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Edited by: Kimberlee Leonard
 and Reviewed: Kimberlee Leonard

TriNet Alternatives & Competitors (2023)

Author: | Oct 16, 2023

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Go Sifter Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

TriNet alternatives are out there if you know what to look for. You might already be using TriNet in your small or medium-sized business as your go-to professional employer organization or PEO. TriNet is an obvious choice for a PEO. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options. Administration tools and services are in a variety of TriNet competitors.

Here is a list of the top TriNet alternatives that could be helping you run your company more efficiently and effectively:

  • Paychex Flex: Best overall for global companies.
  • OnPay: Best for affordable payroll, benefits and HR tools.
  • QuickBooks: Best for affordable bundled accounting and bookkeeping tools.
  • Gusto: Best for affordable automatic payroll processing.
  • Justworks: Best for PEO services and benefits.
  • Wave Payroll: Best for free accounting and invoicing tools.
  • Paycor: Best for talent recruitment and management tools.

TriNet vs. Alternatives

ProgramMonthly Cost Best For Businesses…Employee Self PortalHR FeaturesTax Tools
Paychex Flex$39, plus $5 for each employee.With current or future global staff.YesYesNo
OnPay$40, plus $6 for each employee.That need an affordable PEO solution.YesYesYes
QuickBooks$15 for the first three months; $30 per month after.That already have PEO software, but need an upgrade.YesYesYes
Gusto$40, plus $6 for each employee.Looking to automate payroll.YesNoYes
Justworks$59 for each employee.With 50+ employees; needing health benefits savings. YesYesYes
Wave Payroll$20Needing free invoicing and accounting tools.YesNoYes
Paycor$99, plus $5 for each employee.Aiming to cut down on turnover.YesYesYes

7 Best TriNet Alternatives 

Paychex Flex: Best overall global companies.

The Trinet alternative for solopreneurs and micro companies aiming to land on a PEO one day should consider Paychex Flex. After forming a partnership with Globalization Partners in 2021 Paychex Flex has become a worldwide leader in talent recruitment. The employee onboarding essentials only come with Paychex Flex’s most expensive plan.

pros

  • Recruitment and accounting software all in one place.
  • Mobile app available for usage around the world.
  • Includes Global 1099 and W-2 talent management features.

cons

  • Lowest tiered plan does not include 24/7 support.
  • Does not come with time tracking tools.
  • Payroll tax filings are an additional fee.

OnPay: Best for affordable payroll, benefits and HR tools.

For the Trinet competitors under consideration take into account that OnPay combines HR and payroll for companies on a budget. Even on the lowest plan tools are available that rival other software, including onboarding, custom reporting, and unlimited payroll runs. OnPay cannot assist with payroll overseas or internationally.

pros

  • Free trial for one-month.
  • Unlimited payroll runs each month.
  • Affordable bundled HR and Payroll plans.

cons

  • Time tracking only works with third party integrations.
  • Payroll processing features unavailable for international employees.
  • Slightly higher priced plans than other Trinet competitors.

QuickBooks: Best for affordable bundled accounting and bookkeeping tools.

Pay half of what other Trinet alternatives charge you by signing up for QuickBooks. Get full sets of bookkeeping and accounting tools. Keep your small business’ financial health on track. From income and expense tracking to cash flow and invoicing, QuickBooks is your answer. Unfortunately, human resource features do not come with any plan.

pros

  • Mileage and expense tracking features.
  • Plans priced to fit any budget.
  • Includes 1099 and W-2 talent management features.

cons

  • No HR tools or features.
  • Guided setup costs an additional fee.
  • Promotional pricing only available for the first three months.

Gusto: Best for affordable automatic payroll processing.

There is no other TriNet alternative for payroll as easy as Gusto. It includes unlimited monthly payroll runs for any tier or plan. Plus, it’s automation takes care of local, state, and federal tax filing and payment. The one thing it cannot do is invoicing for your small business.

pros

  • Fully-functional suite for payroll.
  • Onboard tools for new employees.
  • Automated tax calculator and filing.

cons

  • Pricier than other TriNet competitors.
  • Invoicing features unavailable.
  • Lowest tiered plan does not include 24/7 support.

Justworks: Best for PEO services and benefits.

The TriNet competitor that’s the best PEO alternative option is Justworks. Human resources, benefits, and compliance come bundled together. That means Justworks slashes the cost. Medical, dental, and vision packages are all available at the corporate-quality level, even for smaller companies. Unfortunately, Justworks is not the cheapest option.

pros

  • A TriNet competitor that is also a PEO.
  • Companies with 50+ employees are eligible for discounts.
  • 24/7 customer service and support included.

cons

  • Not the most affordable of TriNet alternatives.
  • Hiring tools not included.
  • Unable to support international payroll.

Wave Payroll: Best for free accounting and invoicing tools.

Wave is a TriNet competitor that offers user free banking and account services. That includes invoicing, automated payment notifications, and accounting tools like income and expense tracking. Wave Advisors are there to help you every step of the way. It’s an easy choice to make for a TriNet alternative. Just don’t contact them on the weekends as support is unavailable.

pros

  • Paid plans come with a 30-day free trial.
  • Wave Advisors available for support.
  • Free tools for accounting, banking, and invoicing.

cons

  • Tax administration unavailable in 36 states.
  • No HR features or tools included.
  • Customer support is not 24/7.

Paycor: Best for talent recruitment and management tools.

The TriNet alternative to bring in new hires is Paycor. Recruitment, retention, and development tools are available in a suite for you and your employees. This makes performance staff onboarding, record tracking, and reviews as simple as can be. If your business is growing and has over 50 employees the price goes up and you might find that Paycor is not your best option for a TriNet competitor.

pros

  • HR and payroll plans come bundled.
  • 3-month free trial.
  • Plans to fit different budgets.

cons

  • Accounting and onboard features not included in the lowest plan.
  • Staff totaling over 50 employees must ask for customized quotes.
  • All plans are more expensive than most TriNet alternatives.

How We Evaluated Competitors

For all these TriNet alternatives certain features are up for comparison. This included the cost of software. HR features, tax tools, and an employee self portal are under analysis. TriNet competitors connect to the type of business that would fit them best. This could be a one-person venture or a larger company that plans on growing in the future. These PEO and non-PEO options measure together. Evaluation demonstrated each competitor’s highlights and disadvantages.

FAQs

What company uses TriNet?

Small and medium-sized businesses use TriNet.

Is TriNet the same as ADP?
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