Gusto vs. Rippling: Payroll Service Comparison

Having tried a few local payroll services, I found that moving to a cloud-based service made a big difference. With options like Gusto and Rippling, you can let your employees manage their own benefits, make time-off requests, and get reimbursements. It can save you a lot of time and headache (but probably not all the headaches. You are a small business owner after-all).

Cloud payroll services also simplify managing remote employees and contractors, whether they are out-of-state or in other countries. Gusto and Rippling are both well-suited for small businesses, though Gusto is more feature rich. Interestingly Rippling also offers IT services, which seems weird but maybe it’s cool. Rippling is gunning hard for Gusto’s market share though, so I expect to see their feature set grow.

See my Gusto vs Rippling comparison below.

Gusto and Rippling are trying to make Payroll and Benefits Easier

Small businesses face unique challenges in managing payroll and benefits. We often have a mix of full-time, part-time, and freelance staff, including employees from different states or countries. Additionally, we need to track hours, manage PTO, adhere to various tax regulations, and comply with HR laws. This complexity can be overwhelming, especially for businesses without a dedicated HR department (Which is most small businesses).

Why Payroll in the Cloud Helps

Cloud-based payroll services have transformed how companies handle employee payments. What I appreciate most is the autonomy it provides employees. With Gusto, team members can track time, request reimbursements, check PTO, and adjust benefits without needing to ask for help. This autonomy saves a lot of time and streamlines operations.

The Major Contenders: Rippling vs. Gusto

Both Gusto and Rippling offer essential payroll functions, but they differ in their approach and additional features.

Rippling

Rippling offers a wide range of services, including payroll, benefits administration, and employee management. It integrates well with various software tools, making it versatile for small businesses. Rippling also includes IT management features, with plans to expand its offerings to include more of what Gusto currently provides.

Gusto

Gusto is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. It provides payroll, benefits, and HR services with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Gusto continuously rolls out new features, such as handbook management, employee onboarding, and review management, making it a reliable choice for businesses seeking a straightforward solution.

User Interface and Experience

The usability of each platform is crucial for effective adoption by your team.

Rippling

Rippling’s interface is powerful and flexible, offering extensive customization options. However, new users might find it has a learning curve.

Gusto

Gusto’s interface is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible even to those with minimal payroll experience. Its clear design and intuitive layout simplify payroll management.

Choosing a user-friendly platform can save time and increase productivity.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly and ensuring smooth payroll operations.

Rippling

Rippling offers customer support via email and live chat. Their support team is knowledgeable, though response times can vary.

Gusto

Gusto is known for its excellent customer support, providing assistance through phone, email, and live chat. Their team is responsive and highly rated by users.

Strong customer support ensures that challenges are addressed swiftly, minimizing disruptions.

Pricing Comparison

Understanding the pricing structures of Rippling and Gusto can help determine which service offers the best value.

Rippling

Rippling’s pricing is based on a per-user model, starting at $8 per employee.

Gusto

Gusto offers straightforward pricing with a base fee of $40 per month and starting at $6 per employee.

Why I Recommend Gusto for Small Businesses

After evaluating both Rippling and Gusto, I recommend Gusto for most small businesses for several reasons:

• User-Friendly Interface: Gusto’s intuitive design saves time for both employers and employees.

• HR Management Features: Gusto aims to alleviate HR headaches with comprehensive features.

• Positive Employee Feedback: Our team appreciates the ease of using Gusto.

• Reliable Customer Support: Gusto’s support team is responsive and helpful.

Taking the Next Step with Gusto

Switching to Gusto from our local payroll provider was smoother than expected, thanks to their team. If you’re considering a change, Gusto is a solid option that has worked well for us.