QuickBooks Payroll vs Gusto
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026. 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. The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
At a glance
| QuickBooks Payroll | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #3 / Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 | #1 / Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Best for | Existing QuickBooks users | Overall ease of use |
| Pricing | $$ ($75 to $200+/mo) | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) |
| HQ | Mountain View, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 1983 | 2011 |
QuickBooks Payroll
The best option for QuickBooks users due to its unbeatable accounting integration and workflow.
quickbooks.intuit.com/payroll/See full entry in Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 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 Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.