Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Papaya Global
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a cloud-based global workforce management and payroll platform that helps companies pay and manage employees in 160+ countries. It automates payroll processing, compliance, and workforce analytics for international teams. Papaya Global is designed for companies scaling globally who need a single platform for all workforce payments.
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
- ✓Covers payroll and compliance in 160+ countries from one platform
- ✓Powerful workforce analytics and real-time reporting
- ✓Strong integrations with major HRIS and ERP systems
- ✓Automated compliance updates for local labor law changes
Cons
- ✗Expensive for small teams or early-stage startups
- ✗Onboarding process can be slow for complex multi-country setups
- ✗Customer support quality varies by region
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Papaya Global: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Papaya Global |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | $25/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Companies managing international payroll and compliance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Papaya Global Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓EOR services
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓compliance
- ✓workforce analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Papaya Global if companies managing international payroll and compliance.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Companies managing international payroll and compliance
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor Papaya Global 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 Papaya Global?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Papaya Global is best for companies managing international payroll and compliance.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Papaya Global?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Papaya Global if companies managing international payroll and compliance.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Papaya Global cost?
Papaya Global starts at $25/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Papaya Global?
Companies managing international payroll and compliance