TriNet vs 15Five
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
TriNet
TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits services to small and mid-size businesses. By acting as a co-employer, TriNet gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade benefits and HR expertise. TriNet is particularly strong in regulated industries like technology, financial services, and life sciences.
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
Pros
- ✓Access to premium benefits packages typically available only to large enterprises
- ✓Strong industry-specific HR expertise and compliance support
- ✓Dedicated HR advisors for each client
- ✓Comprehensive risk mitigation and employer liability protection
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to software-only alternatives
- ✗Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
- ✗Less suitable for companies that want full control over their HR processes
Pros
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
TriNet vs 15Five: Side by Side
| Factor | TriNet | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $4/user/mo |
| Best For | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
How TriNet and 15Five Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither TriNet nor 15Five is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TriNet and 15Five?
TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. 15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Which is better, TriNet or 15Five?
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance