Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Workday
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.
Workday
Workday is an enterprise-grade HCM platform used by large organizations worldwide. It covers HR, payroll, finance, and planning in a deeply integrated suite. Workday is the gold standard for enterprise HR but requires significant implementation resources and budget.
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
- ✓Extremely powerful and configurable for complex enterprise needs
- ✓Best-in-class financial and workforce planning tools
- ✓Strong compliance and audit capabilities
- ✓Extensive global payroll coverage
Cons
- ✗Very expensive with long implementation timelines of 6-12 months
- ✗Overkill and unaffordable for companies under 500 employees
- ✗UI can feel dated and complex for everyday users
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Workday: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | $34/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Large enterprises with 500+ employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
How Zenefits (now TriNet) and Workday 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 Workday 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 Workday?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Workday?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees