Zenefits vs Gusto
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of The 11 Best Benefits Administration Software Platforms (2026) and The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026). Last verified June 18, 2026.
The short answer
Gusto ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #3) for HR teams managing employee health insurance, 401k, and benefits enrollment / 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
| Zenefits | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #3 / The 11 Best Benefits Administration Software Platforms (2026) | #1 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs (2026) |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Best for | Best for Broker Integration | Overall ease of use |
| Pricing | $$ ($10 to $27 PEPM) | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2013 | 2011 |
Zenefits
A strong choice for companies prioritizing the broker relationship.
www.zenefits.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Benefits Administration Software Platforms (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.