# Gusto vs Justworks for global payroll

> Machine-readable page from Payroll Overview (https://payrolloverview.com/), the independent index of global payroll providers.
> Canonical page: https://payrolloverview.com/compare/gusto-vs-justworks/
> Methodology: every figure carries a source and a date in our database; ratings are averages of third-party platforms (https://payrolloverview.com/methodology/).
> Disclosure: Payroll Overview is free to use. We may earn a referral fee from some providers; this never affects inclusion or order (https://payrolloverview.com/disclosure/).

You've narrowed it down to Gusto and Justworks — smart shortlist. Both handle employer of record services and contractor management, and both come in at the same starting price of $599 per month. So how do you actually choose? Gusto has been around since 2011 and covers 103+ countries, making it a solid option if you're hiring across a wide range of locations. Justworks launched a year later and focuses on a tighter network of 25+ countries, but holds a slightly higher G2 rating at 4.6 versus Gusto's 4.5. This comparison breaks down the real differences between the two — pricing details, country coverage, services, and the types of teams each one tends to suit . By the end, you should have a clear sense of which one fits your situation.

## Side by side

| Field | Gusto | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll price | Quote only | from $8/employee/month |
| Payroll countries | 106 | 42 |
| Pay cycles | bi-weekly, semi-monthly | bi-weekly, semi-monthly |
| Payout currencies | — | 1 |
| Rating | 3.9/5 (18,736 reviews) | 3.8/5 (1,898 reviews) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, US | New York City, US |
| Services | eor, payroll, contractor_management | eor, contractor_management |
| Full review | https://payrolloverview.com/providers/gusto/ | https://payrolloverview.com/providers/justworks/ |

## Gusto pros and cons

- Pro: They cover 103 countries, which is above the typical 50-100 range. This gives you solid global reach without paying for enterprise-level coverage you might not need.
- Pro: With 15 years in business, they've had time to work out the bugs. That maturity shows in their 4.5-star rating across 2,200+ reviews.
- Pro: The crypto payment option is genuinely unique. If you're hiring remote talent who prefer digital currency, this sets them apart from competitors.
- Pro: 24/7 support and dedicated account management means you're not stuck waiting during payroll emergencies, which matters when you're dealing with multiple time zones.
- Pro: Their employee portal and mobile app make it easy for your team to access pay stubs and tax documents without bugging HR constantly.
- Pro: Multi-currency support with payment methods like Wise and PayPal alongside traditional banking gives you flexibility in how money moves.
- Con: No public pricing means you can't quickly compare costs. You'll need to sit through a sales call to get numbers, which slows down evaluation.
- Con: Based on the pricing tier context, they likely fall in the mid to upper range compared to competitors like Deel and Remote who advertise $29-49 per employee.
- Con: Only offers bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay frequencies. If your team needs weekly or monthly payroll, you'll have to adjust your processes.
- Con: Some reviews mention the platform can feel complex when you're first setting it up, especially if you're migrating from a simpler US-only system.
- Con: While 103 countries is solid, it's not as extensive as some enterprise providers if you need truly global coverage in more obscure markets.

## Justworks pros and cons

- Pro: Clear, transparent pricing model
- Pro: Comprehensive benefits access, including health insurance and 401(k)
- Pro: Contractor payment flexibility in 40+ currencies
- Pro: Direct entities in 11 key markets
- Pro: Dual PEO and EOR capabilities serving both domestic and international needs
- Pro: Strong small business focus
- Con: Global coverage not as extensive as some competitors
- Con: Limited software integrations (only eight accounting/HR apps)
- Con: Mixed user reviews, particularly on platforms like Trustpilot

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gusto or Justworks cheaper?

Both charge $599/month for EOR services, so pricing is a wash at the base level. The real cost difference comes down to your specific needs — Gusto adds Global Payroll as a service, which may affect total pricing depending on your setup. Get quotes from both based on your headcount.

### Which has better country coverage?

Gusto covers 103+ countries versus Justworks' 25+. If you're hiring in major markets like the US, UK, Canada, or Western Europe, Justworks likely covers you. But if you need talent in less common regions — Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa — Gusto has a clear advantage.

### Which is better for small businesses and startups?

Both are solid for small teams. Justworks has a slightly higher G2 rating (4.6 vs 4.5) and is known for a clean, simple experience. Gusto edges ahead if you anticipate international growth beyond 25 countries. Early-stage, US-focused startups often lean Justworks; globally ambitious ones lean Gusto.

### Can I switch from Gusto to Justworks?

Yes, but time it carefully. Mid-contract switches can disrupt payroll cycles and employee benefits continuity. Map out your current contracts, notice periods, and payroll dates before initiating. Most companies switch at the start of a new quarter or fiscal year to keep things clean.

### Which has better customer support?

Both score closely on G2 — Justworks at 4.6 and Gusto at 4.5 — suggesting support quality is comparable. Justworks is frequently praised for responsiveness with smaller teams. Gusto's support breadth may be stronger if you're managing employees across many international markets simultaneously.

### What's the main difference between Gusto and Justworks?

The biggest differentiator is global reach and services. Gusto offers EOR, Global Payroll, and Contractor Management across 103+ countries. Justworks offers EOR and Contractor Management across 25+ countries. Same EOR price point, but Gusto has more coverage and an additional payroll service layer.