Zenefits (now TriNet) vs SmartRecruiters
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.
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is an enterprise talent acquisition platform that offers a genuinely free plan alongside paid enterprise tiers. Its free plan includes unlimited job postings, candidate tracking, and team collaboration — making it one of the most generous free ATS options available. SmartRecruiters is used by global enterprises including Visa, Bosch, and LinkedIn.
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
- ✓Genuinely useful free plan with unlimited jobs and users
- ✓Enterprise-grade features available as you scale
- ✓Strong AI candidate screening on paid plans
- ✓Used by large global enterprises giving it credibility with candidates
Cons
- ✗Free plan has limited analytics and automation
- ✗Enterprise pricing can be expensive
- ✗Interface can feel complex for small teams
- ✗Implementation requires dedicated time for enterprise features
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs SmartRecruiters: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | SmartRecruiters |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
SmartRecruiters Features
- ✓Unlimited job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓AI screening
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓analytics
- ✓career page
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor SmartRecruiters 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 SmartRecruiters?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or SmartRecruiters?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SmartRecruiters cost?
SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use SmartRecruiters?
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise