Gusto vs UKG Pro
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 and Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026. Last verified May 31, 2026.
The short answer
Gusto ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #7) for Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR / HR and people leaders selecting a platform for performance, succession, learning and career development. The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
At a glance
| Gusto | UKG Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026 | #7 / Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026 |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.3 | 8.3 |
| Best for | Overall ease of use | UKG payroll estates in North America |
| Pricing | $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) | $$$ (quote only, typically $6 to $12 per employee/mo) |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | Weston, USA |
| Founded | 2011 | 1990 |
Gusto
The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.
gusto.comSee full entry in Gusto vs Rippling vs QuickBooks Payroll: 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs 2026
UKG Pro
Cheapest talent modules if you already run UKG.
www.ukg.com/solutions/ukg-pro-suiteSee full entry in Workday vs SuccessFactors vs Cornerstone: 11 Best Talent Management Software 2026
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.