Pilot vs Justworks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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.
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
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
Pilot vs Justworks: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $59/employee/mo |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/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
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
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor Justworks is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and Justworks?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Which is better, Pilot or Justworks?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits