Workday vs Gusto — Head-to-Head Comparison
Quick verdict: Gusto edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating vs 4.3/5.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Workday | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Workday Skills Cloud (AI-powered workforce skills graph) | ✓ | — |
| AI talent optimization for internal mobility and succession | ✓ | — |
| People Analytics with attrition prediction and DEI insights | ✓ | — |
| Workforce planning and scenario modeling with AI | ✓ | — |
| Unified HR, finance, and planning in one platform | ✓ | — |
| Global compliance for 50+ countries | ✓ | — |
| Payroll processing for US and select international markets | ✓ | — |
| Learning management system with AI course recommendations | ✓ | — |
| Workday Extend for custom AI application development | ✓ | — |
| Recruiting with AI candidate matching and pipeline analytics | ✓ | — |
| Automated full-service payroll with tax filing in all 50 states | — | ✓ |
| AI compliance monitoring for payroll tax law changes | — | ✓ |
| Employee benefits administration (health, dental, vision, 401k) | — | ✓ |
| Time tracking with AI anomaly detection | — | ✓ |
| AI-assisted offer letters and onboarding checklists | — | ✓ |
| Employee self-service portal and mobile app | — | ✓ |
| Gusto Wallet financial wellness tools for employees | — | ✓ |
| HR documents and e-signatures | — | ✓ |
| Contractor payments in 120+ countries | — | ✓ |
| Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and 200+ apps | — | ✓ |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Workday | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $100000/mo | $40/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Workday if...
Enterprise HR and finance cloud with AI-powered workforce planning and talent intelligence
Visit WorkdayChoose Gusto if...
AI-powered payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed for small and mid-size businesses
Visit GustoFrequently Asked Questions
- Is Workday or Gusto cheaper?
- Workday starts at $100,000/mo and Gusto starts at $40/mo. Gusto has the lower starting price, though actual cost depends on team size and the features you need.
- Does Workday or Gusto have a free plan?
- Neither Workday nor Gusto offers a free plan.
- Which is rated higher, Workday or Gusto?
- Workday has a user rating of 4.3/5 and Gusto has a rating of 4.5/5, based on aggregated review data.
- Which should I choose, Workday or Gusto?
- Workday is best for Large enterprises that need a unified HR, finance, and workforce planning platform with deep AI capabilities and compliance support at global scale. Gusto is best for Small and mid-size US businesses that want payroll, benefits, and HR tools fully integrated without needing a dedicated HR department. The right choice depends on your company size, budget, and feature priorities.