Gusto vs UKG Pro
Compare Gusto and UKG Pro 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 UKG Pro. Choose Gusto when US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time. Choose UKG Pro when Enterprises whose HCM shortlist is Workday vs UKG because hourly WFM/compliance is core. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
UKG Pro is better for
- ✓ Integrations
Choose Gusto if: US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time
Choose UKG Pro if: Enterprises whose HCM shortlist is Workday vs UKG because hourly WFM/compliance is core
UKG Pro
Enterprise HCM + WFM (Kronos heritage) — custom quote; Bryte AI. Distinct from UKG Ready (mid-market bundles).
Best for
- • Enterprises whose HCM shortlist is Workday vs UKG because hourly WFM/compliance is core
- • Healthcare, retail, and 24/7 operations that need HCM plus complex scheduling
- • Global payroll programmes that will quote UKG Pro rather than Ready
No free plan
Feature comparison
Grouped feature support from verified product research for Gusto and UKG Pro.
Hiring
| Feature | Gusto | UKG Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant tracking | Moderate | Strong | UKG Pro |
| Career site & job boards | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
| Interview scheduling | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
Workforce
| Feature | Gusto | UKG Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workforce scheduling | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
| Frontline communications | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
| Time & attendance | Moderate | Strong | UKG Pro |
| GPS / geofence clock-in | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
People & payroll
| Feature | Gusto | UKG Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core HRIS | Moderate | Strong | UKG Pro |
| Payroll processing | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Benefits administration | Strong | Strong | Tie |
Training
| Feature | Gusto | UKG Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOP / knowledge base | Limited | Moderate | UKG Pro |
| Employee training paths | Limited | Strong | UKG Pro |
| LMS / course commerce | Limited | Limited | Tie |
Platform
| Feature | Gusto | UKG Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRIS integrations | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Analytics & reporting | Moderate | Strong | UKG Pro |
| AI assistance | Moderate | Strong | UKG Pro |
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