Dayforce vs Gusto
Compare Dayforce and Gusto on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Dayforce
AI-powered HCM (HR, pay, time, talent) with continuous payroll calculation — custom quote; formerly Ceridian.
Best for
- • Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc
- • Retail/manufacturing orgs comparing Dayforce vs UKG Pro
- • Buyers who will take a Gartner-HCM-leader shortlist quote
No free plan
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Dayforce and Gusto. Choose Dayforce when Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc. Choose Gusto when US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Dayforce is better for
- ✓ Integrations
Choose Dayforce if: Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc
Choose Gusto if: US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time
Gusto
US SMB payroll + benefits + light HR — Simple from $49/mo + $6/person; Plus $80 + $12; Premium $180 + $22.
Best for
- • US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time
- • Teams that want published month-to-month pricing instead of HCM quotes
- • Single-state companies that can start on Simple and upgrade for multi-state
Starting from $49.00/user/mo
No free plan
Dayforce vs Gusto pricing
Dayforce starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page. Gusto researched starting price from $49/mo. Affiliate economics excluded.
Dayforce
See plans
Gusto
From $49.00/user/mo
Dayforce
Starting price not evidenced
No free trial evidenced
- Dayforce HCMPopularCustom
- HR, pay, time, talent, analytics on one app — contact sales.
Gusto
Starting from $49.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- SimplePopular$49.00/mo
- $49/mo platform + $6/person. Single-state US payroll. Time/performance/many benefits features are add-ons.
- Plus$80.00/mo
- $80/mo + $12/person. Multi-state payroll path versus Simple.
- Premium$180.00/mo
- $180/mo + $22/person. Highest published SMB payroll+HR bundle.
- Contractor Only$35.00/mo
- $35/mo + $6/contractor after promo; first 6 months $0 base advertised. Not employee payroll.
Estimate your team cost
Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.
Gusto
$735.00/mo
Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 18, 2026
Prices in USD
Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.
Plans can change
Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.
Add-ons may apply
Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.
Independence
Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.
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