Published starting price
Can I budget before talking to sales?
Gusto

OnPay
Choose two or three products. Compare cost, setup, support, and the operating details that change the decision.
Products stay in the same category so the facts remain comparable.
Gusto
Payroll

OnPay
Payroll
Your comparison updates from the verified product records below.
Comparison overview
Current pricing, payroll software capabilities, and support details from official sources.
Calculated cost scenario
Published base rates only. Benefits, add-ons, promotions, and payroll taxes are excluded.
Gusto Simple
$109/month
$49 base + (10 × $6)
Calculated
OnPay Payroll Essentials
$109/month
$49 base + (10 × $6)
CalculatedEach decision point is grouped so you can compare the answer first, then check the supporting detail and source.
Facts checked Jul 20, 2026
Can I budget before talking to sales?
Gusto

OnPay
Gusto

OnPay
Comparison note
Compare the plan conditions and source details before choosing.
Which recurring tax work is handled for me?
Gusto
Gusto
Comparison note
The vendors publish comparable coverage for this criterion.
Can I run bonuses, corrections, and off-cycle payroll without extra limits?
Gusto
Gusto
Comparison note
The vendors publish comparable coverage for this criterion.
Can I reach a payroll specialist when something goes wrong?
Gusto

OnPay
Gusto

OnPay
Comparison note
Compare the plan conditions and source details before choosing.
Will hiring in another state force a plan change?
Gusto

OnPay
Gusto

OnPay
Comparison note
Compare the plan conditions and source details before choosing.
How quickly can employees receive their pay?
Gusto
Standard; next-day available
Next-day pay is included with Plus and Premium or available as a Simple add-on

OnPay
Gusto
Standard; next-day available
Next-day pay is included with Plus and Premium or available as a Simple add-on

OnPay
Comparison note
Compare the plan conditions and source details before choosing.
What catches payroll issues before submission?
Gusto
Automated calculations and filings
Guided payroll workflow with automated tax calculations

OnPay
Accuracy guarantee
OnPay says it handles tax-agency issues caused by its errors
Gusto
Automated calculations and filings
Guided payroll workflow with automated tax calculations

OnPay
Accuracy guarantee
OnPay says it handles tax-agency issues caused by its errors
Comparison note
Compare the plan conditions and source details before choosing.
Sources and deeper reading
The tool stays neutral. Published guides contain FieldOwner’s hands-on judgment and implementation context.
Pricing and package details change. Facts are reviewed on a source-specific schedule and labeled when they become due or stale.
Read the full reasoning or load a common pairing into the neutral comparison tool.
Published pricing and self-service simplicity compared with always-on payroll support.
A software-led payroll workflow compared with a more service-oriented model.
Two transparent-price payroll tools with different HR and support approaches.
Start with payroll. Additional categories become available as their product facts meet FieldOwner’s verification standard.