Gusto vs Homebase
Gusto
Payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses
Kitfinch pick for 1 job across 6 trades.
From$49/mo
SimpleVerified Sep 24, 2026
Homebase
Team scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for hourly teams
From$30/mo
EssentialsVerified Sep 26, 2026
How they differ
| Feature | Gusto | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $49/moSimple | $30/moEssentials |
| Free plan | Not stated | Yes |
| Free trial | Not stated | Yes |
| Payroll | ||
| Field team management | — | |
| Staff scheduling | — | |
| Suits | plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians, roofers, landscapers | plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians, roofers, landscapers |
Users on the horizontal axis. Entry plans only, from verified prices; yearly prices divided by 12; vendor minimums applied. Taxes and add-ons excluded.
Gusto
Strengths
- Self-serve payroll setup without needing an accountant
- Automatic payroll tax filing in all states it supports
- Contractor payments included even on lower tiers
Drawbacks
- Per-employee monthly fee adds up for larger seasonal crews
- Some HR compliance features are reserved for the top plan
Homebase
Strengths
- Free plan covers a single location with up to 10 employees
- Scheduling, time tracking, and payroll add-on live in one app
- 14-day free trial of the top All-in-One plan
Drawbacks
- Paid plans are priced per location per month, which adds up for multi-location owners
- Payroll is a separate add-on with its own per-employee fee, not bundled into the base plans
Frequently asked questions
What do Gusto and Homebase have in common?
Both cover payroll.
Is Gusto cheaper than Homebase?
On entry plans for one user, Gusto costs $49 a month and Homebase $30, so Homebase is cheaper to start. The gap changes with team size and billing terms; see the chart above.