Homebase Payroll vs Zenefits (now TriNet)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Homebase Payroll is our recommended pick for most teams — restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Try Homebase Payroll →Read our full Homebase Payroll review →Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
Zenefits (now TriNet)
Zenefits was a cloud-based HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. In 2022, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet, one of the largest PEO providers in the US. The Zenefits platform has been integrated into TriNet's product suite. Businesses previously using Zenefits are now served under the TriNet brand.
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
Pros
- ✓Strong benefits administration with a wide carrier network
- ✓Easy employee self-service for benefits enrollment and changes
- ✓Affordable base pricing for small teams
- ✓Good compliance tools for ACA and other regulations
Cons
- ✗Payroll processing costs extra as an add-on
- ✗Customer support quality has been inconsistent historically
- ✗Less suitable for companies that need advanced HR or payroll features
Homebase Payroll vs Zenefits (now TriNet): Side by Side
| Factor | Homebase Payroll | Zenefits (now TriNet) |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $8/employee/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place | Small businesses focused on benefits administration |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
Integrations
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Also Consider
If neither Homebase Payroll nor Zenefits (now TriNet) is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Homebase Payroll and Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Which is better, Homebase Payroll or Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration