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Core capabilities carry 32 points; workflow depth carries 68. AI contributes the category-specific weight shown below within those totals. Change group priorities and see every contribution update.
How the score is calculated →Documented fit across available plans · unknowns shown as ranges · no customer ratings
| Features & decision context |  Gusto73–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities29.6–32 / 32 pts9/10 checks with established status Workflow depth43.5–68 / 68 pts10/18 checks with established status |  Justworks46–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities24–32 / 32 pts7/10 checks with established status Workflow depth22.4–68 / 68 pts4/18 checks with established status |
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| How AI changes fitSame priorities, with and without AI | 73–100 with AI79–100 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI | 46–100 with AI51–100 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI |
| Supplier website | Visit Gusto | Visit Justworks |
| Good fit for | Small US employers that want payroll and benefits in one operational workflow. | Small employers comparing payroll-only service with a supported PEO arrangement. |
| Look more closely when | You want to buy benefits administration without a Gusto payroll account. | You want to compare PEO fees as if they were software-only licenses. |
| Pricing snapshotDifferent billing units are not directly comparable | $49.00monthly base + $6/person Simple: $49 monthly base plus $6 per person; Plus $80 plus $12 per person. Pricing source | $50.00monthly base + $8/employee Payroll: $50/month plus $8/employee. PEO Basic $79 and PEO Plus $124/employee/month. Pricing source |
| Pay-run flexibility 20% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityRegular payroll runsCalculate and process an ordinary US employee payroll. | Supported4 / 4 pts Unlimited regular pay runs are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts US employee payroll processing is documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityOff-cycle payrollProcess a bonus or other payroll outside the normal pay calendar. | Supported4 / 4 pts Unlimited off-cycle payroll is documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Off-cycle payroll runs are included. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkPrior-run correction workflowCorrect, void or replace an already submitted payroll using a documented workflow.Ask for a demonstrationCorrect a fictional prior-period pay error and show which records and payments change. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Submitted payroll can be canceled before debit; processed payroll has reversal/correction routes with timing restrictions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts A documented off-cycle payment can correct previously omitted wages; payment timing restrictions apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkPre-submit payroll reviewInspect pay-run totals or a preview of employee calculations before submission.Ask for a demonstrationShow gross-to-net totals and resolve one changed deduction before approving the run. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts The final payroll step previews both total and individual employee calculations. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–6.4 / 6.4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: pre-submit payroll review. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| US filing service 20% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityFederal payroll filing serviceHave the provider file documented federal employer payroll forms. | Supported4 / 4 pts Federal payroll filing is listed. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Employer payroll tax and year-end filings are listed. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityState and local filing serviceHave the provider handle documented state or local payroll filings. | Supported4 / 4 pts State and local payroll filing is listed. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Multistate payroll and employer tax filing services are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkFiling and tax-document visibilityInspect provider-produced payroll tax forms, reports or filing records.Ask for a demonstrationFind a completed quarter’s tax form or filing record and show how it is downloaded. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Filed federal/state forms are accessible in Tax documents; some electronic vouchers remain in agency portals. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts The Document Center provides generated tax documents for viewing and download. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkPayroll tax amendment supportDocument a process for amending payroll tax filings or resolving a payroll tax notice.Ask for a demonstrationShow the process for a tax amendment or notice, including what the employer must supply. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Gusto provides an amended-forms area for filings corrected on a company’s behalf. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Tax-document corrections have a documented support process and corrected electronic copies. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Time-to-payroll connection 16% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityTime data into payrollTransfer captured or approved work hours into payroll. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Time-to-payroll tools require Plus/Premium or the Simple time add-on. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Payroll time synchronization uses the time-tracking add-on. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityPaid leave into payrollTransfer approved paid leave to the relevant pay run. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Approved paid leave is synchronized into the related payroll run. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish paid leave into payroll at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkReview time before payroll transferReview or approve worked time before it is imported or released to payroll.Ask for a demonstrationChange one unapproved timecard and show whether it can enter the payroll run. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Unapproved timesheets prompt payroll review; approval permission controls syncing hours. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Approved time-tracking shifts sync to Justworks; optional auto-approval can be configured. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkMap time to earnings or overtimeConnect distinct time types, overtime or earning codes to payroll calculations.Ask for a demonstrationSend regular and overtime hours to payroll and show the resulting earning lines. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: map time to earnings or overtime. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: map time to earnings or overtime. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Benefit deductions 12% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityBenefit deductions in payrollApply benefit deductions when calculating an employee pay run. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Payroll applies automatic benefit deductions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Benefit deductions depend on the benefits/payroll package. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityBenefit-election synchronizationUpdate payroll deductions from benefit elections or changes. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Benefit administration connects deduction information directly to payroll. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish benefit-election synchronization at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkScheduled benefit-deduction changesSet an effective date or scheduled change for a payroll benefit deduction.Ask for a demonstrationChange a deduction for the next pay period and show that this period remains correct. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: scheduled benefit-deduction changes. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: scheduled benefit-deduction changes. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkCatch-up or correction of deductionsApply a one-off adjustment, arrears or catch-up amount to a benefit deduction.Ask for a demonstrationCorrect a missed deduction without permanently doubling the employee’s regular deduction. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4 / 4 pts Late enrollment confirmation produces catch-up deduction corrections in upcoming payrolls. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: catch-up or correction of deductions. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| AI payroll assistance 14.5% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityAI payroll explanationsAsk AI about payroll information, a payslip or payroll help content. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Gus answers payroll questions with referenced help content. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts An external AI assistant can query live payroll information through MCP. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityAI pay-run reviewSurface or explain pay changes, discrepancies or exceptions before payroll is approved. | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish ai pay-run review at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish ai pay-run review at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkAI explanation tied to payroll evidenceInspect the payroll data, entry or help source used in an AI payroll explanation.Ask for a demonstrationAsk why net pay changed and open the underlying item or cited source. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Gus answers with linked help-center references. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: ai explanation tied to payroll evidence. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkHuman approval of AI-prepared payrollAI-prepared payroll actions or reviews retain explicit human control of pay-run release.Ask for a demonstrationHave AI prepare or review a pay run and show the human approval required to submit it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: human approval of ai-prepared payroll. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: human approval of ai-prepared payroll. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkTune thresholds for AI payroll anomaly alertsDemonstrate “Tune thresholds for AI payroll anomaly alerts” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Tune thresholds for AI payroll anomaly alerts” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
| Operational detail 17.5% base weight | ||
Depth checkBring earlier payrolls into year-to-date balancesDemonstrate “Bring earlier payrolls into year-to-date balances” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Bring earlier payrolls into year-to-date balances” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts During setup, administrators can enter prior payroll history so year-to-date balances carry into Gusto. US payroll setup; enter year-to-date payroll before running Gusto payroll; post-launch corrections use a different process. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkCompare current and previous employee pay before submissionDemonstrate “Compare current and previous employee pay before submission” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Compare current and previous employee pay before submission” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Regular-payroll alerts highlight employee pay changes against recent payroll for review before submission. US regular payroll; requires sufficient previous payroll; alerts do not change or submit payroll; no AI capability inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkApprove a payroll run from a mobile manager accountDemonstrate “Approve a payroll run from a mobile manager account” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Approve a payroll run from a mobile manager account” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkSplit net pay across employee bank accountsDemonstrate “Split net pay across employee bank accounts” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Split net pay across employee bank accounts” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkCap a deduction using a configured net-pay floorDemonstrate “Cap a deduction using a configured net-pay floor” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Cap a deduction using a configured net-pay floor” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkLet an employee compare two pay statementsDemonstrate “Let an employee compare two pay statements” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Let an employee compare two pay statements” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Eligible employees can compare two paychecks in the iPhone app, including earnings, taxes and deductions. US W-2 employees; iPhone app; at least two paychecks; employee sees their own data only. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkTrace a rejected employee bank paymentDemonstrate “Trace a rejected employee bank payment” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Trace a rejected employee bank payment” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
| AI usage and limits | Gus answers payroll, benefits, time, and HR questions with help-center references.
| An MCP connection exposes live Justworks data to compatible AI assistants.
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| Additional costs to ask about |
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| Integration shortlist |
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| Research date | Oct 15, 2026 Full source record → | Oct 15, 2026 Full source record → |