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PayrollGrove vs Gusto
Gusto is a popular full-service payroll provider for small US businesses: it files and pays your payroll taxes for you, across several published plans. PayrollGrove is self-file payroll software with one all-inclusive plan, a security-first design and a free console for accountants and MSPs.
Which is the better fit
PayrollGrove is likely the better fit if…
- You (or your accountant) already handle deposits and filings and want lower, predictable cost.
- You want multi-state payroll, unlimited earning types and approvals without upgrading tiers.
- You want field-level encryption, customer-visible access logs and a sealed audit log.
- You serve many client companies and want one partner console.
Gusto may be the better fit if…
- You want the provider to file returns and remit taxes on your behalf.
- You need benefits brokerage, workers’ comp or international contractor payments in the same product.
- You need payroll in states outside PayrollGrove’s 17 launch states.
As of November 2026
Side by side
Facts from public sources, stated as neutrally as we can. If something here is out of date, tell us and we’ll fix it.
| Topic | PayrollGrove | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Published pricing | $39/mo + $7 per employee, one plan | Simple $49 + $6/person; Plus $80 + $12; Premium $180 + $22 |
| Example: 10 employees, per month | $109 | $109 (Simple) · $200 (Plus) · $400 (Premium) |
| Files and pays payroll taxes for you | No. You file and deposit; we prepare forms and files | Yes |
| Moves money (debits you, pays employees) | No. You upload a NACHA file to your bank | Yes |
| Multi-state payroll | Yes. 17 launch states, every plan | Partly. Plus and Premium; Simple is single-state |
| Custom earning types | Yes. Unlimited | Partly. Capped at 1 on Simple since Aug 2026 |
| Admin roles | Yes. System roles on every plan; custom roles when they ship, also every plan | Partly. Custom roles on higher tiers |
| Time tracking | Yes. Included | Partly. Plus and up; add-on on Simple |
| Pre-run checks with explanations | Yes. 30+ preflight checks | Partly. Payroll blockers and alerts |
| Employee-visible access log | Yes | No. Not documented |
| Accountant / MSP console | Yes. Free partner console | Yes. Gusto Pro for accountants |
| Contract | Month to month | Month to month |
Gusto plan prices and features for new customers per its public pricing and plan pages as summarized by third-party trackers, November 2026. Features change; confirm current details with the provider. Gusto is a trademark of its owner. PayrollGrove is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Gusto. Corrections: contact us.
See if self-file payroll fits your team.
30-day free trial, no card required. Then $39/mo + $7 per employee. Month to month, everything included.