SAME CATEGORY. YOUR PRIORITIES.
ADP Workforce Now vs Gusto
Compare evidence, costs and trade-offs. Adjust the criteria to reflect your own workflow.
MAKE THE SCORE YOURS
What matters most?
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 |  ADP Workforce Now46–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities27.2–32 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status Workflow depth19.2–68 / 68 pts4/18 checks with established status |  Gusto44–96/100 documented fit Core capabilities23.2–32 / 32 pts7/10 checks with established status Workflow depth21.2–63.6 / 68 pts5/18 checks with established status |
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| How AI changes fitSame priorities, with and without AI | 46–100 with AI51–100 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI | 44–96 with AI49–95 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI |
| Supplier website | Visit ADP Workforce Now | Visit Gusto |
| Good fit for | US employers coordinating payroll and people operations across teams and locations. | Small US employers that want payroll and benefits in one operational workflow. |
| Look more closely when | You need a self-serve fixed-price package without a sales-led scope. | You want to buy benefits administration without a Gusto payroll account. |
| Pricing snapshotDifferent billing units are not directly comparable | Custom quoteconfigured subscription Request a Workforce Now quote for the selected payroll, HR, benefits, and workforce modules. Pricing source | $49.00monthly base + $6/person Simple: $49 monthly base plus $6 per person; Plus $80 plus $12 per person. Pricing source |
| Time capture 20% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityClock-in or time-entry captureRecord worked time using a clock or timesheet. | Supported4 / 4 pts Web, mobile and kiosk time capture are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Time tools require an eligible plan or time add-on. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityEmployee mobile time entryLet employees clock in or enter their own time using a mobile app. | Supported4 / 4 pts Employees can track time through the ADP mobile app. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Employees can clock in, clock out and edit unapproved hours in the Gusto app. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkLocation-aware clock controlsRecord or restrict mobile clocking by approved location or geofence.Ask for a demonstrationTry a mobile punch inside and outside the allowed location and show the recorded result. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts The documented Findd integration supplies geofencing/location enforcement; separate subscription and setup apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Administrators can request worker location at clock-in and clock-out. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkTime-entry edit historyRetain a history or audit trail of changes to worked-time records.Ask for a demonstrationCorrect a missed punch and show the old value, new value and editor. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts The Attendance Counts integration retains changes in a permanent audit trail. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Manager documentation includes edit history for W-2 employee hours. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Shift or resource scheduling 20% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityShift or resource schedule creationCreate and maintain a staff or resource work schedule. | Supported4 / 4 pts Schedule templates and updates are supported. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Shift scheduling is included with Plus. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityAvailability or shift changesCapture worker availability or support shift swaps and coverage changes. | Supported4 / 4 pts Scheduling supports worker availability and shift swaps. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish availability or shift changes at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkAvailability or coverage conflict checksWarn about or apply availability, overlap, hours or other scheduling constraints.Ask for a demonstrationSchedule a worker during an unavailable period and show how the conflict is surfaced. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–5.6 / 5.6 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: availability or coverage conflict checks. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–5.6 / 5.6 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: availability or coverage conflict checks. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkManager control of shift changesRequire or support manager approval for a swap, cover request or schedule change.Ask for a demonstrationHave two employees request a swap and show the manager’s approve/reject step. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–6.4 / 6.4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: manager control of shift changes. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–6.4 / 6.4 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: manager control of shift changes. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Timesheet approvals 16% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityManager time review and correctionManagers can review and approve or correct employee time. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Managers can review attendance exceptions and approve timecards. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The employer app supports time approval. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityManager controls in the mobile appManagers can perform team-level time or leave approvals, or corrections, in the app; employee-only clock-in does not qualify. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The app lets managers approve timecards/leave and monitor staffing. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The employer app supports time review; mobile admins can also edit and approve leave requests. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkApproved-period lock and reopeningProtect approved or closed time from ordinary edits and document how it is reopened or corrected.Ask for a demonstrationTry to edit approved time, then show the authorized correction or reopening process. 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: approved-period lock and reopening. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Processed payroll periods cannot be edited; authorized managers can change approved hours before processing. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkMobile manager time correctionA manager can amend a team member’s worked-time entry in the app, beyond approving PTO or personal clock-in.Ask for a demonstrationAs a manager, correct an employee’s missed punch in the phone app and show the saved result. 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: mobile manager time correction. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Limited2.4 / 4.8 pts The manager-specific worked-hours workflow is web-only; employer/admin mobile functions have a different scope. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Payroll handoff 12% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityPayroll-system connectionTransfer time data through a documented payroll integration. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts The time product connects to payroll. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Tracked time synchronizes with Gusto payroll. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityTimesheet data exportExport worked-time records for payroll or reconciliation. | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish timesheet data export 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 timesheet data export at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkPayroll earning or job-code mappingMap time, jobs, pay rates or overtime categories to the receiving payroll.Ask for a demonstrationExport regular/overtime time for two jobs and show the payroll mapping. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Attendance Counts connects pay codes, schedules, punches and labor levels to Workforce Now. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: payroll earning or job-code mapping. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkCorrection after payroll handoffDocument how corrected time is resynchronized, re-exported or otherwise reconciled after an initial transfer.Ask for a demonstrationCorrect time after export and show how the receiving payroll is updated without duplicate hours. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4 / 4 pts Attendance Counts captures after-the-fact/historic timecard edits and supports on-demand synchronization. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Limited2 / 4 pts Hours edited inside payroll do not update time-tracking records; both records must be reconciled. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| AI scheduling & assistance 14.5% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityAI workforce questions or exception helpUse AI for workforce questions, time anomalies or review prompts. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts ADP Assist provides HR answers and AI-powered prompts in the mobile experience. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Gus answers time and HR questions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityAI-assisted schedule planningUse documented AI to prepare or optimize schedules; ordinary scheduling rules alone do not qualify. | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish ai-assisted schedule planning 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-assisted schedule planning at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkAI planning uses workforce constraintsDocument AI using availability, workload, demand or working-time inputs to prepare schedules or recommendations.Ask for a demonstrationChange one availability or staffing requirement and show its effect on the AI proposal. 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: ai planning uses workforce constraints. 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: ai planning uses workforce constraints. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkManager review of AI time or schedulesKeep an editable/reviewable AI proposal or exception prompt before a schedule or payroll-related change is applied.Ask for a demonstrationGenerate a schedule or time recommendation, edit one suggestion and show the manager’s final decision. 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: manager review of ai time or schedules. 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: manager review of ai time or schedules. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkMeasure AI staffing forecasts against actual demandDemonstrate “Measure AI staffing forecasts against actual demand” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Measure AI staffing forecasts against actual demand” 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 checkAdd a new worker from a manager's mobile appDemonstrate “Add a new worker from a manager's mobile app” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Add a new worker from a manager's mobile app” 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 checkClock a team in or out from one manager deviceDemonstrate “Clock a team in or out from one manager device” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Clock a team in or out from one manager device” 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 checkReject overlapping time entries for one workerDemonstrate “Reject overlapping time entries for one worker” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Reject overlapping time entries for one worker” 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 checkSeparate travel time from time spent on the jobDemonstrate “Separate travel time from time spent on the job” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Separate travel time from time spent on the job” 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 checkBlock further project time after a budget limitDemonstrate “Block further project time after a budget limit” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Block further project time after a budget limit” 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 checkRestrict clocking to individually approved devicesDemonstrate “Restrict clocking to individually approved devices” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Restrict clocking to individually approved devices” 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 checkCreate or update attendance entries through an APIDemonstrate “Create or update attendance entries through an API” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Create or update attendance entries through an API” 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 | ADP documents payroll variance explanations, recommendations, and broader Assist capabilities.
| Gus answers payroll, benefits, time, and HR questions with help-center references.
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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 → |