Head to head

Justworks vs TriNet

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Justworks

$8/employee/mo

US payroll from $8 per employee per month plus a $50 monthly base fee. PEO Basic is $79 per employee. PEO Plus is $124.

Where Justworks fits

  • US startups that want a printed payroll rate
  • Teams ready for PEO benefits at $79 or $124
  • Employers that also need time tracking access
  • Companies hiring abroad through the $599 EOR line

TriNet

Sales-quoted

US PEO for payroll, benefits, and HR support. Pricing is a personalized quote after a consultant meeting.

Where TriNet fits

  • US SMBs that want a PEO for benefits
  • Multi-state employers that need HR support
  • Companies comparing PEO versus payroll-only
  • Teams that will talk to a TriNet consultant

At a glance

DetailJustworksTriNet
Starting price$8/employee/moSales-quoted
Free tier–No–No
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underBenefits administration, HR compliance, PayrollPayroll

Where they pull apart

Justworks

Stands out: A cheap payroll SKU plus two PEO tiers, so you can stay payroll-only or move into benefits later.

Watch out: Payroll-only adds a $50 monthly base fee. PEO Plus is the benefits tier at $124 per employee. EOR is $599 per employee.

Not the right fit for

  • Very small shops that refuse a $50 base fee
  • Enterprises that need a full HCM suite

TriNet

Stands out: Full PEO plus an HR Plus platform-and-support line for companies that are not ready for co-employment.

Watch out: Price depends on state mix and headcount. There is no public per-employee rate card.

Not the right fit for

  • Buyers who need a printed $ per employee
  • Global EOR needs outside the US PEO model

Pros and cons

Justworks

  • Payroll from $8/employee plus $50 base
  • Printed PEO rates at $79 and $124
  • EOR line at $599/employee
  • $50 monthly base on payroll-only
  • Benefits need PEO Plus at $124
  • No published free trial

TriNet

  • Full US PEO plus HR Plus
  • Benefits and payroll under one wrap
  • Consultant-led setup
  • No public per-employee rate
  • Quote depends on state mix
  • Not a global EOR platform

What each one costs

Justworks

$8/employee/mo

Payroll is $8/employee/month plus a $50/month base fee. PEO Basic is $79/employee/month with no base fee. PEO Plus is $124/employee/month. Global EOR is $599/employee/month. No free trial stated. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

TriNet

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. A consultant quotes based on company size and state mix. PEO and HR Plus are the named lines. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try Justworks or TriNet for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing.

Not the pair you wanted?

All Justworks alternatives All TriNet alternatives Every Benefits administration tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?