Feature Comparison
| Feature | Rippling | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Benefits administration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compliance tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Employee self-service | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Onboarding | ✓ | ✓ |
| PTO management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll processing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance reviews | ✓ | ✗ |
| Reporting & analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
Rippling Pricing
Unity/Core
$8.00/mo
Gusto Pricing
Contractor Only
Free
Simple
$49.00/mo
Plus
$80.00/mo
Premium
$180.00/mo
Rippling
Pros
- Powerful automation reduces manual work
- Unified platform eliminates tool sprawl
- Scales seamlessly for growth [Rippling HRIS Review](https://www.rippling.com/blog/rippling-hris-review), [Forbes Advisor](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/rippling-pricing/)
Cons
- Custom quotes obscure total cost
- Steep initial learning curve
- No free plan or trial [Rippling HRIS Review](https://www.rippling.com/blog/rippling-hris-review), [SaaS Affiliate](https://saasaffiliate.com/partner/rippling-affiliate-program/)
Gusto
Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Strong HR integrations
- Unlimited payroll runs
Cons
- Limited customization
- Support hours not 24/7
The Verdict
Rippling and Gusto are neck and neck — both score within a fraction of each other on our DuelStack rating. Rippling stands out for powerful automation reduces manual work, while Gusto edges ahead on easy to use interface. On budget alone, Rippling wins (starts at $8/mo). Either is a solid choice — pick the one that fits your workflow.