FreshBooks vs Gusto: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
🌿
FreshBooks
Accounting & Finance
90
ToolScout Score
VS
💼
Gusto
Accounting & Finance
92
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

FreshBooks
Gusto
Starting Price
$17/mo
$40/mo + $6/user
Free Plan
No
No
Users
30M+
300K+ orgs
Founded
2003
2011
Rating
4.5/5
4.6/5
Best For
Freelancers and service businesses wanting simple ...
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefi...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FreshBooksGusto
89Ease of Use91
94Features96
88Value for Money90
85Customer Support87
87Integrations89
88Mobile App90
AI Verdict

Gusto leads with a ToolScout Score of 92 vs 90 for FreshBooks. Gusto is best suited for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration, while FreshBooks excels for Freelancers and service businesses wanting simple invoicing and time tracking. Both are strong options in the Accounting & Finance space.

CHOOSE FRESHBOOKS IF:

Freelancers and service businesses wanting simple invoicing and time tracking.

CHOOSE GUSTO IF:

US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FreshBooks better than Gusto?
Gusto scores 92/100 on ToolScout compared to FreshBooks's 90/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. FreshBooks is best for Freelancers and service businesses wanting simple invoicing and time tracking. Gusto is best for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.
Does FreshBooks have a free plan?
No, FreshBooks does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $17/mo.
Does Gusto have a free plan?
No, Gusto does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $40/mo + $6/user.
Can I migrate from FreshBooks to Gusto?
Migration between FreshBooks and Gusto depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Accounting & Finance category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.