BambooHR vs Gusto
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of BambooHR and Gusto. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
BambooHR edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.4/5. However, Gusto (4.3/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration. Read on for the full breakdown.
BambooHR vs Gusto at a Glance
BambooHR
★ 4.4BambooHR is a leading HR software platform designed for small to medium businesses. It centralises employee data, time-off management, onboarding, performance reviews, and reporting into one intuitive system. Known for its clean interface and focus on making HR processes less painful for growing companies.
Starting from: From £4.50/employee/month
Best for: Small to medium businesses wanting intuitive HR software with great onboarding and performance tools
Read full review →Gusto
★ 4.3Gusto is a modern payroll and HR platform that simplifies paying employees, filing taxes, and managing benefits. Known for its delightful user experience and full-service payroll, it handles everything from direct deposits and tax filings to health insurance and retirement plans. Primarily focused on the US market.
Starting from: £30/month + £5/person
Best for: US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration
Read full review →BambooHR vs Gusto Feature Comparison
Here is how BambooHR and Gusto compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | BambooHR | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | From £4.50/employee/month | £30/month + £5/person |
| Best For | Small to medium businesses wanting intuitive HR software with great onboarding and performance tools | US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
BambooHR vs Gusto Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
BambooHR Pricing
Core
From £4.50/employee/month
- ✓Employee records
- ✓Time-off management
- ✓Reporting
- ✓Mobile app
Pro
From £8/employee/month
- ✓Everything in Core
- ✓Performance management
- ✓Employee satisfaction
- ✓Onboarding
Gusto Pricing
Simple
£30/month + £5/person
- ✓Full-service payroll
- ✓Employee self-service
- ✓Health benefits
- ✓2-day direct deposit
Plus
£55/month + £8/person
- ✓Everything in Simple
- ✓Next-day direct deposit
- ✓Time tracking
- ✓PTO management
- ✓Hiring tools
Premium
Custom
- ✓Everything in Plus
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓HR Resource Centre
- ✓Compliance alerts
- ✓Performance reviews
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both BambooHR and Gusto for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
BambooHR Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Very intuitive and easy to use
- •Excellent onboarding workflows
- •Good performance management tools
- •Strong reporting capabilities
- •Clean, modern interface
✗Cons
- •Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
- •Payroll is a separate add-on (US only)
- •Limited customisation on lower tier
- •No built-in UK payroll
- •Some features require Pro plan
Gusto Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Excellent, user-friendly interface
- •Full-service payroll (they handle tax filings)
- •Built-in benefits administration
- •Good hiring and onboarding tools
- •Affordable for small businesses
✗Cons
- •Primarily US-focused (limited international)
- •No UK payroll currently
- •Per-person pricing increases with headcount
- •Limited HR features on Simple plan
- •Benefits are US-specific
Our Verdict: BambooHR vs Gusto
Both BambooHR and Gusto are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose BambooHR if you need Small to medium businesses wanting intuitive HR software with great onboarding and performance tools. With a starting price of From £4.50/employee/month and a rating of 4.4/5, it offers very intuitive and easy to use.
Choose Gusto if you need US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration. Starting at £30/month + £5/person with a 4.3/5 rating, it excels at excellent, user-friendly interface.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between BambooHR and Gusto? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up BambooHR or Gusto for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.