Comparison 2026
BambooHR vs Gusto
A detailed, side-by-side comparison. Features, pricing, and our verdict to help you choose.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team | Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
BambooHR edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.4/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.
At a Glance
BambooHR
BambooHR is a leading HR software platform designed for small to medium businesses. It centralises employee data, time-off management, onboarding, performance reviews, and reporting into one intuitive system. Known for its clean interface and focus on making HR processes less painful for growing companies.
From: From £4.50/employee/month
Best for: Small to medium businesses wanting intuitive HR so...
Gusto
Gusto is a modern payroll and HR platform that simplifies paying employees, filing taxes, and managing benefits. Known for its delightful user experience and full-service payroll, it handles everything from direct deposits and tax filings to health insurance and retirement plans. Primarily focused on the US market.
From: £30/month + £5/person
Best for: US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-ser...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BambooHR | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Starting Price | From £4.50/employee/month | £30/month + £5/person |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
Pricing Comparison
BambooHR Pricing
Gusto Pricing
Pros & Cons
BambooHR
Pros
- +Very intuitive and easy to use
- +Excellent onboarding workflows
- +Good performance management tools
Cons
- -Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
- -Payroll is a separate add-on (US only)
Gusto
Pros
- +Excellent, user-friendly interface
- +Full-service payroll (they handle tax filings)
- +Built-in benefits administration
Cons
- -Primarily US-focused (limited international)
- -No UK payroll currently
Our Verdict
Both BambooHR and Gusto are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose BambooHR if you need Small to medium businesses wanting intuitive HR software wit. Choose Gusto if you need US-based small businesses wanting simple, full-service payro.
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between BambooHR and Gusto? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BambooHR better than Gusto?▼
It depends on your needs. BambooHR scores 4.4/5 while Gusto scores 4.3/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, BambooHR or Gusto?▼
BambooHR starts at From £4.50/employee/month, while Gusto starts at £30/month + £5/person.
Can Ikaroa help me set up BambooHR or Gusto?▼
Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.
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Ikaroa Partners
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Our team has implemented both BambooHR and Gusto for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs and get you set up with an exclusive partner deal.
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