Justworks vs EngageBay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers a free plan that includes CRM, email marketing, live chat, and helpdesk tools — making it one of the most generous free plans in the market. EngageBay is positioned as an affordable alternative to HubSpot.
Pros
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
Pros
- ✓One of the most generous free plans available — includes CRM, marketing, and support tools
- ✓Affordable paid plans compared to HubSpot
- ✓All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
- ✓Good automation features
Cons
- ✗Less brand recognition and fewer integrations than HubSpot
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with so many features
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
Justworks vs EngageBay: Side by Side
| Factor | Justworks | EngageBay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $59/employee/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →EngageBay
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Basic: $12/mo · Growth: $24.99/mo · Pro: $49.99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
EngageBay
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
- →Companies migrating away from expensive HubSpot plans
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
EngageBay is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced customization
- ✗Teams requiring sophisticated marketing attribution
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated enterprise support
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
EngageBay
Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, SendGrid, Mailgun, Twilio, Xero
Our Take
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Also Consider
If neither Justworks nor EngageBay is the right fit, Breezy HR is worth evaluating.
Breezy HR
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting
From $9/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Justworks and EngageBay?
Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Which is better, Justworks or EngageBay?
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan