Comparison: Rippling vs Gusto
Verdict
Rippling is our clear winner with a 0.3-point rating advantage. It offers unique hr + it combination and is rated higher by users. Consider Gusto if excellent user experience or if it integrates better with your existing tools.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Rippling | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $40/mo + $6/user/mo |
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Reviews | 2,345 | 4,567 |
| Best For | US company HRIS | US payroll |
| Key Feature | All-in-one HR and IT | Full-service payroll |
Overview
Rippling and Gusto are both popular tools in the HR & People Ops space. Rippling Rippling is a modern HRIS that uniquely combines HR, payroll, and IT management. Gusto Gusto is a popular payroll and benefits platform designed for US-based small to mid-sized businesses.
This comparison will help you decide which tool is right for your team based on features, pricing, and use cases.
Pricing Comparison
Rippling pricing starts at $8/user/mo. Gusto pricing starts at $40/mo + $6/user/mo.
Neither tool offers a free tier, so you'll need to evaluate based on trial periods or demos.
Key Features
Rippling key features include: All-in-one HR and IT, Automated onboarding, US payroll, Device management.
Gusto key features include: Full-service payroll, Benefits administration, Hiring and onboarding, Time tracking.
Both tools offer strong feature sets, but they excel in different areas. Rippling has slightly better overall ratings from users.
Pros and Cons
Rippling pros: Unique HR + IT combination, Excellent onboarding automation, Modern interface.
Rippling cons: Limited international features, Pricing adds up with modules, Learning curve.
Gusto pros: Excellent user experience, Popular with SMBs, Good benefits options.
Gusto cons: US only, Limited international features, Add-ons increase cost.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Rippling if: US company HRIS, Employee onboarding, or if your team values unique hr + it combination.
Choose Gusto if: US payroll, Benefits administration, or if your team needs excellent user experience.
Both tools integrate well with popular remote work tools and support teams of various sizes.
Final Thoughts
Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Rippling or Gusto?
Rippling is rated slightly higher (4.9/5) by users. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Rippling excels at us company hris, while Gusto is better for us payroll.
Is Rippling free?
No, Rippling does not have a free tier. Pricing starts at $8/user/mo.
Is Gusto free?
No, Gusto does not have a free tier. Pricing starts at $40/mo + $6/user/mo.
Can I use both Rippling and Gusto together?
Yes, many teams use both tools together. Rippling and Gusto can complement each other—Rippling for us company hris and Gusto for us payroll. Check each tool's integrations to ensure they work with your existing stack.