Gusto vs OnPay: which is better for a new business? (2026)
7.3/10
Gusto
From $49/mo
Choose Gusto if: Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing
Skip it if: You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app.
Visit Gusto7.7/10
OnPay
From $49/mo
Choose OnPay if: Small teams across states wanting one flat price
Skip it if: You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan.
Visit OnPayQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | OnPay (7.3 vs 7.7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (From $49/mo vs From $49/mo) |
| Better public ratings | OnPay (4.7 vs 4.8 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (Not confirmed vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing | Small teams across states wanting one flat price |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app. | You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan. |
| Free plan or trial | No | 1 month |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone, chat, email; M-F 6am-6pm MST | Phone, chat, email; weekdays 9am-8pm |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 51,124) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 614) |
| Base price | $49/mo (Simple) | $49/mo |
| Per person | $6/mo per person (Simple) | $6/worker per month |
| Contractors only | No separate plan since Oct 2026; $49/mo + $6/contractor on Simple | Same plan: $49/mo + $6/contractor |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes, all plans (federal, state, local) | Yes: federal, state, local |
| Workers in several states | Plus and Premium only | All 50 states, no extra cost |
| Direct deposit speed | 4-day at start, 2-day after 15 days; next-day on Plus | 2-day or 4-day; no next-day |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance, from $14/mo | Pay-as-you-go via partner; premiums only |
| Benefits | Health, dental, vision (premiums only); 401(k), HSA/FSA | Health, dental, vision, 401(k); premiums only |
| Time tracking | Included in Plus; $6/person add-on on Simple | Add-on $15/mo + $4/worker |
| HR tools | HR guidance and resources on Premium only | Add-on $15/mo + $2/worker; onboarding included |
| W-2s and 1099s | Included; filed for you | Included, with year-end filings |
| Setup fee | None (free account setup) | None; free setup and data migration |
| Free trial | None listed | First month free |
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What payroll will cost you
Gusto
- Public pricing: Simple plan is $49/mo + $6 per person.
- Files federal, state and local payroll taxes plus W-2s and 1099s.
- Unlimited payroll runs; no extra fee for off-cycle payrolls.
- Month-to-month; contractors billed only in months you pay them.
- Simple covers one state; multi-state requires Plus at $80/mo + $12/person.
- New accounts start on 4-day deposit; next-day costs $15/mo + $3/person on Simple.
- Mobile app is English-only; phone support weekdays 6am-6pm MST.
OnPay
- One $49/mo + $6/worker plan includes full-service tax filing.
- Pay workers in all 50 states at no extra cost.
- Free setup, data migration and automatic state tax registrations.
- First month free; support by phone, chat, email weekdays 9am-8pm.
- No next-day or same-day deposit; fastest is 2-day.
- Time tracking adds $15/mo + $4/worker; HR adds $15/mo + $2/worker.
- No free plan; paying one worker costs $55/month.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Gusto or OnPay cheaper?
Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (From $49/mo vs From $49/mo). Ask both for a quote.
Which has better reviews?
OnPay, with 4.8/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Gusto: Not confirmed. OnPay: Not confirmed.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.