7shifts vs Gusto Pricing (2026)

How do these two stack up on price? Here's what each one costs, what you get, and where the value sits.

7shifts Gusto
Starts at $44/mo $49/mo
Number of plans 4 3
Free plan
Free trial
Pricing model flat-rate hybrid

Comp

$0/mo
  • Basic scheduling
  • One-way announcements
  • Availability and time off requests

Essentials

$44/mo
  • Advanced scheduling
  • Team messaging and communication tools
  • Basic time clocking
  • Customizable permission settings

Pro

Popular
$89/mo
  • Track accruals and balances for PTO
  • Labor compliance and labor cost tools
  • Advanced time clocking tools
  • Manager Log Book

Premium

$149/mo
  • 7shifts Payroll
  • Tip Management
  • Task Management
  • Permission templates for faster profile creation
  • Advanced hourly labor forecast
  • Advanced labor recommendations
  • Advanced operational insights and reporting
  • Employee Training

Simple

$49/mo
  • Single-state payroll
  • Unlimited payrolls per month
  • Tax filings and payments
  • Basic PTO policies and holiday pay

Plus

Popular
$80/mo
  • Multi-state payroll
  • Next-day pay
  • Time Tracking

Premium

$180/mo
  • Dedicated Service Advisor
  • Access to certified HR experts
  • Performance & compensation management
  • Custom reports
  • Priority support
  • Payroll migration and account setup

7shifts vs Gusto FAQ

Which one is cheaper?
7shifts starts lower at $44/mo, compared to $49/mo for Gusto.
Can I use either one for free?
7shifts has a free plan. Gusto doesn't — you'll need to pay from day one.
How do they charge?
Different approach here. 7shifts uses flat-rate pricing, while Gusto goes with hybrid. That changes the math depending on your team size and usage.
Which one is a better deal?
Depends on what you need. 7shifts: They're mid-market — not the cheapest (free tools like basic Square scheduling exist) but well below enterprise workforce platforms. At $44.99–$149.99/location, they're squarely targeting independent restaurants and small chains who've outgrown pen-and-paper but can't justify an HCM suite. Gusto: Gusto sits in the mid-market sweet spot — more expensive than bare-bones options like Patriot Payroll, but cheaper than enterprise HR suites like ADP or Paychex. They're clearly targeting SMBs who've outgrown spreadsheets but aren't ready to justify a full HRIS.

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