Compare/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.

Starting price

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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?