Employee Navigator vs Gusto — 2026 comparison
A side-by-side look at how Employee Navigator and Gusto compare on score, real user ratings, pricing and features.
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The verdict
Employee Navigator and Gusto are both Benefits Administration Software options worth comparing. Employee Navigator ranks higher in our editorial score (88 vs 84 out of 100). Gusto has the larger review base (18,361 reviews across 3 sources). Employee Navigator is best for brokers and the smb clients they serve; Gusto is best for small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits. Starting price: Employee Navigator Custom quote, Gusto From $49/mo + $6/employee. See the full breakdown below, then read each review before you decide.
Pick Employee Navigator if…brokers and the smb clients they serve
Pick Gusto if…small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits
Side by side
| Employee Navigator | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| User consensus | 4.6/5 (182) | 4.3/5 (18,361) |
| Starting price | Custom quote | From $49/mo + $6/employee |
| Best for | brokers and the smb clients they serve | small businesses prioritizing payroll and benefits |
| Open enrollment | ||
| Plan configuration | ◑ | |
| Life-event changes | ||
| Carrier EDI connections | ◑ | |
| ACA/compliance reporting | ||
| Payroll/HRIS integration |
Employee Navigator
- Streamlined online enrollment that HR teams and employees find easy to use
- Extensive carrier connections and solid payroll integrations
- – Reporting customization options are limited
- – Occasional technical glitches, though support resolves them quickly
Gusto
- Easy, well-designed payroll and onboarding for SMBs
- Combines payroll, benefits and basic HR affordably
- – Support is slow on edge cases
- – Payroll/tax errors can take weeks to fix

