Gusto vs Update HR comparison

Gusto and Update HR are both solutions in the Talent Management category. Gusto is ranked #16 with an average rating of 9.0, while Update HR is ranked #86. Additionally, 80% of Gusto users are willing to recommend the solution.

Gusto

Read 4 Gusto reviews

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80% willing to recommend

Update HR

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34 Comparison Views

Gusto

Update HR

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 1, 2025

Gusto and Update HR compete in the HR management software space. Based on data comparisons, Gusto stands out in streamlined payroll functionalities, whereas Update HR offers a comprehensive HR feature set that may better justify its cost for full-spectrum HR needs.

Features: Gusto's prominent features include automated payroll processing, tax filing, and employee benefits management. These features provide a smooth payroll experience and are ideal for small businesses. Update HR, however, delivers advanced compliance management and robust reporting tools. Its extensive feature set is more suited for businesses seeking complete HR solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Gusto offers a straightforward, cloud-based deployment model supported by extensive online resources that make its setup intuitive. On the other hand, Update HR provides a tailored deployment approach accompanied by dedicated customer service, which is beneficial for businesses needing customized solutions.

Pricing and ROI: Gusto presents a competitive pricing structure with low initial setup costs, ensuring a quick ROI due to efficient payroll processing. In contrast, Update HR involves higher upfront costs but offers significant returns through its comprehensive HR functionalities over time, delivering a higher ROI to businesses seeking all-inclusive HR management solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed Talent Management Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Talent Management

July 2025

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Helped 865,295 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Gusto

Ranking in Talent Management

16th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Benefits Administration (11th)

Update HR

Ranking in Talent Management

86th

Average Rating

0.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Applicant Tracking and Recruiting Software (74th), Cloud HCM (80th)

Featured Reviews

Mimi Evans

Owner/Operator at Fearless Bookkeeping Services LLC

Simple to use solution that offers a lot; gives employees the option to get cash advances

I think it's great that it syncs with QuickBooks Online and any payroll software that syncs with QuickBooks Online is great. My issue with their syncing was that every single account for a deduction went to a liability account, but not a lot of businesses run that way. As of September, they did not have the ability for me to put an employee's deduction for benefits in anything but a liability account; which made it not difficult, but added a manual step to the syncing of the entering of our payroll between Gusto and QuickBooks Online. I would also like for the tech support to be more responsive. Gusto also advertises their health benefits, but they don't do a good job of explaining why it's a better option to go through them. I think there's more communication that could be done on that. I also think that there are some HR benefits that they could be offering to these lower plans, without having to go to the Premium Plan. I think that that's something that they should consider in the future.

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Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Gusto?

I wish Gusto's customer support was better for improvements. My experience with Gusto's customer support sometimes shows they're not responsive, and they have definitely made mistakes in the past.

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What advice do you have for others considering Gusto?

I would say, relative to another payroll solution, running payroll with Gusto probably costs half the price and saves us 5 to 10 hours a month. I would say Gusto is a really good payroll solution f...

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What is your primary use case for Gusto?

Our main use case for Gusto is for payroll, and we pay our US employees through it. Gusto helps with our payroll process because we use it for tax filings and benefits.

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Comparisons

Namely vs Gusto

Compared 50% of the time

isolved vs Gusto

Compared 50% of the time

More Gusto Competitors

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Benefits Administration

July 2025

Download Gusto product report

Buyer's Guide

Cloud HCM

August 2025

Download Update HR product report

Also Known As

ZenPayroll

No data available

Overview

Gusto provides payroll, benefits and HR to modern companies, by handling payments to employees and contractors and also electronically handling the paperwork necessary to help companies comply with tax, labor, and immigration laws.

Gusto

Update HR simplifies human resources management with advanced automation and data-driven insights to enhance organizational efficiency and decision-making.

Designed for forward-thinking companies, Update HR provides comprehensive tools to automate HR processes, optimize workforce management, and deliver actionable insights. Its intuitive interface allows users to seamlessly navigate HR tasks, ensuring technical precision and insightful metrics. This empowers HR teams to focus on strategic planning and fosters a data-centric approach to workforce management.

What are the key features of Update HR?

Automation of HR Processes: Streamlines routine tasks, reducing manual errors and increasing productivity.
Data-Driven Insights: Provides analytics that guide decision-making, improving strategic HR planning.
Scalable Solutions: Adapts to company growth, ensuring consistent performance regardless of size.
Compliance Tracking: Ensures adherence to regulatory standards with updated compliance features.
Employee Self-Service Portal: Empowers employees by offering access to personal HR-related information.

What benefits or ROI should users look for?

Improved Efficiency: Automates manual tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
Cost Savings: Streamlined processes lead to lower operational costs.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Data analytics provide insights for informed HR strategies.
Increased Employee Engagement: Self-service options boost employee satisfaction and engagement.

In industries like tech and finance, Update HR facilitates dynamic workforce management by aligning HR operations with business goals, enhancing productivity, compliance, and employee satisfaction. It's widely utilized in these sectors for its capacity to handle complex HR tasks efficiently, supporting agile methodologies and innovation.

Update HR

Sample Customers

Farmgirl Flowers, Bevel, Pooch Pals, ALL MAVEN

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