Aleksandar Stevanovic spent 10 years honing his craft as a freelance content writer. He has a degree in Economics, and extensive experience in software, crypto,…
Sofia Rebuck is an Editor at Techopedia with over five years experience researching and writing about tech and software products, working across the North American…
We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content, created by leading industry experts, is reviewed by a team of seasoned editors to ensure compliance with the highest standards in reporting and publishing.
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Our Verdict
User-friendly tool for HR and Payroll needs for medium-sized businesses
Zenefits is a full-service HR solutions software that makes processing payroll, streamlining onboarding, and managing benefits easy with a user-friendly platform. The software streamlines workflows so human resource management teams can focus on tasks that truly matter.
TriNet’s customer service receives good scores on third-party review sites and users love the HR support, attendance management, and benefits enrollment. With pricing starting as low as $8/month per employee and with HR functions such as automated onboarding, mobile app, and employee management, TriNet Zenefits stands out as a budget-friendly option suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
TriNet Zenefits7.9
Pros
User-friendly platform with advanced customization options
Plenty of integrations to streamline onboarding and offboarding processes
Comprehensive payroll feature catering to SMBs
Great for HR administration and 401k integration
Affordable range of pricing plans
Cons
Doesn't offer the option to save dynamic employee earnings
Lacks dedicated account manager and HR manager customer support
Talent acquisition and applicant tracking is an additional cost
TriNet Zenefits is a professional employer organization (PEO provider) that offers HR support to small and medium-sized businesses. The company’s specific focus is on HR, payroll, and health insurance.
In our TriNet review, we dig down on its key features, evaluate its pricing and plans, and compare the overall offering with three of TriNets main competitors: Rippling, Papaya, and Gusto.
Our table below compares the top-level information about TriNet Zenefits pricing plans and the features offered in each tier that can support your HR department. We assess how these options align with the diverse needs of businesses of all scales and types.
Plan Tier/Level
Monthly Cost/Per user
Administrators
Reporting
Customer Support
Payroll
Benefits Admin
Essentials
$8/m
–
Basic
– Live chat
– On-demand meetings
✅ Free for the first year
✅
Growth
$16/m
–
Standard
– Live chat
– On-demand meetings
✅ Free for the first year
✅
Zen
$27/m
Multiple
Advanced
– Live chat
– On-demand meetings
✅
✅
One of the best things about using TriNet Zenefits is that you can test it for free by requesting a demo upon registration. Unlike its competitors, this service does not require credit card details for its 14-day trial. We liked that you can choose between two subscription models – monthly and annually. If you subscribe to an annual contract, TriNet Zenefits also rewards you with free payroll software for the first year.
The cost for each tier depends on the subscription length but also changes depending on the tier you choose. For example:
The Essentials monthly plan costs $10/m per employee
The Essentials annual subscription costs $8/m per employee
Among the three options (Essential, Growth, and Zen), we found that Growth is the most popular TriNet Zenefit subscription tier. It’s most cost-effective for organizations with 50+ employees.
To get access to recruiting and applicant tracking software pricing starts at $35/month.
TriNet Zenefits Essentials Plan – Starts at $8/m
The Essentials pricing plan is ideal for smaller organizations of up to 50 employees. With this basic set of resource management and employee productivity features, small businesses can balance workloads and increase productivity by helping their employees manage their work.
The main features of an Essentials Plan subscription include:
Automated onboarding
Employee management
Time-off scheduling
Analytics dashboard
Integrations
Mobile app
New users can also manage payroll for free, but only in the first subscription year. You’ll be able to continue using this feature, but it’ll cost $6 extra on top of the Essentials subscription price.
TriNet Zenefits Growth Plan – Starts at $16/m
The Growth Plan comes with the same feature set as the Essentials Plan (including the free payroll for the first year) but also offers some advanced management features.
The advanced features of a Growth Plan subscription include:
Configurable people analytics
Compensation management
Performance management
We recommend this subscription tier for small- and mid-scale businesses planning to enhance their employee base in the near future.
The biggest benefit of this plan comes from the ‘Performance management’ feature. This allows companies to set measurable employee objectives, thus improving performance evaluations and helping staff better understand what’s expected from them.
Out of everything, we really liked how this advanced feature helps align individual goals with organizational objectives – a crucial tool for enhancing the company’s overall success.
TriNet Zenefits Zen Plan – Starts at $27/m
We found that the TriNet Zenefits Zen subscription plan stood out as a comprehensive solution. Not only does it have all of the functionalities in the Essentials and Growth plans, but three extra features make it special.
The extra features in a Zen Plan subscription include:
Employee engagement surveys
People hub
Includes Payroll (permanently included)
The payroll feature helps companies streamline and automate the complex process of managing employee compensation. It handles accurate calculations, payroll taxes, and seamless direct deposit options. We found that a Zen subscription not only saves valuable time but reduces the risk of errors. Thanks to its payroll tools, businesses of all sizes can focus on core operations instead.
Without such efficient payroll tools, you might have to look into purchasing additional services, which you can sometimes find as part of the best tax software.
Small- and mid-size companies to easily manage HR functions
Customer support
Help Center, Live Chat
App integrations
G Suite, Slack, Office 365, Salesforce, QuickBooks
Security & Compliance
Two-factor authentication, AES-256 encryption, SCO II Certificate, industry-standard compliance
Payroll
✅
Reporting & analytics
✅
Mobile app
✅
Benefits administration
✅
E-signatures
✅
Auto-alerts and reminders
✅
Features of TriNet Zenefits
In the features section of our TriNet Zenefits review, we dive into exploring the capabilities that make this service stand out from other HR software solutions.
Time Tracking & Scheduling
The scheduling feature eliminates the need to use spreadsheets or lists, allowing you to organize employees’ shifts and balance workloads seamlessly.
What’s great is that time tracking is included in the lowest pricing tier, and includes a clock-in/clock-out functionality as well as automatic payroll synchronization. This feature is particularly valuable for complex organizations with multiple departments and varying work shifts or time zones.
We tested the mobile app time tracking and clocking in was quick and easy. TriNet offers time card fraud prevention such as pictures taken at clock-in so employers know the exact location. The reporting works in real-time and we found it to be a great assist to calculate project time and overtime pay.
Performance Management
A robust performance management option included in your HR software will help you define and track company goals more easily. TriNet Zenefits’ offering helps managers focus on both individual and team performance, which can help boost productivity and efficiency across departments.
You can find multiple customizable templates included, like peer reviews, 360 reviews, and self-reviews which is great seeing as performance management consulting is only added at the second-tier price point.
We tested filling out a quick feedback review on the mobile app which worked well as it was optimized for mobile use. This is a great feature as having access from anywhere will reduce time-to-completion and increase the overall completion rate with employees.
People Analytics
TriNet Zenefits also offers a people analytics feature that uses multiple statistical techniques and AI. With this valuable information, your business can gain valuable insights into different aspects of its workforce, including:
Employee turnover
Retention
Diversity
Exits
Movement
This tool means organizations can transform raw HR data into actionable insights through easy-to-understand workforce analytics. It’s never felt easier to make informed strategic decisions rather than relying on intuition. For example, an HR manager can use this information to expand on benefits within the platform or overhaul the onboarding process.
Payroll Management
The comprehensive running payroll tool works to streamline the entire payroll process. It’s also worth remembering that it’s free for the first year of an annual subscription.
This includes several tasks, such as:
Salary management
Payroll taxes
Payment processing
Recorded hours worked
Benefit deductions
The TriNet Zenefits payroll feature eliminates manual calculation and daunting paperwork, allowing companies to automate payroll processes – it certainly does save time as well as effort. Employees can also access the self-service portal to view pay stubs and request PTO.
When using TriNet for payroll processing, the software calculates and withholds federal, state, and local payroll taxes. Employee files like W-2 can be imported easily when syncing with TurboTax.
For general accounting, however, you’ll have to rely on a third-party tool such as QuickBooks (which integrates well but is an additional cost).
Mobile App
TriNet offers a mobile app that’s suitable for both Apple and Android. Employees can access all their information such as pay stubs, health insurance information, request time off, clock in/out, and access their benefits information. Making changes is easy, for example, you can change your benefits offerings within the ‘benefit options’ section of the app.
We like that the app works to connect remote employees and new employees by making it easy to find team members, view specific departments, and call, text, or email directly from the app.
TriNet Zenefits supports the seamless integration of new modules, multiple applications, and third-party tools. This ensures that the HR system can evolve to meet the needs of a growing workforce while maintaining optimal functionality.
In our TriNet Zenefits review, we found it supports 36 apps across 10 categories, including:
Productivity
Time tracking
Accounting
Travel
Learning software
Legal
Financial
Compared to the best cloud HR software tools like Rippling and Gusto, TriNet is somewhere in between when it comes to integrations. It doesn’t offer the largest integration library we’ve seen so far, but isn’t limited either.
For example:
TriNet Zenefits offers 10 productivity tools, including G Suite, Office 365, Asana, Zapier, and Salesforce.
Rippling’s library of third-party tools also offers Google Workspace, Zendesk, and Jira.
Gusto integrates with over 190 applications in total, an impressive amount.
TriNet Zenefits HR software earns glowing user reviews on major sites like G2, Getapp, and TrustRadius. Overall, the software stands out for its stellar performance, versatility, and positive user experiences from an HR perspective. One TriNet user even highlighted that the software is excellent for both employers and employees.
The main praises in TriNet reviews are:
Its exceptionally user-friendly interface for self-service features
Smooth onboarding processes
Robust customization options tailored for HR managers
In the majority of instances, users commented on the platform’s intuitive design, making complicated HR tasks efficient and straightforward. While some people did mention the absence of dedicated customer support or account manager over a randomly assigned agent, we wouldn’t consider this a major disadvantage.
TriNet Zenefits is well-suited to a small business looking to expand, as well as medium-scale organizations seeking comprehensive HR solutions.
Its intuitive design makes it accessible to people with varying levels of technical expertise, from an office administrator to a human resources pro. As a result, it ensures seamless navigation through the HR platform, even for first-time users.
The platform serves as a centralized hub for administering diverse employee perks, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and additional employee benefits
This efficient, combined approach simplifies the typically complex process of in-house benefits management. It also helps organizations ensure regulatory compliance for benefits by automating tasks related to reporting and documentation.
We liked being able to track employees’ pay rates and raises in our TriNet Zenefits review, as well as add bonuses. There’s also the option to get a detailed insight into their time off and time-shifted work, all from one place.
The only aspect in which TriNet Zenefits falls short is its W2 functionalities. Several competitors also have the functionality to send donations from the user’s paycheck, which might come as a minor inconvenience to some employees.
Rippling is a robust payroll solution with broader human resources and IT functionalities. While TriNet fails to offer a comparable feature set, it stands out with its Configurable People Analytics, providing in-depth insights into workforce trends.
TriNet’s focus on comprehensive HR management, including analytics, makes it a valuable choice for small businesses seeking insightful perspectives. But Rippling’s extensive hr platform competes on another level in terms of the features offered at a similar minimum price plan.
As a global payroll management system, Papaya’s customer base focuses on larger businesses with international workforces. It does, of course, offer robust expense reports and analytics features, similar to TriNet Zenefits.
That said, TriNet Zenefits is suitable for businesses seeking broader HR solutions specializing in management and analytics. While it does have payroll features – albeit less comprehensive than Papaya’s – it also offers 360-degree feedback, attendance, sick leave tracking, and workflow management options, an area Papaya falls short of.
During our comprehensive TriNet Zenefits review, we found the two platforms are similar in terms of pricing and ease of use. Both HR software solutions are known for a payroll-centric approach with vast integration capabilities.
However, it is vital to note that TriNet offers solutions beyond payroll, including benefits administration and compliance management. In contrast, Gusto provides plenty of self-service employee options, allowing staff to easily access and manage their information using the Gusto Wallet app.
We found in our TriNet review that Zenefits is a value-driven solution for effective HR management. Our favorite features include benefits administration, compensation management, payroll processing, configurable people analytics, and integration capabilities. We also found that the platform offers a holistic approach to workforce management.
The versatility, scalability, and user-centric approach make TriNet Zenefits a worthwhile investment for SMBs in particular. If you’re looking to optimize HR processes (particularly payroll) and enhance overall organizational efficiency, look no further.
We consider certain key factors when testing the best human resources management software:
Pricing – We evaluate each software’s affordability and value, ensuring it can align with the budgets of both small and large-scale businesses.
Features – We check core HR functionalities like benefits administration, payroll processing, and people tracking, as well as extra-special tools and features.
Integrations – Our team analyzes the HR platform’s compatibility and ability to integrate with other business tools seamlessly.
Automation – We examine the level of automation and closely monitor how each solution resolves repetitive tasks.
Ease of use – Making sure each platform offers an accessible interface catering to users with different levels of technical expertise.
Third-party reviews – We do the legwork for you by reviewing feedback and testimonials from other users to gain insights into real-world experiences.
How to Choose the Best HR Software
Whether you choose to try out TriNet Zenefits or not, selecting the right HR software that aligns with your unique business needs is no easy task. It requires a thoughtful evaluation of various factors.
The key aspects we recommend considering when choosing the best HR software include:
Type of HR software – Work out the specific type of HR software that meets your business’s organizational needs. Some solutions focus on HR functionalities, while others specialize solely in administration or payroll processing.
Essential HR features – Identify what features are required for effective HR management. Is it employee onboarding for a seamless integration of new hires? Attendance tracking for efficient time management? It’s important to know what you need most.
Pricing – Before making any financial commitment, you should consider the HR software’s pricing structure. Make sure it fits your budget constraints, and check for hidden costs.
Ease of use – Make sure the interface is intuitive and accessible. It should be able to cater to less tech-savvy users.
Integrations – Check that the HR platform is compatible with third-party apps your business is already using. You want to avoid duplicating any data.
Customer support – Choosing a platform that offers responsive customer support with multiple communication channels – this might include live chat, video sessions, contact forms, email, or phone support.
Yes, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet in February 2022.
Is TriNet a legit company?
Yes, TriNet is a legitimate company that offers comprehensive HR functions to small and medium-scale businesses.
Is Zenefits a reliable source?
Yes, Zenefits is a reliable HR software system that helps companies streamline workflows through robust payroll, benefits, and scheduling features.
Is TriNet an SaaS company?
Yes, TriNet is a technology company that offers cloud-based software that helps organizations of all sizes streamline their HR efforts.
Is TriNet worth it?
Yes, TriNet is an all-in-one platform offering comprehensive HR solutions, including compliance management, benefits administration, and configurable people analytics. It caters to small and mid-size businesses and costs only $8/m per employee.
Is TriNet a Professional Employer Organization Software (PEO)?
Yes, TriNet is a professional employer organization software designed to support small and medium-sized businesses with payroll and HR functions.
Does TriNet Zenefits offer HR support?
If you choose the HR Plus plan you get outsourced HR, payroll, and access to tax specialists. If you opt for their non-plus services you get support in the form of superb software and customer support.
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Aleksandar Stevanovic spent 10 years honing his craft as a freelance content writer. He has a degree in Economics, and extensive experience in software, crypto, and cybersecurity industries. He covers a multitude of topics, writing factual and informative articles, helping individuals better understand the intricacies of the online world. Over the last two years, his research focus shifted more towards tech and software content, as evidenced by his publications on CEX.IO, Business2Community, and Techopedia. He believes in simplifying complex topics and bringing them closer to like-minded individuals. His work is as detail-oriented as it is creative, and is designed to…
We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content, created by leading industry experts, is reviewed by a team of seasoned editors to ensure compliance with the highest standards in reporting and publishing.
Disclosure
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn how our funding model works. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
