Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Zendesk Sell
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.
Zendesk Sell
Zendesk Sell is a sales CRM designed to help sales teams improve productivity and pipeline visibility. It is part of the Zendesk customer experience suite, making it a natural fit for companies already using Zendesk Support. Zendesk Sell offers strong automation, reporting, and communication tools for growing sales teams.
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
- ✓Seamless integration with Zendesk Support for unified customer view
- ✓Strong reporting and analytics
- ✓Good mobile app for field sales teams
- ✓Clean and modern interface
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to standalone CRM tools
- ✗Best value only if you already use Zendesk Support
- ✗Limited marketing automation features
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Zendesk Sell: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Zendesk Sell |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | $19/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Sales teams already using Zendesk Support who want a connected CRM |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Zendesk Sell Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓visual pipeline
- ✓email integration
- ✓call tracking
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓automation
- ✓Zendesk integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Zendesk Sell if sales teams already using zendesk support who want a connected crm.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Sales teams already using Zendesk Support who want a connected CRM
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor Zendesk Sell 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 Zendesk Sell?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Zendesk Sell is best for sales teams already using zendesk support who want a connected crm.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Zendesk Sell?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Zendesk Sell if sales teams already using zendesk support who want a connected crm.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Zendesk Sell cost?
Zendesk Sell starts at $19/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Zendesk Sell?
Sales teams already using Zendesk Support who want a connected CRM