Gusto Vs. TriNet: Which Payroll And HR Platform Is Best For You?

Deciding on the right payroll and HR platform can be a daunting task for small business owners. With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one will truly meet your needs. Two popular choices are Gusto and TriNet, but they take very different approaches.

This comprehensive guide examines the key features, pros and cons of Gusto and TriNet to help you determine the best fit for your company.

Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Gusto	TriNet
Pricing	Starts at $39/month + $6 per employee	Custom quote based on company needs
Payroll Features	Full-service payroll, direct deposit, pay cards, accounting integrations, employee self-service	Full-service payroll, direct deposit, pay cards, accounting integrations, employee self-service
HR Features	Onboarding, time tracking, benefits admin, compliance resources	Onboarding, time tracking, benefits admin, compliance resources, HR consulting
Ideal For	Startups, small business, distributed teams	Growing mid-sized companies that need HR expertise

Overview Of Gusto And TriNet

Gusto and TriNet both aim to provide an all-in-one solution for payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance needs. This means you can handle everything from payroll processing to open enrollment and performance reviews in one unified platform. However, Gusto targets lean startups and small teams, while TriNet focuses on mid-sized companies with more complex needs.

Founded in 2011, Gusto (formerly ZenPayroll) has built an intuitive, user-friendly platform optimized for businesses with under 100 employees. In contrast, TriNet started in 1988 and offers robust HR services tailored to companies with over 100 employees.

While both platforms offer exceptional service and capabilities, the hands-on support and strategic guidance sets TriNet apart for larger, fast-scaling companies. Gusto wins on simplicity and seamless integration for early-stage startups.

Below we’ll take an in-depth look at how Gusto and TriNet compare on pricing, key features, ease of use, customer support, and more. Keep reading to determine if Gusto or TriNet is the right HR and payroll partner as your company evolves.

Pricing And Plans

One of the biggest differences between Gusto and TriNet is how they structure pricing.

Gusto Pricing

Gusto uses a straightforward per-person monthly pricing model that starts at $39/month plus $6 per person. Here’s a breakdown of Gusto’s three packages:

• Core: $39/mo + $6 per person. Includes payroll, benefits enrollment, and basic HR features.
• Complete: $39/mo + $12 per person. Adds time tracking, applicant tracking, employee onboarding, and more advanced HR tools.
• Concierge: $149/mo + $12 per person. Provides dedicated account rep and HR consulting.

There are no long-term annual contracts and all features are included in each tier. Volume discounts kick in at 11+ employees.

The simple, predictable pricing works well for lean startups and small teams. However, costs can add up quickly as your headcount grows into the hundreds.

TriNet Pricing

TriNet takes a customized approach based on your company’s unique needs. You’ll receive a custom quote after discussing your requirements with a TriNet sales rep.

Pricing is bundled into a single monthly fee that includes TriNet’s HR services, benefits plans, payroll processing, compliance, and other technology. This consolidates costs into one easy-to-budget number.

The bundled pricing model appeals to larger companies who want to hand benefits, payroll, and HR over to specialists. However, it does lack cost transparency compared to Gusto’s clear per-seat pricing.

Key Product Features Compared

Both Gusto and TriNet aim to provide an all-in-one HR, benefits and payroll platform. They offer many of the same core features, but diverge when it comes to specialization.

Payroll Management

• Payroll processing: Both Gusto and TriNet offer full-service payroll processing with direct deposit, tax filing, and payments integrations. Employees can access pay statements and W-2s online.
• Payroll customization: You can set up custom pay schedules and pay rates in both platforms. Gusto has flexible options for hourly, salary, contract, and tip wages.
• Payroll integrations: Gusto and TriNet integrate with major accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite for easy data syncing. Gusto has a slightly wider range of software partners.
• International payroll: TriNet supports international payroll in over 100 countries. Gusto only handles US and Canadian payroll.
• Contractor payments: Gusto provides 1099 contractor payments, which isn’t offered by TriNet. Nice perk for companies using freelancers.

Benefits And Insurance

• Benefits administration: Both platforms offer full benefits administration, enrollment, ACA compliance, and COBRA. TriNet builds custom benefit packages while Gusto offers pre-configured plans.
• Health insurance: TriNet becomes the insurer for company health plans. Gusto partners with major insurance companies like Anthem and Kaiser.
• Retirement plans: 401(k), HSAs, FSAs, and commuter benefits are supported by both vendors. TriNet can act as 3(16) plan administrator.
• Supplemental insurance: Gusto offers supplemental health/dental/vision plans. TriNet provides those plus disability, life, pet, and legal insurance.
• Workers comp: TriNet bundles workers comp policies into their base pricing. On Gusto it’s a separate add-on policy.

HR Tools

• Applicant tracking: Gusto and TriNet both provide ATS systems to manage hiring and candidates. TriNet’s is more advanced while Gusto focuses on basic needs.
• Onboarding: Streamline onboarding with custom workflows, digitized paperwork, and self-service tools on both platforms. TriNet provides more guidance for larger/complex companies.
• Time and attendance: Track employee hours and PTO in Gusto and TriNet. Both integrate with popular time clocks. Access is included in all Gusto plans but extra on TriNet.
• Performance management: Enable peer reviews, 360 feedback, objectives, and reviews in both systems. TriNet has more advanced analytics and competency functions.
• Training and development: TriNet offers a full LMS system for managing learning. Gusto doesn’t have training capabilities built-in but easy third party integration.
• People analytics: Dive into compensation benchmarking, turnover metrics, diversity stats, and more on TriNet. Gusto focuses more on engagement monitoring and basic reporting.

Support Services

• HR hotline: Get quick answers from certified HR pros on both platforms. TriNet also assigns dedicated account strategists.
• Compliance resources: Handbooks, procedure templates, posters, and HR checklists provided in Gusto and TriNet. TriNet offers more extensive compliance services.
• Custom onboarding: Gusto provides remote setup assistance. TriNet offers white-glove onboarding with HR consultants guiding you.
• Administrative services: Let TriNet handle management of employee files, audits, claims, unemployment insurance and more. Not offered by Gusto.

Ease Of Use And Implementation

Gusto and TriNet both aim for an intuitive user experience, but Gusto has the edge when it comes to simplicity.

Gusto

Gusto prioritizes ease of use with a clean, modern interface. Everything is beautifully designed and extremely intuitive for novice users. You shouldn’t need much training to start using Gusto’s core features.

Gusto also offers exceptionally fast and easy implementation. It’s common to be up and running same-day once payroll information is provided. The excellent customer support makes the transition very smooth.

TriNet

TriNet provides a robust software platform aimed at HR professionals. The interface is polished but has more complexity considering the extensive capabilities. Expect a steeper learning curve, especially for executives wearing multiple hats.

Given the customized nature of TriNet’s offering, implementation takes much longer than Gusto. It’s common for the setup process to span 8-12 weeks. The TriNet team handles the heavy lifting but expect a thorough long-term process.

For larger companies who are swapping multiple point solutions for TriNet’s integrated platform, the sweeping implementation requires substantial planning. Make sure to budget the time investment accordingly.

Also Read: Is Yotpo Better Than Smile.io?

Customer Support

Both Gusto and TriNet are lauded for providing exceptional customer service, but the approaches differ.

Gusto Support

Gusto offers 24/7 phone and email support from knowledgeable service reps based in the US. As a bonus, you’re automatically assigned an account manager for personalized service.

Many users rave about Gusto’s extremely responsive, hands-on support. They offer both in-depth training and quick troubleshooting as needed. The proactive guidance helps you optimize utilization of the platform.

TriNet Support

In addition to 24/7 support via phone, email and online ticketing, TriNet provides dedicated account management. However, the level of support is much deeper than Gusto.

Your strategic account manager will become a true outsourced HR partner. They take full ownership of managing HR operations, compliance, strategic planning, and maximizing the TriNet relationship.

For larger companies with complex HR needs, TriNet’s high-touch approach ensures an exceptional experience. But those with basic requirements may find the support overkill.

Ideal Customer Breakdown

Gusto and TriNet both service a wide range of industries and company sizes. Here’s a look at the ideal customer profile for each vendor:

Gusto’s Ideal Customers

Gusto shines for lean startups and streamlined small businesses:

• Startup and early-stage: Gusto is a go-to choice for getting payroll and basic HR set up quickly with minimal administration. The platform scales gracefully as you grow.
• Under 100 employees: Gusto’s transparent, per-seat pricing works well for tiny teams but can still accommodate larger headcounts cost-effectively.
• Basic HR needs: If you just need core payroll, benefits enrollment, and simple HR tools, Gusto provides all that without overcomplicating things.
• Multi-location teams: Gusto’s cloud-based platform is great for companies with distributed teams across multiple locations.
• Using contractors: Gusto’s 1099 contractor support makes it ideal for businesses leveraging freelancers.

Also watch the video of Gusto!

TriNet’s Ideal Customers

TriNet excels at meeting the needs of complex, growing organizations:

• 100-3000 employees: For mid-sized companies scaling quickly, TriNet provides strategic services and robust platform.
• Rapidly expanding: Growth-stage companies can leverage TriNet’s experience to smoothly handle substantial headcount and HR changes.
• Multiple locations: TriNet’s national presence and infrastructure helps developing companies manage distributed offices and remote staff.
• Advanced HR needs: Organizations who want a true outsourced HR department turn to TriNet for consulting and hands-on support.
• Heavily regulated industries: Highly regulated sectors like healthcare, financial services, and life sciences benefit from TriNet’s compliance expertise.

Which Is Right For You?

Deciding between Gusto and TriNet depends primarily on your company size and growth stage.

For early-stage startups and businesses with under 100 employees, Gusto is likely the best choice. You’ll appreciate the simple, affordable pricing and beautifully designed tools that grow with your needs.

Once you reach 100+ employees and graduate into a mid-sized company, TriNet becomes the preferable platform. The strategic guidance, robust toolset, and HR specialization provides immense value for complex, evolving organizations.

Companies in highly regulated industries like healthcare and financial services may benefit from choosing TriNet from the start, regardless of size. The same applies to rapidly expanding startups who foresee surpassing 100 employees quickly.

Also Read: Is ADP Better Than OnPay?

FAQs

Conclusion

Gusto and TriNet both provide exceptional HR, benefits, and payroll management. Gusto offers an easy-to-use platform optimized for lean startups and small teams. TriNet provides strategic guidance and robust tools tailored to complex mid-sized companies.

Consider your current company size and trajectory, HR needs, desired support level, and implementation bandwidth as you decide between these two outstanding options. For most organizations, it makes sense to begin with Gusto and graduate to TriNet once additional capabilities are required.

With this comprehensive comparison as your guide, you can confidently choose the right platform to streamline HR operations and support your evolving business. Consider taking advantage of free demos and trials from Gusto and TriNet to experience the key differences firsthand.