A Gusto alternativethat posts payroll straight to the books.
Gusto is a well-known payroll platform: it runs payroll, files taxes and handles benefits. But payroll numbers still have to be exported or re-entered into a separate accounting tool to keep the books current.
Encarmo keeps payroll in the same system as accounting, HR, invoicing and CRM, with one login, unlimited users and no base fee plus per-person pricing.
Sources: Gusto US pricing page and Encarmo pricing. List prices, checked October 2026.
You need benefits administration and automatic tax filing across many states, and your accounting tool already handles the rest.
You want payroll to post straight to your books, without exporting numbers between tools.
Why look for a Gusto alternative?
Gusto runs payroll, tax filing and benefits well. Small businesses usually look elsewhere for three reasons.
What is Encarmo?
A modular business platform: accounting, invoicing, payroll, HR, CRM, inventory, scheduling and reporting in one connected system.
Where Gusto stops at the payroll run, Encarmo continues: payroll posts directly to the general ledger, so payday and your books update together instead of in two systems.
Everything shares one ledger, one login and unlimited users.
Annual billing saves 17%, or two months free, on every plan.
Who should switch from Gusto?
Two kinds of business land on this page, and the right answer depends on which one you are.
You need benefits administration, multi-state tax filing and payroll compliance tools, and accounting is handled elsewhere. Gusto fits you well.
You want payroll connected to your books, HR records and invoicing, without exporting numbers between tools. This is who Encarmo is built for.
If dedicated payroll and benefits tooling is your priority, Gusto is a proven choice. If payroll is one part of running the whole business, Encarmo is built for you.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Encarmo | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll runs | Native, $19/mo flat | Yes, a core strength |
| Automatic tax filing | Not included | Yes, a core strength |
| Benefits administration | Not a core feature | Yes, a core strength |
| Employee records and HR | Native, $15/mo | Yes, deeper on higher tiers |
| Double-entry accounting | Native, free forever | No, connects to an accounting tool |
| Quotations and invoices | Native, free forever | Not available |
| Sales CRM and leads | Native, $14/mo | Not available |
| Team users | Unlimited, flat price | Base fee plus per person |
Where the differences actually show up.
What you would actually pay.
Payroll and accounting on both sides, at monthly list prices.
Gusto Simple and QuickBooks Simple Start at US list prices, checked October 2026. Gusto includes automatic tax filing; Encarmo payroll pricing doesn't include tax filing services.
The subscriptions are visible. The overhead isn't.
When a growing business runs a separate tool for each department, the subscriptions are only part of the bill.
Encarmo was built to remove that overhead. Whether it makes sense depends on your team size, how many tools you run, and how much time you spend keeping them in sync.
Pros and cons, stated plainly.
Who should choose which?
Side-by-side summary.
| Encarmo | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Full business system | Payroll and benefits |
| Payroll | Native, $19/mo flat | Core product, from $49 + $6/person |
| Tax filing and benefits | Not included | Core strengths |
| Accounting | Native, free forever | Needs another tool |
| CRM | Native, $14/mo | Not included |
| Pricing model | Flat, unlimited users | Base fee plus per person |
Questions people ask us.
Straight answers on pricing, migration and where each platform fits.
Visit the help centerIs Encarmo a good Gusto alternative?
Yes, if you want payroll connected directly to accounting and HR instead of exporting numbers between tools. If benefits and multi-state tax filing are central, Gusto is stronger there.
Does Encarmo file payroll taxes for me?
Encarmo's payroll pricing doesn't include tax filing services. If you need fully automated filing across many states, Gusto is built for that.
Can I move my payroll history from Gusto?
Yes, and migration is free. We bring across employees, pay rates and payroll history. Switching at the start of a quarter keeps reporting simplest.
Does Encarmo charge per employee?
No. Payroll is a flat $19 a month and HR $15, with unlimited employees.
Where do the Gusto prices come from?
From Gusto's US pricing page, checked October 2026.
Ready to run payroll and the books in one place?
Start free with accounting and invoicing, and add the modules you need as you grow.