[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Payroll Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/payroll-management/) \> [Payroll Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/payroll-software/) \> [Gusto](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/gusto/) \> Gusto vs BambooHR # Gusto vs BambooHR Last Updated: May 11th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Gusto](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/gusto/) vs [BambooHR](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/bamboohr/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Payroll Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/payroll-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Payroll Software&cta=payroll-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Gusto Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa/resources/normal/logo.png?1693317793)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/gusto/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![BambooHR Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/fa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9/resources/normal/logo.png?1742580485)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/bamboohr/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=Gusto&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317793) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=Gusto&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317793) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=Gusto&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317793&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=Gusto&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317793&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=BambooHR&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ffa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1742580485) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=BambooHR&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ffa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1742580485) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=BambooHR&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ffa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1742580485&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Payroll+Software&product%5Fname=BambooHR&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ffa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1742580485&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 75 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (9898 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating we're gathering data ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (6392 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $49 Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Gusto&category=Payroll Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/8466a2b43729c29dcd7cc0fdfa1a9e7a-4770395907408ad234a01c495ed34cfa/resources/normal/logo.png?1693317793) $10/User, Monthly, Quote-Based [ 7 Day Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=BambooHR&category=Payroll Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/fa3060edb66e6ff4507886f9912e1ab9-9030a4ecc6428756dc654115e446cbb9/resources/normal/logo.png?1742580485) Pros What we like about Gusto and BambooHR: * Full-service payroll built in — runs multi-state pay, next-day deposits, and tax filing out of the box * Automated tax filing handles W-2s, 1099s, and e-filing without extra setup * Transparent monthly pricing with no long-term contracts required * Wide integration options including an Embedded Payroll API for custom HR platforms * Strong applicant tracking system with job posting, candidate messaging, and real-time alerts * Robust performance management tools, including surveys, peer reviews, and AI-assisted feedback * Flexible reporting with a custom report builder and pre-built templates for multiple HR functions * Tiered approval system keeps payroll reviews structured before final processing Cons What we dislike about Gusto and BambooHR: * Basic reporting lacks bookmarking and falls short of accounting-software-level depth * Customer support is slow, with issues taking days to resolve * Limited advanced features for succession planning and recruiting * Year-end tax filing may incur extra charges not clearly disclosed upfront * Benefits data isn't available on mobile, limiting employee self-service on the go * Can't conduct keyword searches on resumes, which limits ATS efficiency * Benefits side-by-side comparisons aren't available, making employee enrollment decisions harder * Custom report filters are limited despite the platform's otherwise flexible reporting tools ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Gusto is the better pick if payroll is your core need, especially if you want tax filing and direct deposits built in from day one. BambooHR makes more sense if you're managing the full employee lifecycle — hiring, onboarding, performance — and are OK treating payroll as an add-on. Gusto runs full-service payroll natively, including multi-state processing, automated W-2 and 1099 filing, and next-day direct deposit on higher plans. It also covers employees and contractors, which is handy if your workforce is a mix of both. BambooHR's payroll works through an add-on integration, so if core payroll processing is a dealbreaker, that gap matters. On HR tools, BambooHR goes deeper. You get a built-in ATS with job posting and candidate tracking, structured performance reviews, peer surveys, and a custom report builder. Gusto has performance tools and basic reporting, but they're less developed and require premium plans or add-ons. Gusto starts at $49 per month plus $6 per employee per month, with no contracts. BambooHR's pricing isn't published — you'll need to contact the vendor for a quote. That makes direct cost comparison tricky, though BambooHR does offer discounts for nonprofits and bundled plans. If you need payroll done right out of the box, Gusto is the more complete choice. But if you're building out your HR function first and want flexibility to plug in payroll later, BambooHR's broader HR toolset could serve you better. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Gusto has an analyst rating of 75\. Our analysts are still gathering data for BambooHR. 75 we're gathering data Features Comparison **Benefits Management** Easily handle employee perks like health plans and retirement savings, so you can offer attractive benefits without the administrative headache. 90 we're gathering data **Dashboard and Reporting** See clear summaries of your payroll data and create helpful reports, giving you quick insights into costs and employee payments. 80 we're gathering data **Document Management** Keep all your important payroll records organized in one secure place, making it simple to find files and stay compliant. 100 we're gathering data [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Payroll Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Payroll Software) How Gusto compares against the top 11 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Gusto BambooHR \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Payroll Software) Benefits Management Dashboard AndReporting Document Management Expense Management Mobile Capabilities Payroll Management Platform Capabilities Platform Security AndCompliance Self-Service Portal Tax Management Time And AttendanceManagement 90 80 100 67 53 83 71 100 86 82 84 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Benefits Management** Easily handle employee perks like health plans and retirement savings, so you can offer attractive benefits without the administrative headache. 83% 0% 17% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Dashboard And Reporting** See clear summaries of your payroll data and create helpful reports, giving you quick insights into costs and employee payments. 80% 0% 20% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Document Management** Keep all your important payroll records organized in one secure place, making it simple to find files and stay compliant. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Expense Management** Track and manage employee spending with ease, allowing you to review submissions, reimburse costs, and keep your budget in check. 50% 0% 50% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Mobile Capabilities** Manage payroll tasks from your phone or tablet, letting you approve time off and view information conveniently, wherever you are. 50% 0% 50% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Payroll Management** Process employee payments accurately and on time, handling deductions, taxes, and paychecks automatically, so you can focus on your team. 83% 0% 17% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Platform Capabilities** Imagine your payroll system working smoothly with other tools you use, sharing information easily and fitting into your existing workflows. 57% 0% 43% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Platform Security And Compliance** Protect sensitive employee data and stay up-to-date with payroll regulations, giving you peace of mind about security and legal requirements. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Self-Service Portal** Let your employees access their pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information directly, saving you time and empowering them with self-management. 86% 0% 14% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Tax Management** Automatically calculate and file your payroll taxes accurately, so you can avoid penalties and stay compliant with government regulations effortlessly. 82% 0% 18% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Time And Attendance Management** Effortlessly track employee work hours, manage time-off requests, and ensure accurate paychecks by streamlining your attendance processes. 70% 0% 30% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Payroll Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Payroll Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations And Extensibility** Connect your payroll system with other tools you rely on, making data flow smoothly and tailoring the software to your unique business needs. 95% 0% 5% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 75.5% are fully supported out of the box by Gusto including Document Management, Platform Security And Compliance and Integrations And Extensibility. We are still evaluating data for BambooHR at this time. BambooHR has an analyst rating of and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 6392 reviews, while Gusto has an analyst rating of 75 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 9898 reviews. BambooHR is a SelectHub award-winner. ### User Sentiment Summary Gusto has a user sentiment rating of 92 based on 9898 reviews. BambooHR has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 6392 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 9898 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 6392 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 92% of users recommend this product Gusto has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 9898 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 89% of users recommend this product BambooHR has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 6392 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **FinancesOnline** n/a **5.0** (38) **G2.com, Inc** **4.6** (5736) **4.4** (2468) **Capterra Inc** **4.6** (4162) **4.6** (3016) **Gartner, Inc** n/a **4.3** (301) **TrustRadius** n/a **4.1** (569) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Gusto and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Security and Compliance and Integrations and Extensibility. Gusto stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() ![Platform Security and Compliance Award]() Show more ![Integrations and Extensibility Award]() No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ Gusto Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-management/gusto-alternatives/) [ BambooHR Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/hr-management-software/bamboohr/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Full-service payroll** – Runs multi-state pay, direct deposits, and off-cycle runs with built-in contractor support, so you don't need a third-party payroll tool. * **Automated tax filing** – Handles W-2, 1099, and e-filing of key forms with built-in calculators, covering both statutory and voluntary deductions. * **Embedded Payroll API** – Lets you integrate Gusto's payroll capabilities directly into your own HR platform, which BambooHR doesn't offer natively. * **Built-in benefits** – Gives employees access to 9,000-plus medical, dental, vision, and insurance plans alongside 401(k), HSA, and FSA options. * **Payroll add-on** – Covers all 50 U.S. states with full-service tax filing and automated overtime calculations, available as an add-on rather than built in. * **Applicant tracking** – Posts jobs to major boards, tracks candidates through the pipeline, and lets you communicate with them directly within the platform. * **Performance management** – Collects employee feedback through surveys and reviews, with an AI assistant that summarizes results and answers policy questions. * **Custom reporting** – Generates EEO-1 and other standard reports from a built-in library, with custom report building and flexible filters for department, location, and pay range. ### Top Alternatives in Payroll Software [ ADP RUN ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/adp-run/) [ APS Payroll ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/aps-payroll/) [ Justworks ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/peo-software/justworks/) [ Namely ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/namely/) [ OnPay ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/onpay/) [ Patriot Payroll ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/patriot-payroll/) [ Paychex ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/paychex/) [ Payroll4Free ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/payroll4free/) [ QuickBooks Payroll ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/quickbooks-payroll/) [ Rippling ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/rippling/) [ Square Payroll ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/square-payroll/) [ TriNet HR Plus ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/trinet/) [ UKG Ready ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/hr-management-software/ukg-ready/) [ Wagepoint ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/wagepoint/) [ Wave Payroll ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/payroll-software/wave-payroll/) ### Related Categories Gusto and BambooHR can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [ HR Management Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/hr-management-software/) Show more [ Applicant Tracking Systems ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/applicant-tracking-systems/) [ Benefits Administration Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/benefits-administration-software/) [ HR Analytics Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/hr-analytics-software/) [ HR Management Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/hr-management-software/) [ Leave Management Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/leave-management-software/) [ Onboarding Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/onboarding-software/) [ Performance Management Systems ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/performance-management-software/) [ Recruitment Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/recruiting-software/) [ Talent Management Systems ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/talent-management-system/) [ Time and Attendance Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/time-and-attendance-software/) [ Time Tracking Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/time-tracking-software/) [ Timesheet Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/timesheet-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![ADP RUN Software Tool]() [Gusto VS ADP RUN](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-adp-run/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![ADP Workforce Now Software Tool]() [Gusto VS ADP Workforce Now](https://www.selecthub.com/hr-management-software/adp-workforce-now-vs-gusto/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Dayforce Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Dayforce](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-dayforce/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Namely Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Namely](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-namely/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Oracle HCM Cloud Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Oracle HCM Cloud](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-oracle-hcm-cloud/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Paychex Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Paychex](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/paychex-vs-gusto/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Paycom Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Paycom](https://www.selecthub.com/hr-management-software/paycom-vs-gusto/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Paylocity Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Paylocity](https://www.selecthub.com/hr-management-software/paylocity-vs-gusto/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![QuickBooks Payroll Software Tool]() [Gusto VS QuickBooks Payroll](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-quickbooks-payroll/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![SuccessFactors Software Tool]() [Gusto VS SuccessFactors](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-successfactors/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![TriNet HR Plus Software Tool]() [Gusto VS TriNet HR Plus](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-trinet/) ![Gusto Software Tool]() ![Workday HCM Software Tool]() [Gusto VS Workday HCM](https://www.selecthub.com/payroll-software/gusto-vs-workday-hcm/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/payroll-requirements-onsite-1/) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Payroll%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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