Zenefits (now TriNet) vs TriNet
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.
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.
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
- ✓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
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs TriNet: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | TriNet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
How Zenefits (now TriNet) and TriNet 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 TriNet 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 TriNet?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or TriNet?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing