Gusto vs UKG Pro
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026) and Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026. Last verified May 31, 2026.
The short answer
Gusto ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #7) for Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR / HR and people leaders selecting a platform for performance, succession, learning and career development. The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
At a glance
| Gusto | UKG Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026) | #7 / Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026 |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.3 | 8.3 |
| Best for | Overall ease of use | UKG payroll estates in North America |
| Pricing | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) | $$$ (quote only, typically $6 to $12 per employee/mo) |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | Weston, USA |
| Founded | 2011 | 1990 |
Gusto
The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
gusto.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026)
UKG Pro
Cheapest talent modules if you already run UKG.
www.ukg.com/solutions/ukg-pro-suiteSee full entry in Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.