Comparison
Gusto vs OnPay (2026): Full Comparison
Compare Gusto and OnPay to choose the right payroll platform for your team stage.
| Feature | Gusto | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Published starting price | $49/mo + $6/person — Simple plan; single-state payroll | $49/mo + $6/worker — Payroll Essentials base pricing |
| Payroll tax filing | Federal, state, and local — Tax filings and payments are included in Simple | Federal, state, and local — Tax filings and payments are included in all 50 states |
| Payroll runs | Unlimited — Unlimited payroll runs are included on every payroll plan | Unlimited — Unlimited runs and schedules are included |
| Live payroll support | Business-hours support — Priority support is an add-on or Premium feature | Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm ET — Phone, email, and chat support |
| Multi-state payroll | Plus or Premium — Multi-state payroll starts at $80/mo + $12/person on Plus | Included — Multi-state payroll is included without an additional state fee |
| Direct deposit | Standard; next-day available — Next-day pay is included with Plus and Premium or available as a Simple add-on | Included — Direct deposit, debit card, and self-printed checks are supported |
| Error prevention | Automated calculations and filings — Guided payroll workflow with automated tax calculations | Accuracy guarantee — OnPay says it handles tax-agency issues caused by its errors |
Our Pick
Gusto
OnPay is a strong budget pick, but Gusto offers a more complete long-term platform.
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Quick Verdict
OnPay is a strong value play, while Gusto is the better all-around platform for long-term growth.
Comparison Summary
If budget is your top concern, OnPay is worth serious consideration. If you want broader capabilities with a polished experience, pick Gusto.
Final Recommendation
For most teams planning to scale, Gusto remains the safer long-term choice.