Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Salesforce
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.
Salesforce
Salesforce is the world's leading CRM platform used by over 150,000 businesses of all sizes. It offers a highly customizable suite of sales, service, marketing, and analytics tools. Salesforce is the gold standard for enterprise CRM but has solutions for businesses of all sizes through its Starter and Pro plans.
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
- ✓Most powerful and customizable CRM on the market
- ✓Massive ecosystem with 3,000+ AppExchange integrations
- ✓Industry-leading reporting and analytics
- ✓Strong community and support resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive and complex for small teams
- ✗Long implementation timelines for enterprise deployments
- ✗Requires dedicated admin resources to get the most out of it
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Salesforce: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Salesforce |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Salesforce Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓opportunity tracking
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓AI insights
- ✓reporting and dashboards
- ✓AppExchange integrations
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Salesforce if mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor Salesforce 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 Salesforce?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Salesforce is best for mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Salesforce?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Salesforce if mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable crm.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Salesforce cost?
Salesforce starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Salesforce?
Mid to large enterprises needing a highly customizable CRM