Rippling vs Gusto: 2026 EOR Comparison
Compare features, pricing, and capabilities side-by-side. I've analyzed both EOR providers to help you make the right decision for your global hiring needs.
Robbin Schuchmann
Co-founder, Employ Borderless
Rippling vs Gusto: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Rippling and Gusto at a glance.
 | | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $499/per employee/month | $599/per employee/month |
| Contractor pricing | $35/per employee/month | $40/per employee/month |
| Payroll pricing | $35/per employee/month | — |
| Overall rating | 9.0/10 | — |
| Countries | 53+ | 103+ |
| Visit site | Visit site |
EOR pricing
$499/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$35/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
$35/per employee/month
Overall rating
9.0/10
Countries
53+
EOR pricing
$599/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$40/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
—
Overall rating
—
Countries
103+
Let me be honest: choosing between Rippling and Gusto for HR and payroll is trickier than most comparison articles make it seem. You’ll find plenty of feature lists, but what really matters is their core difference – Rippling offers comprehensive HR/IT/Finance platform starting at $8 PEPM with 500+ integrations, while Gusto provides user-friendly payroll and benefits starting at $40/month base plus $6 per person.
I keep seeing the same pattern: businesses compare these because both handle payroll, then realize they needed either Rippling’s operational depth or Gusto’s simplicity. Rippling built its reputation on unifying HR, IT device management, and Finance operations, while Gusto positioned itself around easy-to-use payroll with excellent customer support. Both work, but they serve different complexity needs.
The real decision comes down to scope: Rippling works best when you need comprehensive HR/IT/Finance integration starting at $8 PEPM, while Gusto delivers better results for small businesses needing straightforward payroll starting at $40/month base. Your operational complexity will determine which fits better.
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What is Rippling?
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that connects HR, IT, and finance functions through a unified employee database. Companies use it to manage payroll, benefits, devices, and software from one system.
Parker Conrad (former Zenefits CEO) and Prasanna Sankar founded the company in 2016. Rippling now supports businesses operating in more than 50 countries.
How Rippling works
The platform automates workflows across business systems that normally operate separately.
When I tested Rippling, the onboarding caught my attention because it was so efficient. For example, adding someone to payroll triggered their laptop order, email setup, and software provisioning right away.
There are no (or fewer) manual steps since one employee database feeds all systems at once.
What it means for clients: It means automating tasks that normally require switching between multiple tools.
Who uses Rippling
Rippling works best for medium-sized technology and growing businesses with members across the world.
These companies need advanced systems but lack enterprise-level IT departments. The Rippling platform provides just that: enterprise-grade tools without massive IT investments.
What it means for clients: Companies automate work that normally requires multiple tools and manual coordination.
| Founded | 2016 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco |
| CEO | Parker Conrad |
| Employees | 10001+ |
| Total funding | $1.4B |
What is Gusto?
Gusto's EOR, also known as Gusto Global, is an extension of Gusto's popular payroll and HR platform designed to support businesses in hiring and managing international employees. Known to be powered by Remote, it allows companies to expand their workforce globally without establishing local legal entities in foreign countries.
Gusto EOR's core strengths lie in its user-friendly design, comprehensive payroll features, and integrated benefits administration. The platform is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking to hire in its supported countries or those managing international contractors across multiple countries.
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco |
What are the key features of Rippling vs Gusto?
When you're choosing between EOR providers, it comes down to what each one actually does for you. Some focus on payroll processing, others specialize in compliance management, and some offer better employee benefits. Here's what sets these two apart.
Rippling key features
Rippling's EOR service allows companies to hire in 80+ countries without legal entities. The platform manages all contracts, tax registrations, and compliance. International and domestic employees are managed in the same system.
One database serves as the centralized source. When information changes anywhere, all connected systems update automatically (this reduces clerical mistakes).
The platform manages device procurement, configuration, and security. Equipment gets ordered based on role templates, and software pre-installs before devices reach employees.
Rippling processes payments for domestic and international employees, contractors, and part-time workers through one interface. The system calculates taxes and deductions based on location, and reports segment costs by department or project.
The platform goes beyond basic admin/user roles. Clients can create custom access profiles based on department, seniority, or location.
Gusto key features
Gusto runs payroll automatically across states, handles tax calculations, and files required forms. Companies can run payroll as often as needed without extra fees.
Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits live inside the platform. Enrollment, deductions, and ongoing management connect directly to payroll.
The platform includes basic time tracking and tools to set up PTO policies. Hours and time off flow into payroll without manual entry.
Employees can view pay stubs, download tax forms, update personal details, and manage benefits on their own.
Gusto files federal, state, and local payroll taxes automatically and supports required employment filings to reduce compliance errors.
Gusto supports international EOR hiring in a limited number of countries through its Global offering, powered by an external partner.
Standard payroll and workforce reports cover wages, taxes, benefits, and employee data. Reports export easily for accounting or audits.
The platform supports paying and managing 1099 contractors alongside full-time employees.
What benefits do Rippling and Gusto offer?
Features are one thing, but how do they actually help your business? Think faster onboarding, fewer compliance headaches, and smoother payroll runs. Here are the real benefits you'll get from each provider.
Rippling benefits
Less admin work
The platform connects systems that normally operate separately. I’ve seen companies report 60-80% time savings after switching to Rippling.
Faster onboarding
New hires can start working much quicker (typically in days). The platform configures accounts, orders equipment, and sets up payroll at the same time.
Reliable compliance
Rippling applies regulations based on worker location automatically. The system then tracks changing requirements and updates rules without manual work.
Stronger security
Rippling’s integrated IT management keeps security consistent across employees and devices. It controls who gets access, enforces password rules, and handles encryption in the background.
Fewer errors
The platform automatically syncs data across systems, so there’s less room for errors that come with the human factor.
Better employee experience
Employees manage their own pay stubs and tax forms through self-service. There’s less back-and-forth with HR, and that saves everyone time.
Gusto benefits
Easy to get started
The interface is simple, and setup is guided. Most users get comfortable quickly without formal training.
All core payroll in one place
Payroll runs, tax filings, and payments live in the same system. Most features come standard, without add-on fees.
HR tasks stay connected
Payroll, benefits, and basic HR functions work together. This reduces duplicate work and manual handoffs.
Built-in compliance support
Automated tax filings and required forms help reduce missed deadlines and filing errors.
Employee self-service
Employees handle routine tasks on their own, such as viewing pay stubs, updating details, and managing benefits.
Scales with company size
Plans work for small teams and continue to support growth into mid-sized businesses.
Wide integration coverage
Gusto connects with a large number of accounting, HR, and business tools to fit into existing workflows.
Clear pricing
Pricing is published and predictable, which makes monthly costs easier to plan.
How do Rippling and Gusto compare on pricing?
Let's talk money. EOR pricing can be tricky - some providers quote low monthly fees but charge extra for setup, onboarding, or additional services. Here's what each provider charges for their main services.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer of record | $499/per employee/month | $599/per employee/month |
| Contractor management | $35/per employee/month | $40/per employee/month |
| Global payroll | $35/per employee/month | — |
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What are the pros and cons of Rippling vs Gusto?
No EOR provider is perfect - they all have their sweet spots and pain points. Getting honest about what works and what doesn't will save you from unpleasant surprises down the road. Here's the real talk on both providers.
Rippling
- +
System integration
Rippling connects HR, IT, and finance in one platform. This removes the disconnected data that comes from using separate tools.
- +
Strong automation
Rippling reduces manual workload by automating HR processes from hiring to offboarding across all connected systems and countries.
- +
Device management
Rippling handles laptop ordering, software installation, and security for remote teams. Most EOR providers don't offer this.
- +
App integrations
Rippling connects with 500+ business applications. This creates a more unified workspace than most competitors.
- +
Custom workflows
Companies can build approval chains that match their structure.
- −
Unclear pricing
Rippling's modular pricing makes total costs hard to predict without direct quotes. Each service component adds to the base fee.
- −
Lengthy setup and steep learning curve
Setup takes longer compared to similar tools because of the many functions. HR teams coming from simpler tools face a bigger adjustment.
- −
Inconsistent support
Response times change based on issue type and plan level. Some users wait several days for a resolution.
Gusto
- +
Fast US payroll processing
Run payroll in under 10 minutes with automated tax calculations and filings
- +
Clean interface
Navigate without training, with clear labels and logical workflows
- +
Contractor payments in 120+ countries
Pay freelancers internationally without separate platforms
- +
Strong accounting integrations
Sync payroll data automatically to QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks
- +
Unlimited payroll runs
Process payroll as often as needed without extra charges
- +
Built-in time tracking
Employees clock in from web or mobile, hours sync directly to payroll
- −
Limited EOR coverage
Full-time employees only supported in 12 countries
- −
Inconsistent customer support
Response quality varies, with longer wait times during busy periods
- −
Limited mobile admin functions
Many employer tasks still require desktop access
- −
Recent price increases
March 2025 raised base plan costs 23% without new features
What do customers say about Rippling vs Gusto?
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what actual users say about working with these providers on major review platforms.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.8 11,614 reviews | 4.5 2,259 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.6 1,713 reviews | — |
| Capterra | 4.9 4,321 reviews | — |
| Glassdoor | 3.8 1,003 reviews | — |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Rippling vs Gusto
When things go wrong (and they will), you want to know someone's got your back. Great support can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disaster. Here's how these providers handle support.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Support availability | Business Hours | Business Hours |
| Dedicated account manager | No | No |
| Self-service resources | No | No |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do Rippling and Gusto compare on our ratings?
I've scored both providers across 10 categories based on hands-on testing, user feedback, and independent research. Here's how they stack up.
Features
Country coverage
Pricing
User experience
Customer support
Integrations
Mobile app
Analytics & reporting
Security
Compliance
Third-party ratings average
Complete comparison table
Every detail that matters when choosing an EOR provider. Compare pricing, features, country coverage, and support options in one easy-to-scan table.
| Feature |  Rippling | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $499/mo | From $599/mo |
| Countries | 53+ | 103+ |
| Overall rating | 9.0/10 | — |
| Mobile app | ||
| API available | ||
| Webhook support | ||
| Dedicated account manager | ||
| Self-service resources | ||
| Community forum |
Which provider should you choose?
Different companies have different needs. Your team size, budget, and where you're hiring all play a role in which provider will work best for you. Here's how to pick the right fit.
Choose Rippling if:
Choose Rippling if you need comprehensive HR/IT/Finance integration. Best for:
- Growing companies (100-1,000+ employees) needing unified HR, IT, and Finance operations
- Tech companies requiring IT device management with 500+ integrations
- Organizations needing advanced workflow automation and customization
- Businesses managing complex multi-state or international operations
- Companies comfortable with higher costs for comprehensive capabilities
Rippling’s unified platform works well for companies with complex needs. If you need HR/IT/Finance integration, Rippling provides solutions starting at $8 PEPM.
Choose Gusto if:
Choose Gusto if you prioritize simplicity and affordability for payroll. Best for:
- Small businesses (5-100 employees) needing straightforward payroll and benefits
- Companies prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and excellent customer support
- Organizations with basic HR needs without IT management requirements
- Businesses wanting affordable pricing starting at $40/month base plus $6 per person
- Teams needing quick implementation without extensive training
Gusto’s simplicity and support work well for small businesses. If you need easy payroll without complexity, Gusto provides solutions starting at $40/month base.
When to consider alternatives
Sometimes neither option is quite right. Maybe you need rock-bottom pricing, enterprise-level features, or coverage in a specific country these providers don't serve well. Here are some other EOR providers worth checking out.
Remote
Companies who want strong protection of intellectual property (IP) and legal risk coverage when hiring internationally
Read review
Deel
Growing companies scaling internationally with a mix of contractors and full-time employees
Read review
Hire With Columbus
Budget-conscious companies needing affordable EOR services across many countries, especially those hiring 5+ international employees where cost savings compound significantly
Read reviewNot sure which is right for you? Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Rippling and Gusto offer strong payroll processing features but cater to different needs. Rippling provides global payroll capabilities, supporting payments in multiple currencies across 185+ countries. It’s ideal for businesses with international employees. While limited to US payroll, Gusto offers unlimited payroll runs and is known for its user-friendly interface, making it excellent for small to medium-sized US-based businesses.
Rippling offers more extensive integration capabilities with over 500 third-party applications, spanning HR, IT, and finance functions. Gusto provides around 200 integrations, which is substantial but not as extensive as Rippling. Rippling may be the better choice if you require many integrations, especially in IT and finance.
Gusto offers transparent pricing with set tiers (Simple, Plus, Premium) and a clear per-employee cost. Rippling uses a modular pricing structure where you pay for the specific features you need, starting at $8 per user per month for the core platform. While this can be more flexible, estimating costs without getting a custom quote is harder.
Gusto generally receives higher marks for customer support. It offers phone, email, and chat support, with phone support available for all plan levels. Rippling provides support via chat, email, and in-app help but doesn’t offer phone support. For businesses that value being able to speak directly with support staff, Gusto may be the better option.
Rippling is significantly better suited for businesses with international employees. It offers global payroll capabilities in over 185 countries, handles multiple currencies, and provides compliance support for international labor laws. Gusto is limited to US-based employees and doesn’t support international payroll.
Yes, both platforms can manage payroll for employees and contractors. However, Gusto offers a specific contractor-only plan, which can be very cost-effective for businesses primarily working with freelancers. Rippling can also manage contractors but doesn’t offer a specialized plan.
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