Gusto vs Workday
Compare Gusto and Workday 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 Workday. Choose Gusto when US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time. Choose Workday when Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Workday is better for
- ✓ Integrations
Choose Gusto if: US small businesses running payroll (and benefits) for the first time
Choose Workday if: Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record
Workday
Enterprise HCM default — custom PEPM quote (no published seat $); implementation-led. Landscape only vs SMB HRIS/payroll.
Best for
- • Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record
- • Global HR + payroll programmes comparing Workday as the default shortlist
- • Orgs that will fund a multi-month SI implementation
No free plan
Gusto vs Workday pricing
Gusto researched starting price from $49/mo. Workday starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page. Affiliate economics excluded.
Gusto
From $49.00/user/mo
Workday
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.
Workday
Starting price not evidenced
No free trial evidenced
- Workday HCMPopularCustom
- Core HCM — employee records, org, compensation, absence. Quote-only.
- Payroll / Talent / Learning / PlanningCustom
- Additional HCM and adjacent modules — quote-stacked PEPM.
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.
Some visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.