Gusto vs SmartHR
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Gusto and SmartHR are credible payroll tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Gusto — Payroll, benefits, and HR for small business.
Choose SmartHR if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. Cloud HR for Japan.
Gusto vs SmartHR: side by side
| Dimension | Gusto | SmartHR |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $40/mo | FreeWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Startups | Japanese Companies |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Gusto key facts
- Vendor
- Gusto
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $40/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
SmartHR key facts
- Vendor
- SmartHR
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Japanese Companies
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Tokyo, Japan
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto better than SmartHR?
Neither is universally better — Gusto edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Gusto or SmartHR cheaper?
SmartHR is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Gusto starts at from $40/mo; SmartHR starts at free.
Can Gusto replace SmartHR?
Yes for most teams — both are payroll tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.