Gusto

4.5 (3.8k reviews)

All-in-one HR platform with payroll, benefits, and team management for small bus...

VS 2026

Greenhouse

4.5 (1.8k reviews)

Recruiting software and applicant tracking system for hiring teams....

Gusto vs Greenhouse: Which Is Better in 2026?

Comprehensive comparison of Gusto and Greenhouse covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.

Quick Overview

Gusto

  • Best for: Small businesses, Startups
  • Starting price: $40/mo
  • Category: hr software
  • Founded: 2011
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Greenhouse

  • Best for: Growing companies, Hiring teams
  • Starting price: $6000/mo
  • Category: hr software
  • Founded: 2012
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Feature Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Gusto and Greenhouse.

Feature
Gusto
Greenhouse
Employee Database
Time-off Management
Onboarding
Performance Management
Reporting
Mobile App
Integrations
Payroll
ATS

Our Verdict

After extensive testing and analysis, Gusto edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Gusto offers more features for the price. Greenhouse remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize growing companies.

Winner

Gusto

Best for Small businesses and Startups. Easy payroll.

Try Gusto
Alternative

Greenhouse

Best for Growing companies and Hiring teams. Excellent ATS.

Try Greenhouse

Pros & Cons

Gusto Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Easy payroll
  • Benefits administration
  • Great onboarding
  • Excellent UI
  • Automatic tax filing
Cons
  • Gets expensive
  • US only
  • Limited customization
  • Add-on costs

Greenhouse Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Excellent ATS
  • Great candidate experience
  • Strong integrations
  • Structured hiring
  • Good analytics
Cons
  • Expensive
  • HR features limited
  • Can be complex
  • Annual contracts

Pricing Comparison

Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.

Gusto

subscription
Starting from $40 /mo
Simple $40 /mo
  • Full-service payroll
  • Employee profiles
  • Basic hiring
Premium $180 /mo
  • Performance reviews
  • Surveys
  • Dedicated support

Greenhouse

subscription
Starting from $6,000 /yr
Essential $6,000 /mo
  • Job posting
  • Interview scheduling
  • Basic reporting
Expert Free
  • Custom workflows
  • Dedicated CSM
  • SSO

Which Tool Is Best For You?

Choose Gusto if you need:

  • Small businesses
  • Startups
  • First-time employers
  • US companies
  • Easy payroll
  • Benefits administration
Try Gusto Free

Choose Greenhouse if you need:

  • Growing companies
  • Hiring teams
  • Tech companies
  • Companies scaling fast
  • Excellent ATS
  • Great candidate experience
Try Greenhouse Free

Gusto vs Greenhouse FAQ

What are the main differences between Gusto and Greenhouse?

Gusto focuses on small businesses with easy payroll, while Greenhouse excels at growing companies with excellent ats. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.

Is Gusto or Greenhouse better for small businesses?

Both tools have paid plans. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Gusto's lower starting price of $40/month.

What is the pricing difference between Gusto and Greenhouse?

Gusto starts at $40/month, while Greenhouse starts at $6000/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.

Can Gusto integrate with Greenhouse?

While direct integration may vary, both Gusto and Greenhouse support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Gusto integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, while Greenhouse works with LinkedIn, Indeed, BambooHR.

Which tool is easier to use, Gusto or Greenhouse?

Based on user reviews, Gusto generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.5 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Gusto is known for benefits administration.

Does Gusto or Greenhouse offer better customer support?

Both Gusto and Greenhouse provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Gusto offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.

What are the pros of Gusto compared to Greenhouse?

Gusto's main advantages include: Easy payroll, Benefits administration, Great onboarding. Compared to Greenhouse, it's particularly strong for small businesses.

What are the cons of Gusto compared to Greenhouse?

Gusto's potential drawbacks include: Gets expensive, US only. Greenhouse may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.

Should I switch from Gusto to Greenhouse or vice versa?

Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.

Which tool is best for hr software in 2026?

In 2026, Gusto leads in this comparison with a 4.5 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Gusto excels for small businesses, while Greenhouse is ideal for growing companies.

Written by

AM
Alex Morgan Senior SaaS Analyst

Alex has spent over 8 years analyzing and comparing business software solutions. With a background in enterprise software sales and product management, he brings hands-on experience to every review. Alex specializes in CRM, marketing automation, and sales enablement tools.

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