Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll for Teams Under 10 (2026 Cost Comparison)
Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll for small teams: monthly cost for 1, 5, and 10 people and how bundled accounting changes the math.
Published · 5 min read
Quick answer
QuickBooks' entry payroll bundle has a higher list price than Gusto Simple, but it includes basic accounting tools. If you'd pay for accounting software anyway, compare the combined cost.
Monthly cost for teams under 10
Prices below are monthly list prices checked on October 20, 2026, excluding promotions, add-ons, and taxes. Confirm current pricing on each provider's site before deciding.
When QuickBooks Payroll may be worth a look
- You already use or plan to use QuickBooks for accounting
- You want payroll and books in one subscription
- Your accountant works mainly in QuickBooks
When Gusto may be the better fit
- You want payroll, benefits options, and HR tools like onboarding in one place
- You expect to grow past a few employees and want room to upgrade plans
- You'd rather compare features than chase the lowest monthly price
Questions to ask before choosing
- Do you already pay for accounting software?
- Does your accountant prefer a specific platform?
- Which features are in each tier?
| Plan | 1 person | 5 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto Simple$49/mo + $6/person · Gusto's entry plan | $55 | $79 | $109 |
| QuickBooks entry payroll bundle$88/mo + $7/person · Includes basic accounting tools | $95 | $123 | $158 |
Sources: Gusto pricing · QuickBooks Payroll pricing
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto cheaper than QuickBooks Payroll?
It depends on the plan and team size. See the cost table above, calculated from list prices on October 20, 2026.
See if Gusto fits your business
Compare plans, pricing, and eligibility directly with Gusto.
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