Gusto vs ZipBooks: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Gusto
ZipBooks
Starting Price
$40/mo + $6/user
$15/mo
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
300K+ orgs
100K+
Founded
2011
2015
Rating
4.6/5
4.4/5
Best For
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefi...
Freelancers and consultants wanting free, elegant ...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
GustoZipBooks
91Ease of Use90
96Features92
90Value for Money92
87Customer Support83
89Integrations85
90Mobile App86
AI Verdict
Gusto leads with a ToolScout Score of 92 vs 88 for ZipBooks. Gusto is best suited for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration, while ZipBooks excels for Freelancers and consultants wanting free, elegant bookkeeping software. Both are strong options in the Accounting & Finance space.
CHOOSE GUSTO IF:
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.
CHOOSE ZIPBOOKS IF:
Freelancers and consultants wanting free, elegant bookkeeping software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gusto better than ZipBooks?
Gusto scores 92/100 on ToolScout compared to ZipBooks'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. ZipBooks is best for Freelancers and consultants wanting free, elegant bookkeeping software.
Does Gusto have a free plan?
No, Gusto does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $40/mo + $6/user.
Does ZipBooks have a free plan?
Yes, ZipBooks offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $15/mo.
Can I migrate from Gusto to ZipBooks?
Migration between Gusto and ZipBooks 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.