Gusto vs Shopify
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Gusto and Shopify. 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
Shopify edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. 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.
Gusto vs Shopify at a Glance
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 →Shopify
★ 4.5Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, powering millions of online stores globally. It provides everything needed to start, run, and grow an online business, from website building and product management to payment processing and shipping. Known for its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem
Read full review →Gusto vs Shopify Feature Comparison
Here is how Gusto and Shopify compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Gusto | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £30/month + £5/person | £24/month |
| Best For | US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration | Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Yes | Basic |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Gusto vs Shopify Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
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
Shopify Pricing
Basic
£24/month
- ✓Online store
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓2 staff accounts
- ✓Basic reports
Shopify
£59/month
- ✓Everything in Basic
- ✓5 staff accounts
- ✓Professional reports
- ✓Lower card rates
Advanced
£289/month
- ✓Everything in Shopify
- ✓15 staff accounts
- ✓Custom reports
- ✓Lowest card rates
Shopify Plus
From £1,750/month
- ✓Enterprise features
- ✓Unlimited staff
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓Customisable checkout
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Gusto and Shopify for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
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
Shopify Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Easiest e-commerce platform to use
- •Massive app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
- •Excellent payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- •Scales from small to enterprise
- •Strong SEO capabilities
✗Cons
- •Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- •Monthly costs add up with apps
- •Limited customisation without coding
- •Content management is basic compared to WordPress
- •Migrating away is difficult
Our Verdict: Gusto vs Shopify
Both Gusto and Shopify are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Gusto if you need US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payroll with benefits administration. With a starting price of £30/month + £5/person and a rating of 4.3/5, it offers excellent, user-friendly interface.
Choose Shopify if you need Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem. Starting at £24/month with a 4.5/5 rating, it excels at easiest e-commerce platform to use.
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 Gusto and Shopify? 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 Gusto or Shopify for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.