Quick verdict
How these two tools differ.
SurePayroll focuses on straightforward payroll—run it yourself or choose full-service. It's part of the Paychex family, so you get a recognizable name and support. Gusto adds benefits and HR with published tiered pricing and a modern self-serve experience. Both handle W-2 and 1099.
SurePayroll wins if you want simplicity and the option to hand off payroll to the provider. Gusto wins if you want more HR and benefits in one product and transparent pricing you can see online. Compare total cost and features; Gusto typically offers more HR for a published (different) price.
Comparison summary
Winner for full-service
SurePayroll
SurePayroll lets you hand off payroll and tax filing to the provider.
Winner for all-in-one
Gusto
Gusto bundles payroll, benefits, and HR with published pricing.
Quick decision guide
Which product fits your situation.
Choose SurePayroll if:
- You want simple payroll with optional full-service.
- You prefer a well-known brand (Paychex family).
- You want a published payroll-first price (currently $29/mo + $7 per employee on Full Service) rather than Gusto’s HR-inclusive tiers.
Choose Gusto if:
- You want payroll, benefits, and HR in one platform.
- You want to see pricing and sign up without a sales call.
- You prefer self-serve and modern tools.
Ratings comparison
How we score each product.
| Category | SurePayroll | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 4.4 | 4.9 |
| Features | 4.0 | 4.8 |
| Pricing | 4.0 | 4.6 |
| Support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Integrations | 4.0 | 4.7 |
Feature comparison
Side-by-side feature check.
SupportedPartial supportNot available
| Feature | SurePayroll | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | W-2 and 1099; simple or full-service | W-2 and 1099; full-featured |
| HR and benefits | Basic | Strong; benefits and HR tools |
| Pricing | Published Full Service $29/mo + $7/EE | Published tiered (e.g. $49/mo base + per person) |
Pricing comparison
What to expect to pay.
Both publish pricing. SurePayroll Full Service is currently $29/month plus $7 per employee (No Tax Filing is $20 + $4). Gusto uses published tiers (e.g. $49/month base plus per person). Compare at your headcount and whether you need Gusto’s HR/benefits in the same product.
Pros and cons
Strengths and trade-offs.
SurePayroll
Pros
- Simple payroll
- Full-service option
- Familiar brand
- Published Full Service pricing
Cons
- Less HR and benefits
- Fewer integrations
- Year-end and add-on fees sit outside the headline rate
Gusto
Pros
- Published pricing
- Payroll + benefits + HR
- Self-serve
- Strong integrations
Cons
- More product to learn
- Per-person costs add up
Best for
Which tool fits your situation.
Best for full-service option
SurePayroll is the better fit when you want the option to hand off payroll and tax filing to the provider.
Best for all-in-one and transparency
Gusto is the better fit when you want payroll, benefits, and HR in one place with published pricing.
Alternatives
Other options we review.
OnPayFlat pricing; straightforward payroll.
Read review →
ADPLarger provider; full-service option.
Read review →More comparisons
Read full reviews
Dive deeper into each product.
For detailed ratings, features, and pros and cons, see our standalone reviews:
Best payroll software guides
Find the right fit by use case or trade.
FAQs
Quick answers.