Akaunting vs Gusto: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
📊
Akaunting
Accounting & Finance
84
ToolScout Score
VS
💼
Gusto
Accounting & Finance
92
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

Akaunting
Gusto
Starting Price
Free
$40/mo + $6/user
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
500K+
300K+ orgs
Founded
2017
2011
Rating
4.2/5
4.6/5
Best For
Tech-savvy small businesses wanting free, self-hos...
US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefi...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

AkauntingGusto
86Ease of Use91
88Features96
88Value for Money90
79Customer Support87
81Integrations89
82Mobile App90
AI Verdict

Gusto leads with a ToolScout Score of 92 vs 84 for Akaunting. Gusto is best suited for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration, while Akaunting excels for Tech-savvy small businesses wanting free, self-hosted accounting software. Both are strong options in the Accounting & Finance space.

CHOOSE AKAUNTING IF:

Tech-savvy small businesses wanting free, self-hosted accounting software.

CHOOSE GUSTO IF:

US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Akaunting better than Gusto?
Gusto scores 92/100 on ToolScout compared to Akaunting's 84/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Akaunting is best for Tech-savvy small businesses wanting free, self-hosted accounting software. Gusto is best for US-based SMBs wanting automated payroll and benefits administration.
Does Akaunting have a free plan?
Yes, Akaunting offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
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 Akaunting to Gusto?
Migration between Akaunting 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.