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Gusto vs OnPay both advertise $49/month + $6 per worker—but multi-state payroll changes the real bill. We compare 2026 pricing, features, and compliance gaps an Enrolled Agent still has to handle.
- Same headline price, different multi-state math
- Pricing at 5, 10, and 25 employees
- Feature table: AutoPilot, time tracking, Form 943
- EA notes on local taxes, PFML, and POA limits
Quick verdict
Single-state shops can pay the same on Gusto Simple or OnPay. Once you need workers in more than one state, OnPay stays on one plan while Gusto requires Plus ($80 + $12/worker). Gusto pulls ahead on automation, mobile apps, and benefits depth; OnPay wins on pricing simplicity, agricultural payroll (Form 943), and flat Middesk state-registration fees. Neither platform replaces an EA for local occupational taxes, PFML registration, or third-party administrator POA work.
Gusto vs OnPay at a glance
Both Gusto and OnPay raised entry-level full-service payroll to $49/month + $6 per worker in March 2026. The sticker price looks identical until you map features to your footprint.
Gusto
$49/mo
+ $6/worker (Simple, single-state)
Best for: Teams that want AutoPilot, native time tracking, a strong mobile app, and deep benefits marketplace integrations—even if multi-state means upgrading to Plus.
Try Gusto →
OnPay
$49/mo
+ $6/worker (one plan)
Best for: Multi-state employers who want one predictable tier, benefits admin in the base plan, and agricultural Form 943 support without climbing Gusto’s tier ladder.
Try 1 month free →The multi-state trap
Gusto Simple covers one state. Multi-state payroll, next-day direct deposit, and native time tracking require Gusto Plus at $80 + $12/worker. OnPay includes all 50 states on its single $49 + $6 plan—no upgrade required.
Pricing comparison (2026)
Gusto sells four payroll tiers; OnPay sells one. Below is what each platform publishes as of May 2026, plus monthly totals at common team sizes.
Published plan rates
| Plan / tier | Base fee | Per worker | Multi-state |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnPay (one plan) | $49/mo | $6/mo (W-2 or 1099 in pay run) | Included (all 50 states) |
| Gusto Simple | $49/mo | $6/mo | Single state only |
| Gusto Plus | $80/mo | $12/mo | Multi-state, next-day pay, time tracking |
| Gusto Premium | $180/mo | $22/mo | Multi-state + dedicated support |
| Gusto Contractor Only | $35/mo ($0 base promo, 6 mo) | $6/mo | Contractors only |
Monthly cost by headcount
Assumes every worker is paid each month. OnPay uses its single plan; Gusto multi-state rows use Plus (the tier you need once employees work outside your home state).
| Team size | OnPay | Gusto Simple (1 state) | Gusto Plus (multi-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 employees | $79/mo | $79/mo | $140/mo |
| 10 employees | $109/mo | $109/mo | $200/mo |
| 25 employees | $199/mo | $199/mo | $380/mo |
Feature comparison
Core payroll is solid on both platforms. The differences show up in automation, mobile experience, agricultural payroll, and what still belongs on an EA’s checklist.
| Feature | Gusto | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-state payroll | Plus tier and above ($80 + $12/worker) | Included on base plan (all 50 states) |
| Direct deposit speed | Next-day on Plus+; 4-day on Simple | 4-day standard |
| AutoPilot (set-and-forget payroll) | Yes | No equivalent |
| Native time tracking | Included on Plus+ | Third-party integrations |
| Mobile app (admin + employee) | Native iOS/Android apps | Mobile-responsive web; no dedicated admin app |
| S-corp owner / Solo tools | Strong (owner draws, reasonable comp guidance) | Basic owner payroll |
| Benefits marketplace | Deep carrier network + 401(k) partners | Health, dental, vision, 401(k) in base plan |
| Agricultural payroll (Form 943) | Limited / not a specialty | Supported |
| Contractor (1099) payments | $6/worker in run; Contractor Only tier available | $6/worker in run (same as W-2) |
| State registration help | Varies by state; often DIY or partner | Middesk integration ($199/reg type) |
| Local occupational taxes | Many supported; gaps remain | Many supported; gaps remain |
| PFML / paid leave registration | Partial guidance; not full TPA substitute | Partial guidance; not full TPA substitute |
| Tax accuracy guarantee | Yes | Yes |
What payroll software still does not replace
As an EA, I still file power-of-attorney paperwork, register businesses for local business taxes, and manage PFML third-party administrator relationships outside both platforms. Treat Gusto and OnPay as payroll engines—not substitutes for state-and-local compliance consulting.
Pros and cons
Gusto pros
- AutoPilot for hands-off recurring payroll
- Native time tracking on Plus and Premium
- Best-in-class mobile apps for admins and employees
- S-corp Solo tools for owner-pay optimization
- Deep benefits marketplace with major carriers
- Contractor Only tier with promotional $0 base for 6 months
Gusto cons
- Multi-state requires Plus—doubles per-worker cost vs headline Simple rate
- Four tiers to compare; easy to over-buy Premium
- Simple tier lacks next-day pay and native time tracking
- No Form 943 specialty for agricultural employers
- March 2026 price increase on Simple ($40 → $49 base)
OnPay pros
- One plan—no tier confusion
- Multi-state included at $49 + $6/worker
- Benefits admin in base (health, dental, vision, 401(k))
- Form 943 / agricultural payroll support
- Predictable Middesk pricing ($199 per registration type)
- First month free standard promotion
OnPay cons
- No AutoPilot—every run needs manual approval
- No native time tracking (integrations only)
- No dedicated mobile admin app
- 4-day direct deposit standard (no next-day on base plan)
- HR add-on extra ($15 + $2/worker) for full HR suite
- Weaker S-corp owner tooling vs Gusto
Who should choose which?
Choose Gusto if you:
- Want AutoPilot and minimal payroll touchpoints
- Need native time tracking tied to payroll (Plus+)
- Run an S-corp and want owner-pay guidance built in
- Prioritize a mobile app for you and your team
- Plan to shop a wide benefits marketplace
- Have employees in one state only (Simple tier is enough)
Choose OnPay if you:
- Have workers in multiple states and want one flat rate
- Prefer single-tier simplicity over four Gusto plans
- Need benefits administration without upgrading tiers
- Run agricultural payroll (Form 943)
- Want predictable Middesk state-registration fees
- Are cost-sensitive at 10+ employees across states
Final verdict
OnPay is the pragmatic pick when employees span states and you want benefits admin without climbing a tier ladder. One plan, one price, no Plus upgrade surprise.
Gusto is the better platform experience if AutoPilot, native time tracking, and mobile-first workflows matter more than saving ~$90/month at 10 employees—and you accept Plus pricing for multi-state.
Ready to compare with your own numbers?
Run a trial with your actual headcount and state mix. Both platforms let you test before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gusto or OnPay cheaper in 2026?
They share the same headline rate—$49/month + $6 per worker. For a single-state team, costs tie on Gusto Simple vs OnPay. For multi-state teams, OnPay stays at $49 + $6 while Gusto requires Plus at $80 + $12/worker. At 10 employees, that is roughly $109/month (OnPay) vs $200/month (Gusto Plus).
Does OnPay include multi-state payroll?
Yes. OnPay includes all 50 states on its single $49 + $6 plan with no per-state surcharge. Gusto limits Simple to one state; multi-state requires Plus ($80 + $12/worker) or Premium.
Which is better for S-corp owners?
Gusto offers stronger S-corp Solo tooling—owner draws, reasonable compensation guidance, and contractor-only tiers. OnPay handles owner payroll but lacks Gusto’s depth of S-corp-specific workflows.
Does either platform handle agricultural payroll?
OnPay supports Form 943 agricultural payroll. Gusto is built for general small-business payroll and is not the go-to for farm employers needing Form 943 specialty handling.
What about local taxes and PFML?
Both calculate and remit many local withholding taxes, but gaps remain—especially for occupational privilege taxes, city business licenses, and paid-family-leave third-party administrator registration. An Enrolled Agent or local CPA should still review your footprint. Neither Gusto nor OnPay replaces POA/TPA paperwork.
How do free trials compare?
OnPay typically offers the first month free. Gusto runs periodic promos (including $0 base for six months on Contractor Only). Check current offers at signup—promotions change, but both let you run real payroll during trial periods.
Can I switch from Gusto to OnPay mid-year?
Yes. Both support mid-year migrations. OnPay offers free migration assistance to import employee records and YTD totals. Switching at a quarter boundary is cleanest for tax reconciliation, but it is not required.
Which has better benefits administration?
OnPay includes benefits admin (health, dental, vision, 401(k)) in its base plan. Gusto’s benefits marketplace is broader with more carrier choice and deeper integrations—especially valuable on Plus and Premium when you are actively shopping plans. For “good enough” benefits without tier upgrades, OnPay wins; for marketplace depth, Gusto wins.
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Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you sign up for Gusto or OnPay through our links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support independent EA-reviewed research. Gusto, OnPay, and their logos are trademarks of their respective companies. Pricing accurate as of May 2026.
Thomas Camp Jr., EA
Thomas is an Enrolled Agent and tax accountant with over 14 years of experience helping small businesses choose the right payroll, accounting, and operational tools. His recommendations come from hands-on implementation—not just feature lists. Verify EA credentials →
