll taxes automatically and creates pay stubs your employees can grab whenever they need them through their self service access portal.
• Tax Compliance: Gusto calculates, files, and pays your payroll taxes at both federal and state levels. You'll get all your tax forms generated automatically, which means you're not scrambling when tax season hits.
• Benefits Management: Offer your team health insurance, retirement plans (including 401k options), health savings accounts, and commuter benefits. Gusto partners directly with insurance carriers so your employees get real choices.
• HR Tools: Handle employee onboarding with digital forms and documents, track PTO automatically, store important files, and access an HR resource library when you need guidance. Your team gets lifetime employee access to update their personal details without bothering you.
• Time Tracking: Built-in time tracking for hourly employees that feeds straight into payroll. No manual calculations or wondering if someone rounded up their hours.
• Contractor Payments: Manage contractor payments separately from employee payroll, generate 1099 forms automatically, and keep everything organized in one system.

Gusto's Integrations

Gusto integrates with the accounting and business tools you're probably already running. It connects seamlessly with QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks to keep your payroll data synced with your books. No double entry, no reconciliation headaches.

You'll also find integrations with time tracking software, expense management platforms, and project management tools like Asana and Trello. The platform offers API access if you need custom integrations for specific workflows your business runs on.

Gusto Price Structure

Gusto keeps pricing simple with three tiers that scale as your needs grow:

1. Simple Plan: $49/month + $6 per person. You get basic payroll, employee self-service, and essential HR features. Perfect if you just need to run payroll and manage a few contractors without extra complexity.
2. Plus Plan: $80/month + $12 per person. This unlocks the full benefits administration, time tracking, PTO management, and support for paying employees across multiple states. Most growing businesses pick this tier.
3. Premium Plan: Custom pricing starting around $180/month + $22 per person. Includes everything in Plus, plus a dedicated customer service team, compliance alerts when labor laws change, and advanced reporting. Makes sense when you're operating in multiple locations or need hands-on HR support.

Every plan includes automatic tax filing and unlimited payroll runs with no hidden fees. You won't get charged extra for running off-cycle payroll or handling direct deposit.

What is Rippling?

Rippling jumped into the market in 2016 with a different vision than most payroll providers. Instead of just handling payroll, the founders built an all in one platform that connects payroll, HR, IT, and benefits into a single system.

The idea was simple: if you're hiring employees, you need to set them up with payroll, health benefits, laptop access, and software accounts all at once. Why use five different tools when one platform can handle everything?

Today, Rippling serves thousands of businesses globally and has become the go-to choice for companies managing remote workers and international teams.

Unlike traditional payroll software that focuses mainly on domestic payroll, Rippling scales from small US teams to global operations with actual international payroll capabilities. You can hire employees in dozens of countries, manage their devices, control their app access, and run payroll all from the same dashboard.

If you're expanding beyond US borders or need tight integration between HR and IT systems, Rippling makes a lot of sense.

Features of Rippling

Rippling offers features that go way beyond basic payroll processing. The platform was built to manage your entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to offboarding. Here's what Rippling brings:

• Payroll Processing: Run payroll for employees and contractors across all 50 states or in 90+ countries if you're managing international teams. Direct deposit, automated tax filing, and pay stubs are all standard. Rippling supports both domestic payroll and global payroll in one system.
• Tax Compliance: Automatic payroll tax calculations and tax filing for federal, state, and local taxes. The platform handles global tax compliance for international employees, which most payroll systems can't touch.
• Benefits Administration: Full benefits management including health insurance, retirement plans, health savings accounts, and commuter benefits. Rippling supports benefits across multiple states and even some international locations.
• IT and Device Management: Here's where Rippling wins against traditional payroll providers. You can remotely manage employee laptops, phones, and tablets. Set up new devices, wipe old ones, and control what software employees can install.
• App Management: Control access to business apps like Slack, Gmail, and hundreds of other tools. When you hire employees, their accounts get created automatically. When someone leaves, everything gets shut down with one click.
• HR Tools: Employee onboarding that syncs across payroll, IT, and benefits. Time tracking integrated with payroll. Document management, PTO tracking, and customizable reporting that pulls employee data from across the entire platform.
• Expense Management: Built-in expense tracking and bill pay features. Employees can submit expenses that flow directly into your accounting without switching platforms.
• Talent Management: Performance reviews, goal tracking, and employee engagement tools. Not as deep as dedicated talent management platforms, but solid for most businesses.

Rippling's Integrations

Rippling integrates with over 500 business applications, which is significantly more than most payroll systems. You'll find connections to all major accounting software, including QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and Sage.

The platform connects with popular productivity tools, project management software, and communication apps. Because Rippling handles app management directly, many integrations go deeper than typical payroll software connections. The platform can automatically provision user accounts, manage permissions, and sync employee data across your entire tech stack.

Rippling also offers API access for custom integrations and works with professional employer organization (PEO) services if you need that level of support.

Rippling Price Structure

Rippling's pricing is less transparent than Gusto's. There's no publicly listed flat monthly fee, and pricing depends heavily on which modules you need and how many people you're managing.

The basic package starts around $8 per employee per month, but that only covers core HR and basic payroll. Most businesses end up paying between $20-$35 per employee monthly once they add payroll processing, benefits administration, and IT management features.

Unlike Gusto's simple three-tier system, Rippling charges modularly. You pay for the features you actually use, which can be cost-effective if you only need specific capabilities. However, it also means the monthly base fee can climb quickly as you add modules for time tracking, device management, expense management, and international payroll.

There's typically a setup process fee and an implementation cost depending on your company size and complexity. Some users report additional costs for certain integrations and advanced features that aren't obvious upfront, so it's worth getting a detailed quote that breaks down exactly what you're paying for before committing.

Curious about payroll service pricing? Check out our in-depth article on "Payroll Services Pricing Comparison" for detailed breakdowns of plans, features, and costs.

How do Gusto and Rippling compare on features?[toc=Gusto vs. Rippling]

Both platforms handle core payroll processing well, but they take different approaches to what else they offer beyond paying employees. Gusto focuses on being the best at payroll and HR essentials for small US teams, while Rippling built a broader system that connects HR, IT, and global operations. The feature gap becomes obvious when you look at what each platform prioritizes.

The comparison shows that Gusto gives you everything needed for solid payroll services and benefits administration without overwhelming you with features you might not use. Rippling wins if you need device management, international teams, or want to consolidate your entire HR and IT stack into one platform.

For small businesses focused purely on domestic payroll and basic HR, Gusto's simpler approach often makes more sense.

For companies scaling globally or managing remote workers with complex IT needs, Rippling's additional capabilities justify the learning curve.

What are the pros and cons of Gusto?[toc=Gusto Pros & Cons]

Gusto excels at straightforward U.S. payroll with transparent pricing and phone support, but lacks international capabilities and advanced customization options.

Gusto works best for U.S.-based businesses under 100 employees prioritizing simplicity and transparent costs, but companies needing international payroll, advanced customization, or 24/7 support should consider alternatives.

What are the pros and cons of Rippling?[toc=Rippling Pros & Cons]

Rippling delivers comprehensive HR/IT/Finance integration with global capabilities and advanced automation, but requires longer implementation and lacks phone support.

Rippling justifies its complexity and investment for companies with 50+ employees managing distributed teams, international operations, or requiring unified HR/IT automation but businesses under 50 employees with basic payroll needs will find simpler platforms more cost-effective.

What do users say about Rippling vs Gusto?[toc=User Reviews]

Gusto user reviews:

"I like that everything is laid out very clearly; the system is very user-friendly, and it's easy to find things like my paystubs, time off, W-2 forms, etc. I like to be able to check that information quickly, and it's nice that I don't have to spend long at all navigating around the page. It is very easy to implement into our workspace with things like clocking in and out as well."
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- Kara K., Senior Paralegal, Small-Business, rated 5/5 stars on G2

"I had an issue with state taxes not being paid on time and incurred some fees because of this. This was a Gusto problem and they pushed it to me not admitting fault."
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- Adam S., Owner/Operator, Small-Business, rated 5/5 stars on G2

Rippling user reviews:

"I find the benefits module in Rippling challenging to manage, particularly due to the complexity of adding and updating information. There are numerous fields to complete for benefits setup, such as employee portions, employer portions, amounts, and frequency, which makes the task quite intricate. Additionally, integrating Rippling with QuickBooks online is problematic as the sync process seems difficult and possibly not straightforward, leaving me unsure about the integration capabilities."

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- Jagriti C., Accounting Manager, Small-Business, rated 5/5 stars on G2

"Rippling has been very helpful overall, but there are a few areas that could use improvement. Some of the customization options seem somewhat limited, and there have been occasions when responses were slower than I expected or lacked detail. Additionally, the pricing is not very transparent."

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- shivam n., Accounts Receivable Billing Specialist, Mid-Market, rated 5/5 stars on G2

What real challenges are users facing with Gusto and Rippling?[toc=Challenges]

Despite being leading platforms in the HR and payroll space, Gusto and Rippling have faced user-reported challenges. Drawing from extensive research, direct user feedback, and our experience assisting global teams, we've identified several areas where users have encountered difficulties.

What can go wrong when using Gusto?

Gusto is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive payroll services. However, some users have reported issues that can impact their experience.

Common challenges with Gusto:

• Payroll Processing Delays: Instances of payroll not being processed as scheduled, leading to delayed employee payments. For example, a user reported that despite submitting payroll on time, employees were not paid on payday, and the system indicated payroll had not been submitted. Read more on G2
• Customer Support Responsiveness: Users have expressed frustration over slow response times from customer support, particularly when dealing with urgent payroll issues. One user mentioned that after opening a critical issue ticket and being promised a response within 24 hours, they received no timely assistance. Read more on Reddit
• Tax Filing Errors: There have been reports of errors in tax filings, including incorrect state tax calculations and delays in submitting payments to tax authorities, resulting in penalties for businesses. Read more on G2

While Gusto offers a streamlined payroll solution, businesses should be aware of potential delays in payroll processing, responsiveness of customer support, and accuracy in tax filings. It's advisable to monitor payroll activities closely and maintain open communication with Gusto's support team to address any issues promptly.

What can go wrong when using Rippling?

Rippling provides an integrated platform for HR, IT, and payroll management. However, users have reported several challenges that can affect their experience.

Common challenges with Rippling:

• Implementation Complexities: Some users have found the initial setup and integration with existing systems to be complex and time-consuming. For instance, one user advised taking time to map out roles and permissions carefully to avoid issues during implementation. Read more on Reddit
• System Bugs and Errors: Reports of system bugs, such as incorrect verification codes, duplicate data entries, and synchronization issues with other platforms, have been noted. These technical glitches can disrupt HR and payroll processes.
  Read more on Reddit
• User Interface Navigation: Some users have found Rippling's interface to be less intuitive, with difficulties in navigating the platform and accessing personal documents. This can lead to inefficiencies in managing HR tasks. Read more on G2

Rippling's comprehensive platform offers robust features for managing HR, IT, and payroll. However, businesses should be prepared for potential implementation challenges, technical issues, and a learning curve associated with the user interface. It's recommended to allocate sufficient time and resources for the setup phase and provide training to ensure smooth adoption of the platform.

Note: The information provided is based on user-reported experiences and may vary depending on individual circumstances and updates to the platforms. It's advisable to conduct thorough research and consider consulting with the service providers directly to address specific concerns.

When should you choose Gusto?[toc=When Choose Gusto]

Choose Gusto if you're a U.S.-based small business or startup with straightforward payroll and HR needs, and you prioritize simplicity and predictable pricing.

Choose Gusto if:

• You are a small to mid-sized business that wants an easy-to-use payroll and HR platform.
• Transparent, predictable pricing is important, and you want to avoid high custom costs.
• Your HR needs are basic, and you do not require advanced IT management or global payroll support.
• You need straightforward payroll processing, employee self-service, and benefits administration.
• Having responsive phone-based customer support is a priority for your HR team.

When should you choose Rippling?[toc=When Choose Rippling]

Choose Rippling if your business is rapidly growing or has a global workforce, and you need an all-in-one HR platform that integrates payroll, HR, and IT functions.

Choose Rippling if:

• You have a growing business or already manage a global workforce and need a scalable solution.
• You require a unified platform for managing HR, IT, and finance to reduce manual work and improve data accuracy.
• Automated provisioning of devices and software access for employees is a critical part of your business operations.
• Your team needs advanced analytics, custom reports, or integration with other business tools.
• You want to manage global payroll, tax compliance, and employee benefits for teams across multiple countries.
• You need advanced HR capabilities like performance management and benefits enrollment with automated workflows.

In our experience, Gusto is best for U.S.-based businesses with basic HR needs looking for an affordable, straightforward solution, while Rippling is ideal for businesses that need a powerful, integrated platform for managing a global workforce, HR, IT, and payroll.

Choose Wisemonk if:

• You are looking to hire and manage talent in India without the complexity of setting up a local entity.
• You need a comprehensive solution that includes payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance support for Indian labor laws.
• You require seamless onboarding, benefits management, and employee support tailored to the Indian market.
• You want predictable, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees and transparent billing.
• You need a dedicated team to handle all aspects of HR, payroll, and compliance for your remote employees in India.
• You prefer an all-in-one EOR (Employer of Record) service to simplify workforce management and ensure full legal compliance in India.

Choose Wisemonk if you are expanding into India or need a reliable, compliant platform to manage global payroll, hiring, and HR functions in India without setting up a local entity.

What should you consider when choosing an HR and payroll platform?[toc=Considerations]

Match the platform to your size, growth plans, global footprint, IT needs, integrations, budget model, setup speed, and support expectations.

• Business size & growth stage: Gusto works well for U.S. small to mid-sized businesses; Rippling is built to scale for mid-market and enterprise growth.
• Platform scope & integrations: Gusto focuses on payroll, benefits and basic HR; Rippling combines HR, IT and finance with a large integration ecosystem.
• Global needs: Gusto is designed mostly for U.S. operations; Rippling supports global payroll and EOR services across many countries.
• IT & device management requirements: Gusto does not include device or advanced IT provisioning; Rippling includes device management and software access workflows.
• Pricing model: Gusto offers clear tiered pricing making budgeting simpler; Rippling uses a modular custom-quote model which offers flexibility but may reduce cost predictability.
• Implementation speed & ease of use: Gusto’s setup is faster and simpler for core payroll; Rippling often takes longer due to deeper functionality and integration.
• Support & service quality: Gusto includes phone, chat and email support with strong user reviews for ease of use; Rippling provides chat and email support, though support tiers vary.

Choose Gusto if you want a straightforward HR and payroll platform with transparent pricing for U.S.-based operations. Choose Rippling if you need advanced automation, global payroll, and unified HR + IT + finance in one system.

What common mistakes should you avoid when choosing an HR and payroll platform?[toc=Mistakes to Avoid]

When selecting an HR and payroll system, it's important to think beyond price and consider long-term scalability, integrations, user experience, and support to avoid costly mistakes.

Common mistakes and their mitigation strategies:

• Focusing only on cost, not value: Choosing the cheapest option can lead to missing essential features and incurring additional costs later.
  Mitigation: Compare total value, including scalability, support, and automation, rather than just focusing on base pricing.
• Ignoring your business’s true needs: Picking a platform based on popularity rather than specific business requirements can cause misalignments in workflow.
  Mitigation: Involve HR, finance, and IT teams to define your business’s challenges, essential features, and long-term goals before selecting a platform.
• Neglecting future growth and scalability: A platform that works for a small team today may not be suitable as you scale globally or expand payroll needs.
  Mitigation: Ensure the platform can support growing user bases, complex payroll structures, and international operations.
• Skipping integrations with existing tools: A platform that doesn’t integrate with your current systems can lead to data silos and manual errors.
  Mitigation: Confirm the platform’s compatibility with your accounting, time-tracking, and HR systems before purchasing.
• Overlooking user experience: A complicated system can result in poor user adoption and reduce the platform’s effectiveness.
  Mitigation: Request demos, involve end-users in testing, and ensure the platform is intuitive for both managers and employees.
• Underestimating planning and project management: Lack of proper planning can lead to delays and disruptions in your payroll and HR processes.
  Mitigation: Ensure there is a clear implementation plan with timelines, milestones, and training sessions for smooth deployment.
• Not prioritizing data security and compliance: HR and payroll platforms handle sensitive data, and overlooking security can result in data breaches and compliance issues.
  Mitigation: Research the platform’s security features, encryption methods, and compliance certifications before committing.
• Failing to provide proper training: Even the best system will fail without proper user training, leading to inefficiencies.
  Mitigation: Offer role-based training and provide quick reference materials to ensure all users can operate the system effectively.
• Neglecting customer support: Poor customer support can lead to frustration, especially when payroll errors or urgent issues arise.
  Mitigation: Test customer support responsiveness before purchasing, and evaluate their availability and expertise.

The right HR and payroll platform should align with your long-term growth, provide seamless integration, and offer robust support and security. Focus on scalability, hidden costs, and user experience to avoid costly mistakes down the road.

Why is Wisemonk best for hiring and managing talent?[toc=Why Choose Wisemonk]

Wisemonk is a Employer of Record (EOR) platform that simplifies your global expansion by managing payroll, compliance, hiring, and HR operations in India without the need for a local entity. We offer an efficient, cost-effective, and fully compliant workforce management experience, enabling you to focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of Indian labor laws and HR processes.

Here’s how we help global businesses:

• We manage legal employment, payroll, and compliance so you can hire employees in India without needing a local entity.
• We streamline hiring and onboarding by handling everything from recruitment to seamless onboarding for full-time employees or contractors.
• We ensure payroll and compliance by taking care of automated payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance with Indian labor laws, including PF, ESI, gratuity, and professional tax.
• We manage employee benefits by offering health insurance and retirement plans while ensuring full compliance with Indian regulations.
• We handle equipment procurement and support for remote teams, taking care of the procurement process and providing ongoing support through our India-based HR team.

With Wisemonk, you get an end-to-end solution for your India operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and compliantly, without the hassle of setting up a local entity.

Ready to simplify your India expansion? Contact Wisemonk today to explore your options or get expert advice tailored to your business needs.