HubSpot CRM vs Zenefits (now TriNet)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
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
HubSpot CRM vs Zenefits (now TriNet): Side by Side
| Factor | HubSpot CRM | Zenefits (now TriNet) |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $8/employee/mo |
| Best For | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation | Small businesses focused on benefits administration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Also Consider
If neither HubSpot CRM nor Zenefits (now TriNet) is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HubSpot CRM and Zenefits (now TriNet)?
HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Which is better, HubSpot CRM or Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration