Streak vs Zenefits (now TriNet)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Streak is our recommended pick for most teams — solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Try Streak →Read our full Streak review →Streak
Streak is a CRM built directly inside Gmail, allowing users to manage their sales pipeline without ever leaving their inbox. It turns Gmail into a fully functional CRM with pipelines, contact tracking, and email tools. Streak is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams that do all their business communication through Gmail.
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
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail — zero context switching
- ✓Free plan is genuinely useful for individuals
- ✓Easy to set up in minutes
- ✓Great for solopreneurs and freelancers
Cons
- ✗Only works if your team uses Gmail
- ✗Not suitable for large teams or complex sales processes
- ✗Limited features compared to standalone CRM platforms
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
Streak vs Zenefits (now TriNet): Side by Side
| Factor | Streak | Zenefits (now TriNet) |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $8/employee/mo |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail | Small businesses focused on benefits administration |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Streak Features
- ✓Gmail-based pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓mail merge
- ✓contact management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓collaboration
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Streak
- →Gmail users wanting CRM built into their inbox
- →Small teams managing deals without switching apps
- →Businesses wanting a simple pipeline in Google Workspace
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Streak is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Teams not using Gmail as their primary email
- ✗Companies needing advanced reporting and forecasting
- ✗Businesses requiring dedicated mobile CRM apps
Integrations
Streak
Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Zapier, Slack
Our Take
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Best For
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Also Consider
If neither Streak 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 Streak and Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Streak is best for solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Which is better, Streak or Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
How much does Streak cost?
Streak 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 Streak?
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration