Software · head to head
Google Analytics vs Gusto
The short version
- Only Google Analytics has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Google Analytics data retention limited to maximum 26 months on standard properties, with automatic deletion after retention period expires; Gusto customer service can be slow and unresponsive to issues
- They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Gusto covers Automated payroll.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Analytics and Gusto actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Analytics | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $49/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Founded | 1998 | 2011 |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Google Analytics
- Real-time analytics
- Audience insights
- Acquisition tracking
- Behavior flow
- Conversion tracking
- Custom reports
- Mobile analytics
- E-commerce tracking
Only in Gusto
- Automated payroll
- Tax filing
- Benefits administration
- Time tracking
- Employee onboarding
- HR compliance
- Workers' comp
- 401(k) management
Both cover
- SOC2
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Analytics
- Website and web application analyticsnot Gusto
- Event tracking and user behaviour analysisnot Gusto
- Traffic source and conversion trackingnot Gusto
Gusto
- Payroll processingnot Google Analytics
- Benefits administrationnot Google Analytics
- Tax compliancenot Google Analytics
- Employee onboardingnot Google Analytics
- Time trackingnot Google Analytics
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Analytics
- Data retention limited to maximum 26 months on standard properties, with automatic deletion after retention period expires
- Large and XL properties capped at 2-month data retention only
- Age, gender, and interest data always expire after 2 months regardless of retention settings
- Free tier does not include GA360 advanced features
Gusto
- Customer service can be slow and unresponsive to issues
- Weak reporting capabilities, cannot export data to spreadsheets for analysis
- Support staff lacks deep payroll expertise and knowledge
- Rehired employees do not have settings reset, causing manual cleanup work
- City tax handling requires additional monitoring and monitoring
- Onboarding can have issues with bank account verification and tax registration
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Analytics
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics review.
Gusto
$49/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Gusto review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Analytics if
- You need real-time analytics.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want audience insights.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Analytics or Gusto better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics starts at Free and Gusto at $49/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or Gusto?
- Google Analytics has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Analytics and $49/month for Gusto.
- Does Google Analytics or Gusto run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Google Analytics for free?
- Yes. Google Analytics has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Gusto starts at $49/month.
- What is Google Analytics best used for?
- Google Analytics is most often used for website and web application analytics, event tracking and user behaviour analysis, traffic source and conversion tracking. Of those, website and web application analytics and event tracking and user behaviour analysis are not what Gusto is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Analytics do that Gusto cannot?
- Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Audience insights, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow. Gusto covers Automated payroll, Tax filing, Benefits administration, Time tracking. Both handle SOC2.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Gusto: What is Gusto's starting price?
Gusto starts at $49 per month plus $6 per person. The company also offers a Contractor-only plan for $35 per month plus $6 per contractor.
SourceGusto: Does Gusto include unlimited payroll runs?
Yes, all Gusto plans include unlimited payroll runs at no extra charge, including off-cycle payrolls.
SourceGusto: What core features are included in Gusto?
All plans include payroll processing, tax administration, digital onboarding, benefits enrollment, time tracking, performance management, and next-day direct deposit for most plans.
SourceGusto: Does Gusto support integrations?
Yes, Gusto integrates with accounting software, applicant tracking systems, benefits providers, time-tracking tools, and other business platforms to reduce data entry.
Source