Quick Summary
Gusto offers straightforward HR tools for small teams, while Justworks simplifies operations through a PEO model, but that may also mean handing over more control. In this article, we compare Gusto and Justworks across payroll, benefits, compliance, and support, and introduce Checkwriters as a simpler, more hands-on alternative for growing organizations.
Gusto vs Justworks: Which Tool Fits How Your Team Works?
Choosing the right HR and payroll platform can feel like a trade-off. Gusto offers payroll and benefits tools, but it often requires piecing together additional features. Justworks bundles everything under a PEO model, yet it can feel rigid.
For HR leaders balancing compliance, onboarding, and day-to-day workflows, the right platform should support your internal processes, not reshape them.
In this Checkwriters article, we break down how Gusto and Justworks compare across payroll, benefits, and support. Then, we introduce Checkwriters, a smarter alternative for teams that need a simpler, more balanced way to manage HR without losing flexibility.
Why Listen to Us?
At Checkwriters, we provide straightforward, functional tools for payroll, onboarding, and employee management. Teams trust us for a simpler, more balanced approach to HR without sacrificing flexibility or control.
For example, we helped MicroGenDX eliminate paper evaluations and manual form submissions by unifying their HR processes within a single, streamlined platform.
Gusto vs Justworks (Quick Comparison)
Here’s a quick look at how Gusto and Justworks stack up across core HR and payroll features:
| Features | Gusto | Justworks |
| Best for | Small to mid-sized teams looking for an easy-to-use payroll platform. | Organizations that want to outsource compliance and benefits through a Professional Employment Organization (PEO) model |
| Payroll & HR | Handles payroll, tax filing, and basic HR tools | Bundles payroll, HR, and benefits under one umbrella |
| Customization | Limited; best for teams with standard HR processes | Minimal, processes are standardized through the PEO structure |
| Integrations | Integrates with many top tools like Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, and more. | Limited compared to standalone platforms |
Overall, use Gusto if you’re a small business looking for affordable, easy-to-use payroll software with basic HR features. Justworks may be better if you want bundled benefits, compliance support, and prefer the structure of a PEO model.
But before you decide, let’s look at both tools in detail;
What Is Gusto?
Gusto is an online payroll and HR platform designed for small to mid-sized U.S. businesses. It automates core functions like payroll processing, tax filing, and benefits administration, saving you lots of time on admin work.
Gusto also offers HR tools for employee onboarding, time tracking, and employee self-service, making it a popular choice for teams that want simplicity and affordability without sacrificing key functionality. You can check out these Gusto alternatives for more options.
Key Features
- Payroll Automation: Supports unlimited payroll runs with automatic tax calculations and filings at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Benefits Administration: Manages health, dental, vision, 401(k), HSA/FSA, and commuter benefits, all seamlessly integrated with payroll.
- Hiring & Onboarding: Provides digital offer letters, e-signatures, new hire checklists, and tools to stay compliant with state onboarding requirements.
- Time Tracking: Lets employees clock in/out, log breaks, and sync hours to payroll. PTO and holiday tracking are built in.
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can view pay stubs, update personal info, manage benefits, and access tax forms.
Pricing
- Simple Plan (starts at $49/month + $6/user): Includes full-service payroll in one state, employee self-service, basic hiring tools, and tax filing.
- Plus Plan (starts at $80/month + $12/user): Adds multi-state payroll, PTO management, next-day direct deposit, and time tracking.
- Premium Plan (starts at $180/month + $22/user): Expands support with a dedicated success manager, HR Resource Center, and compliance alerts.
- Contractor Only Plan (starts at $35/month + $6/contractor): Designed for teams paying only 1099 contractors, with unlimited contractor payments and tax form filing.
Pros
- Includes built-in tools for PTO management, holiday tracking, and time-off requests
- Delivers detailed reports and compensation insights to support better workforce decisions
- Supports contractor payments and onboarding in all 50 U.S. states
- Allows easy setup for multi-state payroll without extra fees for each state
Cons
- Limited to U.S. payroll; no support for international teams
- May not scale well for larger companies with complex HR needs
- Customization options are limited for advanced payroll scenarios
- Employers can’t run payroll on mobile; only employees have app access.
What Is Justworks?
Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that supports small and mid-sized businesses by helping them manage HR-related responsibilities under a co-employment model. This arrangement allows companies to outsource certain administrative functions while maintaining control over day-to-day operations and employee management.
As part of its approach, Justworks acts as an employer of record for tax and benefits purposes, which can simplify compliance and reduce operational overhead. If you want other options, check out these Justworks alternatives.
Key Features
- All-In-One PEO Platform: Combines payroll processing, HR support, compliance, and benefits under a single PEO model.
- Multi-State Payroll with Compliance: Manages payroll and tax filings across multiple states, including workers’ comp and unemployment insurance.
- Benefits Administration: Offers small businesses competitive access to health plans, 401(k), HSA, commuter benefits, and more.
- Integrated Time Tracking: Includes online, mobile, and Slack-based time tracking that syncs directly with payroll.
- 24/7 Support & Transparent Pricing: Offers round‑the‑clock support and clear pricing plans starting with a flat per‑employee monthly rate and minimal hidden fees.
Pricing
- Payroll Plan ($50/month base + $8 per employee/month): Covers payroll processing, tax filing, HR tools, and access to basic time tracking.
- PEO Basic ($79 per employee/month – no base fee): Includes payroll, HR essentials, compliance support, and 24/7 assistance, plus 401(k) and workers’ comp access.
- PEO Plus ($109 per employee/month – no base fee): Builds on Basic with health insurance administration, HSA/FSA accounts, wellness perks, and enhanced HR support.
- EOR (Employer of Record) ($599 per employee/month): Designed for global teams, offering full international payroll, compliance, and benefits administration services.
Pros
- PEO model provides built-in compliance and risk mitigation
- Access to large-group health insurance and benefits at competitive rates
- Handles multi-state payroll and tax filings with ease
- Offers a transparent pricing structure with minimal add-on fees
Cons
- Less flexibility for businesses that prefer to manage HR internally
- Limited customization compared to standalone HR platforms
- Must join Justworks’ co-employment model to access full features
- Not ideal for companies with complex organizational structures or international needs
Introducing a Smarter Alternative: Checkwriters
Gusto offers a self-service software platform. Justworks takes a full PEO approach with co-employment. But what if your team needs something easier to manage, but with all the features to simplify HR tasks?
That’s where Checkwriters comes in. We provide a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for teams that want simplicity, control, and responsive support. Everything from payroll and onboarding to time tracking and performance management is built into one system, without the need for complex setup.
And when you need help, you get it, fast. Our dedicated support team works with you directly to provide all the support and guidance you need, anytime. If you’re looking for a more balanced and practical alternative to Gusto or Justworks, Checkwriters is built for you.
Key Features
- Full-Service Payroll: Handle payroll from start to finish with automated processing, built-in direct deposit, and customizable pay schedules.
- Applicant Tracking: Post jobs, review applicants, and move candidates through a customizable pipeline. Schedule interviews, track communications, and manage notes in one place.
- Employee Onboarding: Get new hires up and running with a fully paperless process. Collect forms, signatures, I-9s, and completed training documents before day one.
- Time & Attendance: Track hours, breaks, PTO, and overtime with manager approvals and real-time visibility.
- Employee Self-Service: Give staff access to view pay stubs, update personal info, and manage direct deposit from a secure portal.
- Built-In Reporting: Access custom reports across payroll, attendance, and HR. Export data for audits, compliance, and workforce analysis in a few clicks.
- Role-Based Permissions: Assign different access levels to admins, managers, and employees to protect sensitive information and streamline approvals.
- Document Storage: Store, organize, and retrieve employee documents securely. Tag and categorize files for quick access and audit readiness.
Pricing
We follow a transparent, quote-based pricing model based on your organization’s size and needs. Contact our team for an exact quote.
Pros
- Simplifies payroll and HR tasks in one easy-to-use platform
- Ensures accuracy in tax filings and labor law compliance
- Streamlines hiring, onboarding, and employee management
- Offers dedicated reps and direct assistance from a real support team
- Generates audit-ready reports for accurate recordkeeping
- Supports real-time time tracking that syncs directly with payroll
Cons
- Best suited for U.S.-based organizations.
Rippling vs ADP vs Checkwriters: Side-by-Side Comparison
Payroll Processing
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Checkwriters |
| Payroll Automation | Automates payroll runs with direct deposit, contractor payments, and multiple pay schedules. | Offers automated payroll through the PEO model. | Automates payroll runs with customizable schedules and expert review. |
| Tax Filing & Compliance | Handles federal, state, and local tax filings | Manages all tax filings as part of the PEO service. | Files federal, state, and local taxes with proactive compliance alerts. |
| Audit & Reporting Tools | Provides payroll summaries and downloadable reports | Offers standard payroll reports with limited customization. | Delivers audit-ready, custom reports with various filters for more accuracy. |
| Garnishment & Deductions | Supports wage garnishments and custom deductions. | Manages deductions as part of payroll | Manages garnishments in-platform with clear documentation |
HR Tools & Onboarding
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Checkwriters |
| Employee Onboarding | Offers self-serve onboarding with e-signatures, forms, and checklists. | Includes onboarding tools with document collection and policy acknowledgment. | Structured, paperless onboarding with customizable workflows, e-signatures, and forms |
| Applicant Tracking | Includes basic applicant tracking features on higher plans. | No native applicant tracking; may require integrations. | Built-in applicant tracking system with pipeline stages, interview scheduling, and notes. |
| Document Management | Stores HR documents with limited tagging options. | Secure digital storage for employee files and documents. | Secure cloud-based document storage with tagging and categorization. |
| Performance Management | Offers lightweight tools for feedback and performance tracking. | No built-in performance management; requires third-party solutions. | Provides evaluation templates, check-ins, and goal-based reviews, all in one system. |
Support & Ease of Use
| Feature | Gusto | Justworks | Checkwriters |
| Customer Support | Email and chat support; phone support on premium plans only | 24/7 support available via email, phone, and chat | Dedicated U.S.-based support team with direct access and personalized assistance |
| Ease of Use | Seamless user-friendly interface; ideal for small teams | Clean interface but geared toward PEO clients, which may add complexity | Intuitive platform designed for HR teams of all sizes with minimal training |
| Onboarding Support | Self-guided setup; premium plans include additional help | Provides onboarding help as part of the PEO service | Personalized onboarding and training from a direct support team |
| Training Resources | Offers help center, videos, and resource guides | Includes compliance and benefits training for admins and employees | Offers live training, compliance updates, and hands-on guidance from experts |
Why Do HR Teams Choose Checkwriters?
Compliance & Accuracy
Checkwriters helps you stay ahead of changing labor laws and tax requirements with real-time updates. Whether it’s updated tax rates, wage laws, or filing deadlines, you’ll get notified before issues arise. This reduces the risk of penalties and ensures your payroll and HR processes remain accurate and audit-ready.
All-in-One System
With Checkwriters, HR and payroll tasks are managed in one unified platform, with no need for third-party systems. From applicant tracking and onboarding to timekeeping, payroll, and performance management, everything is seamlessly connected and easily accessible. This streamlined setup saves time, reduces errors, and makes day-to-day operations more manageable for HR teams of all sizes.
No Co-Employment Required
Unlike PEO models like Justworks that require a co-employment relationship, Checkwriters gives you full control over your workforce. You stay the official employer, while we provide the tools and support to handle payroll, HR, and compliance in-house. This means no shared liability, no complicated contracts, and no loss of autonomy.
Dedicated Customer Support
At Checkwriters, you get direct access to a dedicated support team that knows your organization and is ready to help when you need it. Whether it’s payroll questions, HR compliance, or onboarding assistance, you’ll get help whenever you need it, so you’re never left waiting or explaining your issue twice.
Switch to Checkwriters for a Better HR & Payroll Experience
Gusto and Justworks both bring different strengths to the table. Gusto focuses on automation and self-service, while Justworks emphasizes bundled services through a PEO model. However, the platform you choose depends on what your team needs.
Checkwriters offers a balanced, full-service HR and payroll platform built for teams who want simplicity. With payroll processing, custom reporting, and dedicated support, we help you manage payroll, HR, time tracking, and onboarding, all in one place.
Ready to simplify your HR and payroll? Contact Checkwriters today to get started.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.