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.
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 |
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.
One of the biggest differences between Gusto and TriNet is how they structure 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:
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 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.
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.
Gusto and TriNet both aim for an intuitive user experience, but Gusto has the edge when it comes to simplicity.
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 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?
Both Gusto and TriNet are lauded for providing exceptional customer service, but the approaches differ.
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.
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.
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 shines for lean startups and streamlined small businesses:
Also watch the video of Gusto!
TriNet excels at meeting the needs of complex, growing organizations:
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?
TriNet’s main competitors are other professional employer organizations (PEOs) that provide comprehensive HR outsourcing. Top competitors include Insperity, Alcott HR, JustWorks, Excelity, and ClearCompany.
For mid-sized companies who want to offload HR and benefits administration, TriNet is absolutely worth it. The bundled pricing simplifies costs while the high-touch support scales capabilities strategically. However, lean startups with basic needs can likely find a more affordable option.
Gusto is a top choice for startups and small businesses due to its intuitive interface, transparent pricing, stellar support, and seamless payroll and benefits management. However, it lacks the enterprise features and high-level consulting larger companies may require.
Top Gusto competitors that offer similar payroll, benefits and HR functionality include Paychex Flex, Zenefits, Justworks, Namely, BambooHR, and Rippling. These provide a competitive alternative for startups and small/medium businesses.
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.
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