Gusto alternatives and competitors
Gusto is a payroll and HR platform for small businesses. If you're weighing it against other options, or selling against it, these are the HR & Payroll companies it competes with most, with what each has been doing recently.
01
Rippling
Rippling is a workforce management platform spanning HR, IT and finance.
Rippling has focused on expanding its AI capabilities with the launch of the AI Spend Console and opening a new AI lab in Bengaluru. The company also secured funding rounds in 2026 and formed strategic partnerships, including a treasury management integration with Apex Fintech Solutions. Additionally, Rippling received industry recognition by topping G2’s AI Agents for HR grid.
02
Deel
Deel is a global payroll and employer-of-record platform.
Deel has actively expanded its global HR platform through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, notably acquiring AI cybersecurity firm Clarity to enhance identity verification and secure hiring processes. The company also launched integrated US 401(k) offerings and formed alliances to support stablecoin payouts, driving significant revenue growth without increasing headcount.
03
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software company for small and mid-sized businesses.
BambooHR has focused on expanding its integration ecosystem and partnerships, notably with OneKonnect and Employee Navigator, to enhance automated benefits and hiring processes. The company also launched a new connector for Claude on its MCP platform and continued to strengthen its embedded 401(k) offerings with Human Interest. Additionally, BambooHR's finance chief shared strategic insights on junior finance hiring, reflecting ongoing leadership thought leadership.
04
Workday
Workday is an enterprise HR and finance software vendor.
Workday has made significant moves in AI integration, including acquiring the agentic AI identity platform C1.ai and launching AI agent capabilities across contract lifecycle management. The company forecasts double-digit revenue growth despite some analyst concerns about near-term AI revenue impact. Workday also announced upcoming payroll features and strategic partnerships to bolster its AI-driven HR technology offerings.
05
Paylocity
Paylocity is a payroll and human capital management software company.
Paylocity has maintained strong investor interest with scheduled Q1 FY27 earnings calls and positive analyst outlooks emphasizing growth from product investments and market expansion. Recent coverage highlights valuation discussions, strategic partnerships, and sustained stock performance, reflecting ongoing confidence in its business trajectory.