OnPay vs Gusto
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026). Last verified May 31, 2026.
The short answer
Gusto ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #4) for Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR. The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
At a glance
| OnPay | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026) | #1 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026) |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 9.3 |
| Best for | Niche industry features | Overall ease of use |
| Pricing | $ ($46+/mo) | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) |
| HQ | Atlanta, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2007 | 2011 |
OnPay
Offers a single, transparently priced plan with great support and features for niche industries.
onpay.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026)
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)
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.