Updated October 18, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team
Gusto vs Homebase
Gusto
Homebase
Higher score in this comparison
Gusto vs Homebase: the differences
| Compare | GustoReviewVisitVisit | HomebaseReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49 | $30Lower |
| Free plan | No | YesHas it |
| Payroll | Included | Add on |
| Platforms | iOS | iOS, AndroidCovers more |
| Free trial length | Not confirmed | 14 days |
| Users included | Not confirmed | 10 |
| Integrations | Not confirmed | 17 |
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Key differences
- Homebase scores higher overall: 9.1 vs 8.7.
- Price from is lower at Homebase: $30 vs $49.
- Free plan: only Homebase.
- Platforms: only Homebase offers Android.
- Pricing model: only Homebase offers Free plan.
Our verdict on each
Gusto
Gusto fits small businesses in the US that want payroll handled inside the same product. It starts at $49 and offers no free plan, so teams that want to try before paying lean toward ANNA Money instead.
Homebase
Homebase suits teams in small business that need scheduling plus HR and payments in a unified option with support across chat, phone and help centre. Paid access starts at $30 with Up to 10 employees at 1 location, so growing shops can use the entry option and trial paid tools for 14 days before committing.
Score breakdown
| Area | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.5Price from $49 sits above the €13.15 site median, and there is no free plan. | 9.1HigherPaid entry at $30 with entry option without payment keeps starting costs low. |
| Offer | 8.8 | 9.1HigherCover of scheduling, HR and payments with Up to 10 employees at 1 location shapes daily shift value. |
| Trust | 8.9 | Not confirmed |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll software | 10 of 173 | 7 of 173 |
Availability and regulation
| Country | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
A third option
Riibase has price from at $19.95, against $49 for Gusto and $30 for Homebase.
Riibase reviewSources behind this comparison
Gusto
- spotsaas.com: 4 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- startupfundraising.com: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- apps.apple.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
- techcrunch.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
Homebase
- joinhomebase.com: 12 facts, checked September 30, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Small business | Small business |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free plan, Free trialCovers more |
| Legal entity | Not confirmed | Pioneer Works, Inc. |
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
| Founded | 2012 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Not confirmed | Chat, Phone, Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Gusto | Homebase | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49highest quarter | $30above the median | $19.99 |
| Free trial length | Not confirmed | 14 daysbelow the median | 15 days |
| Users included | Not confirmed | 10highest quarter | 1 |
| Integrations | Not confirmed | 17below the median | 20 |
Median across 188 listed software products.
Pros and cons
Gusto
Pros
- Payroll is included in the offering, matching included
- Aimed squarely at small businesses, as small business shows
- Runs on ios, so staff can use their phones
Cons
- There is no free plan, so there is nothing to try at no cost
- Entry pricing of $49 sits above the site median of €13.15
- Only ios is listed, so desktop access is not part of the stated platforms
Homebase
Pros
- Entry option without payment keeps early costs down, with paid access at $30 when you grow.
- Trial for 14 days gives room to test scheduling before paid billing starts.
- Cover across scheduling, HR and payments joins scheduling with HR and payments for shift teams.
Cons
- Paid start at $30 costs more than Pocket at $19.99 for tight budgets.
- Entry cap of Up to 10 employees at 1 location may feel tight as rosters grow across shifts.
- Payroll is add on, so budgeting must allow an extra charge beyond the base plan.
Who each suits
Gusto
Who it suits
- US small businesses that run payroll every pay cycle
- Teams that want payroll included rather than bought as an add on
- Office managers who check payroll from a phone
Who should look elsewhere
- Teams that need a free plan, where ANNA Money starts free
- Anyone outside the US, since Gusto is based in the United States
Homebase
Who it suits
- Small retail and hospitality teams that exceed 1 set, 1 invitee per event at Flexibits and need cover for Up to 10 employees at 1 location.
- Shift managers who find Appointy too booking led and prefer staff scheduling with HR and payments.
- Budget minded owners comparing Pocket at $19.99 who still want phone support and team tools.
Who should look elsewhere
- Teams larger than Up to 10 employees at 1 location that need broader rosters, where Appointy may fit booking led work better.
- Solo bookers fine within 1 set, 1 invitee per event at Flexibits without staff scheduling extras.
Current offers
Country by country
| Country | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | No |
Questions about each
Gusto
How much does Gusto cost?+
Gusto starts at $49. That is above the €13.15 median across the site and close to the €21.40 payroll software median, so expect a mid range figure rather than the cheapest entry on the market.
Is there a free plan?+
No. Gusto has no free plan, so there is nothing to use at no cost. The way in is a free trial, which is the model Gusto uses for people who want to look before they commit to a paid plan.
Homebase
How much does Homebase cost to start using?+
Paid use starts at $30 for the paid tier, while the entry option without payment stays available for very small teams. You can also evaluate paid tools for 14 days before deciding. That setup lets you match spend to staff size and change tiers as shift needs grow over time.
Does Homebase include an option without payment?+
Yes, an entry option without payment is available for small setups. You can run basic scheduling and team coordination there before moving to paid access at $30. That path helps you confirm fit with your roster and location needs before you commit to billing.