When a team outgrows Gusto: the case for iSolved
Gusto covers most of the businesses we work with, but not all of them. Once a team grows past a certain size or needs more than basic payroll and benefits, we start pointing clients toward iSolved instead. It's also not a platform many people write about. Much of what's out there comes from iSolved itself or generic software comparison sites, so here's what it's actually like to work with, and who it's built for.
It's priced and built for bigger teams
iSolved uses a modular, per-employee-per-month pricing model, generally $17 to $25 per employee per month depending on which modules a business needs, plus an implementation fee that typically runs 10 to 25% of the annual software cost. It's not a self-serve signup the way Gusto is. Entry-level pricing is built around organizations with 50 or more employees, and the platform is priced and supported accordingly.
That's a different investment than a 5-person business needs, and it's not meant for one. iSolved makes sense once a business has real HR complexity to manage: multiple departments, benefits administration across a larger group, or workforce needs that go beyond running payroll twice a month.
It's a full HCM platform, not just payroll
Where Gusto is primarily payroll with HR features layered on, iSolved is built as a human capital management (HCM) platform from the ground up. That includes payroll and tax filing, time and attendance tracking through web, mobile, or biometric options, benefits administration and enrollment, and talent acquisition tools that cover the hiring process from application through onboarding.
For a business with an HR person or team managing all of this, having it in one platform instead of three or four separate systems cuts down on the data entry and reconciliation between them.
Where it's not the right fit
If you're a small team, a solo owner, or a business without dedicated HR support, iSolved is more platform than you need, and the pricing reflects that. Gusto or a comparable small-business payroll provider will serve you better and cost less. We only bring up iSolved with clients who've reached the size and complexity where it earns its cost.
Not sure which payroll setup fits your team?
A Vibe Check is a good place to start. We'll look at your team size, your current setup, and whether it's still serving you. No pressure, just a clear picture. Schedule yours here.
Keep reading
- Gusto: our default pick for payroll — the platform most of our clients start with before they reach iSolved's size range.
- Hiring your first employee: what you need to do — EIN, I-9, payroll setup, and everything else that comes before your first hire.
This post is for general informational purposes and doesn't constitute a recommendation for your specific situation. iSolved's pricing and terms can change — confirm current details directly with iSolved before deciding.