BambooHR vs Gusto: Pricing Comparison 2026

BambooHR and Gusto both serve small and mid-size businesses but emphasize different parts of the HR function. BambooHR is an HRIS that includes basic payroll. Gusto is a payroll platform that includes basic HR features. BambooHR does not publish pricing publicly. Based on market data, plans start around $6-8/employee/month for core HR (employee records, PTO, reporting) and $10-15/employee/month with payroll, benefits, and performance management. BambooHR's strength is the HR lifecycle: hiring (ATS), onboarding (custom workflows), managing (performance reviews), and offboarding - all connected to employee records. Gusto Simple at $40/month base + $6/employee includes full-service payroll, employee self-service, and basic HR tools. Gusto Plus at $80/month + $12/employee adds time tracking, PTO management, and next-day direct deposit. Gusto Premium adds dedicated HR support and compliance with custom pricing. Gusto's strength is payroll: automated federal, state, and local tax calculations, W-2/1099 filing, and integrated benefits. Companies whose primary pain point is running payroll correctly and affordably should start with Gusto - it is cheaper, easier, and better at payroll. Companies that need to manage the full employee lifecycle - recruiting, onboarding, performance, and offboarding - with payroll as one component should evaluate BambooHR. Many growing companies start with Gusto and migrate to BambooHR (or Rippling) when their HR needs outgrow a payroll-first platform.