Gusto vs Paycor
Compare Gusto and Paycor on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
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
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Gusto and Paycor. Choose Gusto when US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time. Choose Paycor when Growing US companies comparing Paycor vs Paylocity for payroll+HR. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Tie
- • Integrations
Choose Gusto if: US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time
Choose Paycor if: Growing US companies comparing Paycor vs Paylocity for payroll+HR
Paycor
HR + payroll HCM (Paychex-owned since 2025) — custom quote; WISE AI. Landscape vs Gusto / Paylocity.
Best for
- • Growing US companies comparing Paycor vs Paylocity for payroll+HR
- • Hourly verticals (healthcare, restaurants, manufacturing) that want HCM plus scheduling
- • Buyers already in the Paychex orbit post-acquisition
No free plan
Gusto vs Paycor pricing
Gusto researched starting price from $49/mo. Paycor starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page. Affiliate economics excluded.
Gusto
From $49.00/user/mo
Paycor
See plans
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.
Paycor
Starting price not evidenced
No free trial evidenced
- Paycor HCMPopularCustom
- HR + payroll + talent/WFM modules — contact sales. No published USD.
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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