Gusto
All-in-one HR platform with payroll, benefits, and team management for small bus...
Workday
Enterprise cloud platform for HR, finance, and planning with advanced analytics....
Gusto vs Workday: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Gusto and Workday 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
Workday
- Best for: Enterprise, Large organizations
- Starting price: $100/mo
- Category: hr software
- Founded: 2005
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Gusto and Workday.
| Feature | G Gusto | W Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Database | ||
| Time-off Management | ||
| Onboarding | ||
| Performance Management | ||
| Reporting | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Payroll |
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 better overall user satisfaction. Workday remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize enterprise.
Workday
Best for Enterprise and Large organizations. Comprehensive platform.
Try WorkdayPros & 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
Workday Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong analytics
- Regular updates
- Great for large orgs
- Global capabilities
Cons
- Very expensive
- Complex implementation
- Steep learning curve
- Requires dedicated admin
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Gusto
subscription- Full-service payroll
- Employee profiles
- Basic hiring
- Time tracking
- PTO policies
- Next-day direct deposit
- Performance reviews
- Surveys
- Dedicated support
Workday
subscription- Core HR
- Benefits
- Talent management
- Payroll
- Time tracking
- Workforce planning
- Financial management
- Analytics
- Custom integrations
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Gusto if you need:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time employers
- US companies
- Easy payroll
- Benefits administration
Choose Workday if you need:
- Enterprise
- Large organizations
- Global companies
- Complex HR needs
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong analytics
Gusto vs Workday FAQ
What are the main differences between Gusto and Workday?
Gusto focuses on small businesses with easy payroll, while Workday excels at enterprise with comprehensive platform. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Gusto or Workday 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 Workday?
Gusto starts at $40/month, while Workday starts at $100/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Gusto integrate with Workday?
While direct integration may vary, both Gusto and Workday support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Gusto integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, while Workday works with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, SAP.
Which tool is easier to use, Gusto or Workday?
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 Workday offer better customer support?
Both Gusto and Workday 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 Workday?
Gusto's main advantages include: Easy payroll, Benefits administration, Great onboarding. Compared to Workday, it's particularly strong for small businesses.
What are the cons of Gusto compared to Workday?
Gusto's potential drawbacks include: Gets expensive, US only. Workday may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Gusto to Workday 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 Workday is ideal for enterprise.