Compare/Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
Starting price
$49/mo
US small-business payroll, benefits and onboarding in one stack, from around $49/mo plus a per-seat charge.
Where Gusto fits
$40/mo + $6/employee
US payroll inside Wave. $40/mo plus $6 per active employee and $6 per contractor paid.
Where Wave Payroll fits
| Detail | Gusto | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/mo | $40/mo + $6/employee |
| Free tier | –No | –No |
| MCP server | ✓Yes | –No |
| Public API | ✓Yes | –No |
| Listed under | Benefits administration, HR compliance, HRIS, Onboarding, Payroll, Time & attendance | Payroll |
| Capterra | 4.6 from 4,225 reviews | Not enough reviews |
Gusto
Stands out: Payroll sitting next to HR for US small companies, with a first-party MCP.
Watch out: It is US-only, so it is not a route to hiring people in other countries.
Not the right fit for
Wave Payroll
Stands out: Payroll that sits next to Wave invoicing, with a printed US rate of $40 plus $6 heads.
Watch out: Canada is a different CAD price. Contractors also cost $6 each when paid. There is no numbered payroll trial.
Not the right fit for
Gusto
Wave Payroll
Gusto
$49/mo
Simple is $49/mo plus $6 per person, Plus is $80/mo plus $12 per person, and Premium is $180/mo plus $22 per person. Gusto Recruiting (job posting to 100+ boards, applicant tracking and offer letters) is included on Plus and Premium. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 4 Nov 2026
Wave Payroll
$40/mo + $6/employee
US payroll is $40/mo + $6 per active employee + $6 per independent contractor paid. Canada is $25 CAD + $6 per employee + $6 per contractor. USD figures are the US product. No numbered trial. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 4 Nov 2026
All Gusto alternatives All Wave Payroll alternatives Every Benefits administration tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?