Sesame HR vs Gusto: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Sesame HR
Spanish HR software specializing in time tracking and people management for growing companies.

Gusto
4.6(5,247 reviews)
Payroll and HR platform for small businesses with benefits, compliance, and hiring tools.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Sesame HR | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Spanish companies needing time tracking law compliance | Small businesses and startups (1-100 employees) |
| Pricing Model | Free Trial | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $4.5/mo | $40/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 3.8/10 | 4.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Sesame HR
Pros
- Best-in-class time tracking with QR, NFC, facial recognition, and geolocation
- Full compliance with Spanish time tracking law, reports generated automatically
- Very affordable at €4.50-8 per employee per month
- Drag-and-drop shift planning saves managers hours each week
- Clean mobile app that employees actually use without complaints
Cons
- Doesn't process payroll directly—exports data to external providers
- Less polished experience outside Spanish-speaking markets
- Fewer integrations than Factorial or Personio
- Advanced reporting and analytics still catching up to competitors
- Performance module is functional but not deep
Gusto
Pros
- Excellent payroll that handles all 50 states flawlessly
- Easy setup—most companies run first payroll same day
- Affordable benefits access typically reserved for larger companies
- Clean, intuitive interface for employers and employees
- Strong customer support for complex payroll questions
Cons
- HR features are basic compared to dedicated HRIS platforms
- Gets expensive as employee count grows past 50
- Limited international capabilities—US focused
- Reporting and analytics could be more powerful
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame HR | free trial | $4.5/mo |
| Gusto | subscription | $40/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose Sesame HR if...
Spanish companies needing time tracking law compliance
Choose Gusto if...
Small businesses and startups (1-100 employees)
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.