COMPARISON

Deel vs Gusto: In-Depth EOR Comparison for 2025

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Deel vs Gusto comparison
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TLDR: Make the right choice when choosing an EOR:

  • Deel: Best for global teams and businesses expanding internationally. Get started with Deel
  • Gusto: Ideal for US-based small to medium-sized businesses needing advanced payroll and HR tools. Try Gusto now

The main difference between Deel and Gusto lies in their primary focus and target markets. Deel specializes in global payroll and compliance solutions, making it ideal for businesses with international teams or those looking to expand globally. On the other hand, Gusto is tailored for US-based small to medium-sized businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of payroll, benefits, and HR tools.

Deel has made a name for itself by simplifying the complexities of international hiring and payments. With support for over 150 countries and currencies, it’s a go-to solution for companies embracing remote work on a global scale. Deel’s strength lies in its ability to navigate the intricacies of international labor laws and tax regulations, ensuring compliance across borders.

Gusto, while primarily focused on the US market, excels in providing an intuitive, user-friendly platform that integrates payroll, benefits administration, and HR functions. It’s particularly well-suited for small businesses that need an all-in-one solution to manage their domestic workforce efficiently.

Both platforms have unique strengths and limitations. Deel’s global reach comes with a higher price point and a steeper learning curve for businesses new to international hiring. Gusto’s ease of use and comprehensive US-focused features make it a favorite among small business owners, but it may fall short for companies with significant international operations.

As we explore each platform’s offerings, consider your business’s current needs and future growth plans. The right choice will depend on factors such as your team’s location, the complexity of your payroll needs, and your plans for international expansion.

Deel

Country Coverage: 150+ Countries

G2 Rating: 4.85/5

EOR Pricing: $599 per employee/month

Contractor Pricing: $49 per contractor/month

Gusto

Country Coverage: 120+

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

EOR Pricing: $399 per employee/month

Contractor Pricing: $6 per contractor/month


Overview of Deel and Gusto

Overview of Deel: Best For Global Teams and International Hiring

Deel's website screenshot

Deel is the go-to solution for businesses looking to hire and manage a global workforce. Its platform simplifies the complexities of international payroll, compliance, and contractor management. Deel shines in its ability to handle payments in over 120 currencies across more than 150 countries, making it an ideal choice for companies embracing remote work on a global scale.

Deel is best suited for:

  • Companies hiring international employees or contractors
  • Startups and enterprises looking to expand globally
  • Businesses prioritizing compliance in multiple jurisdictions

Company Information

  • Headquarters: San Francisco, United States
  • Founders: Alex Bouaziz, Shuo Wang, and Ofer Simon
  • Funding: Over $680 million
  • Founding Date: 2019

Overview of Gusto: Best For US-Based Small to Medium Businesses

Gusto's website screenshot

Gusto has established itself as a comprehensive payroll and HR solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. Its user-friendly interface and all-in-one approach to payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools make it a favorite among US-based companies.

Gusto is ideal for:

  • US-based small to medium-sized businesses
  • Companies seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution
  • Businesses prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and domestic compliance

Company Information

  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
  • Founders: Edward Kim, Josh Reeves, Tomer London
  • Funding: $746 million+
  • Founding Date: 2011

Key Features of Deel

Deel offers 10 key features that set it apart.

These key features include:

  • Global Payroll: Processes payroll in multiple currencies and supports various payment methods, including cryptocurrency.
  • Automated Compliance: Continuously monitors and flags potential compliance risks across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Employer of Record (EOR) Services: Enables companies to hire employees in over 150 countries without setting up local entities.
  • Contractor Management: Allows management of both employees and contractors on the same platform.
  • Legal Contracts: Generates locally compliant employment contracts tailored to each country’s regulations.
  • Benefits Administration: Provides locally aligned benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets.
  • Onboarding and Offboarding: Streamlines the employee lifecycle management process from hiring to departure.
  • Expense Management: Facilitates expense submission and reimbursement for global teams.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Offers centralized, granular reporting for workforce data to support informed decision-making.
  • Visa and Immigration Support: Assists with work visa and immigration processes for international hires.
Original screenshot from Deel's user main dashboard.

Key Features of Gusto

Gusto offers 8 key features that set it apart.

These key features include:

  • Full-Service Payroll: Provides automated tax filings, multi-state payroll, and unlimited payroll runs, simplifying payroll management.
  • Benefits Administration: Offers integrated health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits, streamlining HR processes.
  • Time Tracking and PTO Management: Includes built-in time tracking with geolocation and tools for creating and tracking PTO policies.
  • Employee Self-Service Portal: Allows employees to access pay stubs, tax forms, and benefits information independently.
  • Compliance Support: Handles automated tax filings and provides labor law compliance assistance to reduce legal risks.
  • Gusto Global: Offers EOR services for international hiring in select countries, expanding global capabilities.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Provides customizable reports for payroll and HR data, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Contractor Management: Supports paying and managing 1099 contractors alongside W-2 employees.

Benefits of Using Deel

The benefits of using Deel are:

  • Global Expansion: Enables rapid international hiring and market entry without the need for local entity setup.
  • Compliance Assurance: Handles complex international labor laws, tax filings, and regulatory requirements.
  • Time and Cost Efficiency: Significantly reduces the time and resources required for international hiring and HR management.
  • Simplified Global Operations: Centralizes management of global workforce, payroll, and compliance in one platform.
  • Risk Mitigation: Reduces legal and compliance risks associated with international employment.
  • Flexible Payment Options: Offers various withdrawal methods, including cryptocurrency, to suit different needs.
  • Access to Global Talent: Enables companies to hire the best talent regardless of location.
  • IP Protection: Offers strong intellectual property protections through Remote IP Guard.
  • Local Expertise: Provides access to local HR experts with extensive experience in various countries.
  • Scalability Support: Facilitates rapid business growth and expansion into new markets with flexible hiring solutions.

Benefits of Using Gusto

The benefits of using Gusto are:

  • User-Friendly Experience: Provides an intuitive interface and easy setup process, reducing the learning curve for users.
  • Comprehensive Payroll Features: Offers a wide range of payroll services without additional fees for most features.
  • Integrated HR Solutions: Combines payroll, benefits, and HR functions in one platform, simplifying workforce management.
  • Compliance Assurance: Helps businesses stay compliant with tax regulations and labor laws through automated processes.
  • Employee Empowerment: Offers self-service capabilities and financial wellness tools for employees.
  • Scalability: Provides plans that can grow with businesses, from startups to medium-sized companies.
  • Extensive Integrations: Connects with over 200 third-party business apps, enhancing overall business operations.
  • Transparent Pricing: Offers clear pricing structures without hidden fees, aiding in budget planning.

Pricing and Plans

Deel Pricing

Deel offers a flexible pricing structure to accommodate businesses of various sizes and needs. While specific pricing details may vary based on individual requirements, here’s an overview of Deel’s pricing approach:

Service Price
Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing $599 per employee/month
Contractor Management Pricing $49 per employee/month
Annual Discount Available

Deel offers a scalable solution that can grow with your business, making it suitable for startups expanding globally and established enterprises managing a diverse workforce across multiple countries.


Gusto Pricing

Gusto offers a tiered pricing structure designed to cater to the varying needs of small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. Here’s an overview of Gusto’s pricing plans:

Service Price
Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing $399 per employee/month
Contractor Management Pricing $6 per employee/month
Annual Discount Not available

Gusto’s pricing structure is transparent and scalable. Businesses can choose a plan that best fits their current needs and upgrade as they grow. The platform also offers a one-month free trial for new customers to test the service before committing.

It’s worth noting that additional fees may apply for certain services, such as state tax registration or local tax filings. Businesses are encouraged to review the full pricing details on Gusto’s website or contact their sales team for a comprehensive quote.


User Data Security and Compliance

Both Deel and Gusto prioritize user data security and compliance in their payroll and HR services.

Deel implements end-to-end encryption to safeguard sensitive information. They comply with GDPR and maintain SOC 2 Type II certification, ensuring robust data protection. Deel also emphasizes continuous security monitoring and conducts regular penetration testing.

Gusto also enforces strong security measures. They use AES 256-bit encryption and adhere to GDPR and CCPA standards. Gusto performs annual SOC 1 audits and maintains a dedicated security team.

FeatureDeelGusto
EncryptionEnd-to-end encryptionAES 256-bit encryption
GDPR ComplianceYesYes
SOC 2 Type II CertificationYesNo
SOC 1 AuditsNoYes (Annual)
Regular Security AssessmentsYesYes
Continuous Security MonitoringYesNo

Both platforms take data privacy seriously, ensuring user information is handled with utmost care. They employ multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.

Key Points:

  • Deel holds SOC 2 Type II certification; Gusto performs annual SOC 1 audits.
  • Encryption: Both platforms offer robust data encryption methods.
  • Regular security assessments are integral to their security protocols.

The choice between Deel and Gusto may depend on your organization’s specific compliance requirements and which security certifications align best with your needs.


Pros and Cons of Deel

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive platform requiring minimal training for users.
  • Extensive Global Coverage: Operates in over 150 countries, providing broad international reach.
  • Fast Onboarding: Enables quick employee onboarding, often within 24 hours.
  • Transparent Pricing: Offers clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees.
  • Flexible Payment Options: Supports various withdrawal methods, including cryptocurrency.
  • Dedicated Support: Provides 24/7 customer service in multiple languages.

Cons

  • Limited Document Localization: Cannot generate invoices in languages other than English.
  • Learning Curve: Despite being user-friendly, there may still be an initial learning period for some users.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Services: Uses external providers for some services like background checks.
  • No Native Payroll: Relies on partnerships for payroll processing in some regions.

Pros and Cons of Gusto

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that’s easy to navigate and set up.
  • Comprehensive Payroll Features: Provides a wide range of payroll services with no additional fees for most features.
  • Integrated Benefits Administration: Streamlines the process of managing employee benefits.
  • Strong Compliance Support: Offers robust assistance with tax filings and labor law compliance.
  • Employee Self-Service Capabilities: Empowers employees to access their own information and financial tools.
  • Scalable Plans: Offers options suitable for businesses as they grow from startups to medium-sized companies.

Cons

  • Limited Health Insurance Coverage: Only available in 38 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Significant Price Jumps: Large increase in cost between Simple and Plus plans.
  • Feature Restrictions: Some essential HR tools are limited to the most expensive plan.
  • Customer Service Issues: Growing number of complaints about customer support quality.

Deel vs. Gusto At a Glance

A detailed summary of the comparison of Deel and Gusto:

FeatureDeelGusto
Best ForFast-Growing Companies Needing Global Hiring at ScaleSMBs with up to 100 employees, Food Service, Retail & Nonprofits
EOR Pricing$599 per employee/month$399 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing$49 per employee/month$6 per employee/month
Country Coverage150+ Countries120+
Support ChannelsEmail, Phone, Live ChatEmail, Phone, Live Chat
Support Availability24/7Business Hours
G2 Rating4.85/5 (4630 reviews)4.5/5 (2104 reviews)
Capterra Rating4.8/5 (1554 reviews)4.6/5 (3964 reviews)
Trustpilot Rating4.9/5 (5332 reviews)2.5/5 (2088 reviews)
Partnership Discount20% OffN/A
Visit WebsiteVisit Website

This summary section aims to quickly show how Deel and Gusto compare on the most important features and information, including pricing. While both platforms offer payroll solutions, their focus and capabilities differ significantly, catering to different business needs.

Recommendations

When choosing between Deel and Gusto, it’s important to consider your business’s specific needs, size, and geographical scope. Both platforms offer robust payroll and HR solutions, but they cater to different market segments and have distinct strengths.

Who I recommend Deel to?

Deel is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing global expansion and requiring robust international payroll and compliance support. I recommend Deel to:

  1. Fast-growing startups looking to tap into global talent pools
  2. Large enterprises managing a diverse, international workforce
  3. Companies expanding into multiple international markets simultaneously
  4. Businesses with a significant number of international contractors
  5. Organizations that need flexibility in payment methods and currencies

Deel’s strength lies in its ability to simplify the complexities of international hiring and payroll. Its comprehensive compliance support across numerous countries makes it invaluable for businesses navigating the challenges of global employment laws.

The platform is particularly well-suited for tech companies, digital nomad-friendly businesses, and any organization embracing global remote work. Deel’s customizable contracts and multi-currency support provide the flexibility needed in today’s dynamic global business environment.

However, it’s important to note that Deel’s advanced features and global reach come with a higher price point. Therefore, it’s most cost-effective for businesses that fully utilize its international capabilities rather than those primarily operating in a single country.

Who I recommend Gusto to?

Gusto is an ideal solution for US-based small to medium-sized businesses seeking a user-friendly, comprehensive payroll and HR platform. I recommend Gusto to:

  1. Small businesses and startups with primarily US-based employees
  2. Companies looking for an all-in-one payroll and benefits administration solution
  3. Businesses that prioritize user experience and easy-to-use interfaces
  4. Organizations new to managing their own payroll and HR processes
  5. US companies with a limited number of international contractors

Gusto’s strength is its ability to simplify complex payroll and HR tasks for businesses without dedicated HR departments. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set make it accessible even to those without extensive payroll experience.

The platform is well-suited for service-based businesses, retail operations, and non-profits operating in the United States. Gusto’s integrated benefits administration and time-tracking features provide significant value for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes.

It’s worth noting that while Gusto offers some support for international contractors, its primary focus is on US-based operations. Therefore, it’s most suitable for businesses operating solely within the US or having minimal international hiring needs.

When to consider other EOR providers?

While Deel and Gusto are excellent options for many businesses, there are scenarios where other EOR providers might be more suitable. Here are five alternatives to consider based on different business needs:

AlternativeBest ForKey Strength
RemoteRegional expansionEmerging market knowledge
Oyster HRIndustry-specific complianceRegulatory expertise
RipplingSoftware integrationUnified data management
RemofirstCost-effective global hiringCompetitive pricing
Papaya GlobalComprehensive HR solutionsAdvanced analytics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Deel suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Deel can be suitable for small businesses, especially those hiring internationally or with global contractors. However, Gusto might be more cost-effective for small US-based businesses with no international employees.

Can Gusto handle international payroll?

Gusto primarily focuses on US payroll but offers limited support for paying international contractors. For extensive international payroll needs, Deel is the better option.

Does Deel offer benefits administration like Gusto?

Deel does offer benefits administration, but it’s more focused on providing country-specific benefits for international employees. Gusto offers more comprehensive benefits administration for US-based employees.

Which platform has better reporting capabilities?

Both platforms offer robust reporting features. Gusto’s reports are more tailored for US businesses, while Deel provides more comprehensive global payroll reports.

Can I use Deel’s mobile app to manage payroll?

Yes, Deel’s recently launched mobile app allows users to manage various aspects of payroll, including viewing payslips, submitting timesheets, and managing contracts on the go.

Is Gusto or Deel better for compliance management?

Gusto is excellent for US compliance. Due to its global expertise, Deel has the edge for international compliance across multiple countries.