Gusto vs Homebase: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Gusto and Homebase side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Homebase leads on higher user rating and lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Gusto
Modern HR, benefits, and payroll
Best for you if:
- • You want easy payroll
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $49/mo, billed monthly Simple plan | Free plan, paid from $30/mo, billed monthly Essentials plan |
Category | HR & Recruiting Payroll | HR & Recruiting Payroll |
Rating | 3.5/5 G2 4.6 · Trustpilot 2.1 15,084 reviews | 4.0/5 G2 4.6 · Trustpilot 3.3 907 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Potential for additional HR add-ons | Payroll is an add-on, not included |
Choose Gusto or Homebase?
Choose Gusto if
- You want easy payroll
- You want great onboarding
Choose Homebase if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform
- You want free plan available for small teams (up to 10 employees, 1 location)
- Budget matters ($30/mo, billed monthly vs $49/mo, billed monthly)
In-Depth Analysis
Gusto
Modern HR, benefits, and payroll
Gusto's pricing is generally fair, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Watch out
Potential for additional HR add-ons
Strengths
- Pro: Easy payroll
- Pro: Great onboarding
- Pro: Affordable
Weaknesses
- Con: US only
- Con: Limited enterprise features
Key features
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
Homebase offers a fair pricing structure, starting with a generous free Basic tier.
Watch out
Payroll is an add-on, not included
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform.
- Pro: Free plan available for small teams (up to 10 employees, 1 location).
- Pro: Automates many time-consuming HR and payroll tasks.
- Pro: Includes AI assistants for hiring, scheduling, and payroll.
- Pro: Offers HR and compliance support, including labor law guides.
Weaknesses
- Con: Payroll is an add-on, increasing overall cost.
- Con: Some advanced features are locked behind higher-priced tiers.
- Con: Pricing is per location, which can add up for businesses with multiple sites.
Key features
Plans and prices: Gusto vs Homebase
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto |
| gusto.com read Sep 30, 2026 |
| Homebase |
| joinhomebase.com/pricing read Oct 31, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Gusto pricing and Homebase pricing.
Key Takeaways
Gusto
- Choose if you want modern HR, benefits, and payroll
Homebase
- Higher user rating: 4.0/5 vs 3.5/5
- Lower entry price: $30/mo, billed monthly vs $49/mo, billed monthly
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Homebase leads on higher user rating and lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Homebase has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 15,084 reviews for Gusto, 4.0/5 from 907 reviews for Homebase).
- Homebase has the lower entry price: $30/mo, billed monthly (Essentials) against $49/mo, billed monthly (Simple) for Gusto.
- Only Homebase has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Gusto and Homebase compare in 2026?
On the data below, Homebase leads on higher user rating and lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Homebase has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 15,084 reviews for Gusto, 4.0/5 from 907 reviews for Homebase). Homebase has the lower entry price: $30/mo, billed monthly (Essentials) against $49/mo, billed monthly (Simple) for Gusto. Only Homebase has a free plan.
What are Gusto and Homebase used for?
Gusto: Modern HR, benefits, and payroll. Homebase: The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
What does Gusto cost vs Homebase?
Gusto's cheapest paid plan is Simple at $49/mo, billed monthly. Homebase's cheapest paid plan is Essentials at $30/mo, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 31, 2026.
What's the main difference between Gusto and Homebase?
Gusto's main strength: easy payroll. Homebase's main strength: comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform.