Gusto vs QuickBooks Online: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Gusto
QuickBooks Online
Starting Price
$40/mo + $6/user
$30/mo
Free Plan
No
No
Users
300K+ orgs
7M+
Founded
2011
1983
Rating
4.6/5
4.4/5
Best For
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefi...
Small businesses wanting the most accountant-compa...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
GustoQuickBooks Online
91Ease of Use87
96Features92
90Value for Money86
87Customer Support83
89Integrations85
90Mobile App86
AI Verdict
Gusto leads with a ToolScout Score of 92 vs 88 for QuickBooks Online. Gusto is best suited for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration, while QuickBooks Online excels for Small businesses wanting the most accountant-compatible accounting software. Both are strong options in the Accounting & Finance space.
CHOOSE GUSTO IF:
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.
CHOOSE QUICKBOOKS ONLINE IF:
Small businesses wanting the most accountant-compatible accounting software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gusto better than QuickBooks Online?
Gusto scores 92/100 on ToolScout compared to QuickBooks Online's 88/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Gusto is best for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration. QuickBooks Online is best for Small businesses wanting the most accountant-compatible accounting software.
Does Gusto have a free plan?
No, Gusto does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $40/mo + $6/user.
Does QuickBooks Online have a free plan?
No, QuickBooks Online does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $30/mo.
Can I migrate from Gusto to QuickBooks Online?
Migration between Gusto and QuickBooks Online 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.