15Five vs TriNet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
TriNet
TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits services to small and mid-size businesses. By acting as a co-employer, TriNet gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade benefits and HR expertise. TriNet is particularly strong in regulated industries like technology, financial services, and life sciences.
Pros
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
Pros
- ✓Access to premium benefits packages typically available only to large enterprises
- ✓Strong industry-specific HR expertise and compliance support
- ✓Dedicated HR advisors for each client
- ✓Comprehensive risk mitigation and employer liability protection
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to software-only alternatives
- ✗Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
- ✗Less suitable for companies that want full control over their HR processes
15Five vs TriNet: Side by Side
| Factor | 15Five | TriNet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $4/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
How 15Five and TriNet Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither 15Five nor TriNet is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 15Five and TriNet?
15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance. TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Which is better, 15Five or TriNet?
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing