Gusto vs ADP Workforce Now
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs and The 11 Best Workforce Management Software Platforms. Last verified May 31, 2026.
The short answer
Gusto ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #3) for Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR / Operations and HR managers scheduling staff, tracking time, and managing labor costs. The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
At a glance
| Gusto | ADP Workforce Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs | #3 / The 11 Best Workforce Management Software Platforms |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Best for | Overall ease of use | Best for existing ADP payroll users. |
| Pricing | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) | $$$$ ($12+ PEPM) |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | Roseland, USA |
| Founded | 2011 | 1949 |
Gusto
The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
gusto.comADP Workforce Now
The most reliable WFM for companies using ADP payroll.
www.adp.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Workforce Management Software Platforms
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.