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Best Free Alternatives to Gusto
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Category: PayrollVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Payroll4Free
FREEBest Truly Free US Alternative
Why we like it
100% free for up to 25 employees; handles tax calculations and printable forms (W-2, 1099); supports direct deposit via your own bank's file transfer.
Keep in mind
The software is ad-supported (you'll see small ads in the dashboard); tax filing/depositing is manual unless you pay a small monthly service fee.
Wave Payroll (Limited Free States)
FREEBest for Integrated Accounting
Why we like it
Seamlessly syncs with Wave's free accounting software; offers a self-service tax tier in specific states that is much cheaper than Gusto; very user-friendly.
Keep in mind
The 'Full Service' tax filing is paid; free features are limited by geography and business size.
TimeTrex Community Edition
Best for Complex Scheduling
Why we like it
Comprehensive workforce management; includes time-tracking, scheduling, and payroll in one open-source package; supports multiple payroll frequencies.
Keep in mind
Interface is industrial and lacks the 'polish' of Gusto; requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain the on-premise version.
ERPNext (Payroll Module)
Best for International Teams
Why we like it
Highly flexible open-source ERP; handles salary structures, benefits, and local taxes for various countries; free if self-hosted on your own server.
Keep in mind
Overkill for simple US-only payroll; requires significant setup time to configure tax rules manually.
HR.my
FREEBest for Global Startups
Why we like it
Cloud-based and 100% free for unlimited employees; includes leave management and attendance tracking alongside payroll processing.
Keep in mind
Ad-supported; lacks automated US tax filing and direct deposit integrations found in Gusto.
Akaunting (Payroll App)
Best for Privacy
Why we like it
Free, open-source accounting suite; allows you to manage employee records and payments on your own server; great for freelancers and micro-SMEs.
Keep in mind
The specific 'Payroll' advanced module may require a small one-time purchase in their app store if not self-managed.
Odoo Payroll (Community)
Best Modular Experience
Why we like it
Modern, sleek interface; free if you use only one app (the 'One App Free' plan); integrates with Odoo's world-class HR suite.
Keep in mind
Adding a second app (like Accounting) moves you into a paid tier; US tax compliance requires manual configuration in the Community edition.
ExcelPayroll
FREEBest for Spreadsheet Lovers
Why we like it
A pre-built, robust Excel application that automates tax calculations and pay stub generation; zero cloud risk; 100% free.
Keep in mind
Requires a local copy of Microsoft Excel; manual data entry is higher than cloud-based competitors.
eSmart Paycheck
FREEBest for One-Off Calculations
Why we like it
Provides a free, high-accuracy payroll calculator; allows you to print checks and pay stubs for free; great for very simple 'owner-only' setups.
Keep in mind
Not a full database; lacks the automation and records management of a true HRIS platform.
GnuCash
Best for Accountants
Why we like it
Professional-grade double-entry accounting; handles complex deductions and employee tracking for $0; completely private and offline.
Keep in mind
Lacks the user-friendly automation of Gusto; requires manual tax table updates.
Zest Payroll (by Zestful)
FREEBest for Perks/Benefits
Why we like it
Focuses on 'Perks as Payroll'; allows you to distribute employee stipends for free; very modern and API-driven.
Keep in mind
Primarily for benefits; not a full compliance-based salary engine.
Bitrix24 (Simple Payroll)
FREEBest for Collaboration
Why we like it
Includes a free CRM and tasks; allows you to track hours and generate basic payment reports for your team.
Keep in mind
Lacks the specific US federal/state tax filing integrations that make Gusto valuable.
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