Best Gusto Alternatives

gusto alternatives

Looking for the best Gusto alternative in 2026? Gusto is payroll-first SMB HR ($49 base + $6–$12/employee/mo), but it is not the only option for HR software. Here are the top alternatives for small businesses and startups, starting with PeopleHub.

1. PeopleHub — best for small businesses and startups

PeopleHub is a HR software built for small businesses and startups, with employee onboarding, performance reviews, PTO & leave automation and flat monthly pricing.

  • Employee onboarding
  • Performance reviews
  • PTO & leave automation
  • Time & attendance
  • Applicant tracking

2. BambooHR

BambooHR is another Gusto alternative worth comparing on features and price for small businesses and startups.

3. Rippling

Rippling is another Gusto alternative worth comparing on features and price for small businesses and startups.

How to choose a Gusto alternative

Compare on the capabilities that matter most for small businesses and startups: employee onboarding, performance reviews, PTO & leave automation, time & attendance, applicant tracking. Weigh pricing model (flat vs per-seat/per-unit), migration effort, and support.

Try PeopleHub free

HR software built for small businesses and startups. Flat, predictable pricing — no per-seat surprises.

Start free with PeopleHub →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Gusto alternative?

For small businesses and startups, PeopleHub is a strong Gusto alternative — it delivers employee onboarding, performance reviews, PTO & leave automation with flat, predictable pricing.

Why look for a Gusto alternative?

Common reasons include pricing (Gusto is $49 base + $6–$12/employee/mo), feature fit, or wanting software tuned to small businesses and startups.

More PeopleHub resources

Free PeopleHub calculators