Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Connecteam
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Connecteam is our recommended pick for most teams — smbs with deskless or frontline workers.
Try Connecteam →Read our full Connecteam review →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.
Connecteam
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app built specifically for deskless and frontline workers. It combines scheduling, time tracking, team communication, training, and HR tools in a mobile-first platform. Connecteam is widely used in industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and healthcare.
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
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for deskless workers with an excellent mobile experience
- ✓Combines scheduling, communication, and HR in one affordable platform
- ✓Easy to set up with minimal IT support required
- ✓Affordable pricing with a generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- ✗Payroll features are limited and require integration with a payroll provider
- ✗Less suitable for office-based or knowledge worker teams
- ✗Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Connecteam: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Connecteam |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | $29/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | SMBs with deskless or frontline workers |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Connecteam Features
- ✓Scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓communication
- ✓training
- ✓task management
- ✓HR
Pricing Comparison
Connecteam
FreemiumStarts at $29/mo
Free: $0 (up to 10 users) · Basic: $29/mo · Advanced: $49/mo · Expert: $99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Connecteam
- →Retail and hospitality businesses managing deskless workers
- →Construction companies scheduling field teams
- →Small businesses with frontline employees needing mobile HR tools
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Connecteam is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Office-based knowledge worker teams
- ✗Companies needing full HRIS functionality
- ✗Businesses requiring advanced payroll processing
Integrations
Connecteam
Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks, ADP, Xero, Zapier
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Connecteam if smbs with deskless or frontline workers.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
SMBs with deskless or frontline workers
How Zenefits (now TriNet) and Connecteam 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 Zenefits (now TriNet) nor Connecteam 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 Zenefits (now TriNet) and Connecteam?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Connecteam is best for smbs with deskless or frontline workers.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Connecteam?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Connecteam if smbs with deskless or frontline workers.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Connecteam cost?
Connecteam starts at $29/mo. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Connecteam?
SMBs with deskless or frontline workers