20 Best TriNet Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

*Pricing is indicative and varies by country, headcount, and configuration. Always confirm the latest numbers with the vendor.

Detailed Reviews: Top 10 TriNet Competitors in 2026

Below are detailed reviews of the top 10 alternatives to TriNet that focus on features, pricing, pros, cons, and a verdict on when it beats TriNet and when it doesn’t.

1. Skima AI

Skima AI is an AI recruitment layer that plugs into your existing ATS or HR stack to automate sourcing, screening, and outreach.

Instead of replacing payroll or PEO like TriNet, it fixes the part TriNet struggles with most: high-volume, high‑quality hiring.

Skima AI parses resumes, ranks candidates with explainable AI match scores, and writes structured results back into your ATS/HR system. It is built for enterprise recruiting teams that want faster, defensible hiring decisions without ripping out their current HR systems.

Key Features of Skima AI

Below are the notable features of Skima AI, one of the top TriNet competitors:

• AI Search & Match: Context-aware search trained on large recruiting datasets with AI Match Scores for each candidate.
• Deep Resume Parsing: Extracts 200+ data points using OCR for skills, experience, and context-rich profiles.
• ATS-First Integrations: 130+ ATS/CRM/HRIS integrations plus an API layer so that recruiters never leave their core system.
• Shortlist Automation: Auto‑builds explainable shortlists with match reasons, helping hiring managers align faster.
• Talent Rediscovery: Searches your internal database to resurface overlooked high‑fit candidates.
• Omnichannel Outreach: Automated multi‑step email/SMS campaigns to warm, engage, and re‑engage candidates.
• Analytics & Compliance: Hiring funnel analytics plus SOC 2 and GDPR-grade security for regulated industries.

Skima AI Pricing

Pros of Skima AI

• Built for Recruiters: Designed as a recruiter-first workflow rather than a generic HR add‑on.
• Time Savings: Automation around parsing, shortlisting, and outreach can cut 20+ hours per week of manual work.
• Performance Stats: Users report 5x faster candidate assessment and 85% of recruiters seeing multiplied ROI within months.
• Strong Integrations: Tight ATS/CRM/HRIS integrations mean minimal change management for busy TA teams.

Cons of Skima AI

• Per‑user Pricing: Some reviewers consider the price slightly high for very small teams, despite finding the value worthwhile.

Our Take

TriNet’s built-in ATS works well for basic requisitions. However, it struggles with high-volume or specialized recruiting, especially when clear rankings are needed. Skima AI is a great option for TA leaders.

If you are happy enough with TriNet’s payroll and benefits but need better search, matching, and analytics, consider Skima AI. You can avoid a full system migration.

2. Deel

Deel is popular in the global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) space. It is designed to help you hire contractors and employees in over 150 countries.

It also consolidates localized contracts, international payroll, and compliance into one highly intuitive dashboard. For founders who are scaling distributed teams and find TriNet’s US-centric model too restrictive, Deel offers a massive upgrade in geographic flexibility.

Key Features of Deel

Below are the core features of Deel, one of the top TriNet alternatives:

• Global EOR Footprint: Hire and manage employees in over 150 countries through Deel-owned or partner entities.
• Contractor Management: Onboard and pay international contractors with local contracts and various payout methods.
• Global Payroll Engine: Centralised payroll across countries, handling tax, filings, and statutory benefits.
• Benefits & Equipment: Country-specific benefits, support for stock options, and equipment ordering for remote hires.
• Compliance & Legal: In-house legal team for contracts, IP protection, and employment law compliance.
• Integrations: Over 70 integrations with HRIS, accounting, and collaboration tools to sync headcount and costs.
• 24/7 Support: Continuous support with in-app chat, often praised in user reviews.

Deel Pricing

Pros of Deel

• Smooth Onboarding: Users appreciate the easy process for onboarding employees and contractors.
• Payment Flexibility: Enjoy multiple payout options, clear payment statuses, and automated invoices and taxes.
• Deep Global Coverage: Ideal for companies expanding into many countries at once.
• Mature Ecosystem: Strong integrations and proven processes lower risks for larger organizations.

Cons of Deel

• Higher Overall Cost: EOR pricing is in the upper-mid range, making it costly for small teams.
• Fees & FX Rates: Users note withdrawal fees and less favourable currency conversion rates than expected.
• Occasional Payment Delays: Some reviews mention delays based on the payout method and banking rails.
• Support Variability: Although 24/7 support is a plus, some users report slower responses during peak times.

Our Take

Deel stands out as a TriNet alternative when global headcount is the focus, including both employees and contractors.

It's ideal for Series A+ firms and mid-market teams prioritising compliance and user experience over minimal EOR costs. Smaller teams may prefer simpler options.

3. Remote

Remote is another leading global HR platform that handles payroll, benefits, and compliance for international workforces. Its "owned-entity" model is what makes Remote stand out.

They own their infrastructure in each country they operate in, which removes third-party handoffs. This setup guarantees top-notch data security, strict compliance, and a clear price promise.

Key Features of Remote

Below are the standout features of Remote, one of the best TriNet competitors:

• Global EOR Services: Hire full-time employees overseas, with Remote as the legal employer.
• Contractor Management: Onboard, contract, and pay contractors worldwide while ensuring local compliance.
• Modular Pricing: Choose separate modules for EOR, contractor management, and payroll. Teams pay only for what they need.
• Transparent Pricing: Starting prices are publicly listed, with no hidden fees.
• Benefits & Compliance: Get country-specific benefits management and support for visas and immigration.

Remote Pricing

Pros of Remote

• Intuitive Experience: Users appreciate how quick it is to set up and manage payments.  
• No Security Deposit: Some competitors ask for deposits; Remote promotes “no deposit” as a key feature.  
• Good for Finance Ops: Invoice generation and payment tracking make reconciliation easier for finance teams.  
• Clear Baseline Pricing: Transparent starting prices distinguish Remote from less clear EOR competitors.

Cons of Remote

• Budget Fit for Startups: Several reviewers say the pricing is high for small or early-stage teams.
• Variable Benefit Costs: Total costs vary greatly based on local benefits and add-ons, which can catch new users off guard.
• FX and Offboarding: Some comments highlight unfavourable exchange rates and possible offboarding fees.

Our Take

Remote is a viable TriNet alternative for product-led, distributed teams that prioritize predictable EOR pricing and an intuitive user experience.

It appeals to finance and HR teams needing clear global headcount planning, but those on tight budgets might prefer niche tools.

4. Papaya Global

Papaya Global is an enterprise-grade workforce management platform. It handles complex, multi-currency payroll operations. It is specifically built to give finance and HR teams complete visibility into global employment costs.

Unlike standard PEOs, Papaya Global relies heavily on a robust network of in-country partners. It ensures hyper-localized compliance, making it an absolute beast for processing payments at scale.

Key Features of Papaya Global

Below are the notable features of Papaya Global, one of the best TriNet alternatives:

• Global Payroll Hub: Centralized payroll across multiple countries with embedded payments and an employee portal.  
• EOR and AOR Services: Employer of Record for employees and Agent of Record for contractors.  
• Contractor Management: Onboard and pay global contractors while ensuring compliance.  
• Analytics & Insights: Strategic insights and analytics add-ons for better workforce intelligence.  
• Transparent Pricing: Public pricing plans for EOR, PayrollPlus, contractors, and payments.  
• Coverage Breadth: Built for companies with complex payroll needs in multiple countries.

Papaya Global Pricing

Pros of Papaya Global

• Strong Feature Scores: Independent reviews rate it highly for EOR, payroll, HR, compliance, and platform usability.
• Good User Ratings: G2 and Capterra ratings are around 4.5/5, showing a positive customer experience.
• Flexible Service Mix: It separates payroll, EOR, contractor management, and payments. This allows teams to adopt services in phases.
• Unusually Clear Pricing: Small and mid-sized businesses can view estimated costs without needing to contact sales.

Cons of Papaya Global

• Setup and Fees Clarity: Some users find management and setup fees confusing beyond the core rates.
• May Be Overkill: For very small teams in one or two countries, Papaya’s features and pricing might be too much.
• Learning Curve: Advanced features may need more onboarding than simpler contractor-only tools.

Our Take

Papaya Global addresses fragmented global payroll and payments effectively, offering a transparent system for multi-country payroll.

Small teams with basic needs may benefit more from simpler, cheaper EORs or US-only PEOs until they require additional structure for expansion.

5. Velocity Global (now Pebl)

Velocity Global, rebranded as Pebl in 2025, is an EOR and global workforce provider focused on compliance and broad country coverage. It enables companies to hire in 185+ countries without local entities.

Compared with TriNet, Velocity Global is geared less toward domestic HR outsourcing and more toward complex global expansion with concierge support.

Key Features of Velocity Global (Pebl)

Here are the core features of Pebl, a leading alternative to TriNet:

• Global EOR Coverage: Hire and manage employees in over 185 countries with one provider.
• AI-first Platform: Pebl’s AI-driven platform offers upfront cost estimates and a digital hiring assistant.
• Compliance Guarantee: Acts as the legal employer and takes on much of the employment law risk.
• Concierge-Level Support: Provides 24/7 in-market support for payroll, benefits, and HR strategy in complex areas.
• Integrations & Security: Works with major HR and payroll systems while ensuring strong data security.
• Transparent Burden Breakdown: Focuses on accurate burden pricing, showing total employment costs, not just fees.

Velocity Global Pricing

Pros of Velocity Global

• Deep Global Reach: Velocity Global has one of the widest EOR footprints. It's ideal for complex, multi-region expansion.
• Enterprise Focus: Their concierge support and HR strategy services meet mid-market and enterprise needs.
• Cost Visibility Tools: New AI-driven cost estimates provide clearer upfront pricing, improving on past EOR pricing.
• Compliance Strength: They excel in risk management and legal indemnity, especially in tough jurisdictions.

Cons of Velocity Global

• Opaque Official Pricing: There is no public pricing. Buyers must depend on quotes and third-party benchmarks to estimate costs.
• Potential Hidden Costs: Analyses show add-ons and fees that can greatly raise the total cost of ownership.
• Mixed Experience Reports: Some reviews note inconsistent experiences in certain countries and issues with wallets or payments.

Our Take

Velocity Global (Pebl) is ideal for leaders who want a premium partner in complex global hiring, rather than merely the cheapest EOR.

It may be excessive for smaller teams. However, for companies outgrowing TriNet and planning multi‑region expansion with significant compliance exposure, Pebl is worth shortlisting alongside Deel and Papaya.

6. Skuad

Skuad is a global EOR and contractor platform (now part of Payoneer) that lets you hire full‑time employees and contractors in 160+ countries from a single dashboard. It focuses on fast, compliant onboarding, with faster setup.

Additionally, it competes most directly with TriNet when you need global coverage plus more flexible, software-first workflows.

Key Features of Skuad

Here are the standout features of Skuad, a major competitor of TriNet:

• Global Coverage: Hire employees and contractors in over 160 countries using one platform.
• EOR & Contractor Hub: Support for full-time EOR hires and contractor-only payment processes.
• 24-hour Onboarding: Focus on same-day or 24-hour onboarding for new hires in supported countries.
• Multi-Currency Payments: Payroll and payouts in over 70 currencies, ensuring local compliance with taxes and benefits.
• Compliance Engine: Employment contracts, worker classification, and local labour law compliance are integrated into the workflow.
• Analytics & Portal: A unified dashboard for employment details, time off, and documents, along with employer analytics.
• Security Standards: Commitment to GDPR, CCPA, and SOC 2-grade controls for global data protection.

Skuad Pricing

Pros of Skuad

• Fast Onboarding: Users praise the smooth, quick onboarding and easy-to-use portals.
• Unified Platform: One system for employees and contractors cuts down on vendor sprawl. It’s better than using TriNet, local payroll, and separate contractor tools.
• Transparent Tiers: Clear pricing per employee and contractor makes budgeting easier than with many quote-only EORs.
• Global Focus: Designed for international hiring, unlike TriNet, which mainly targets the US market.

Cons of Skuad

• Billing Disputes: Some users mention attempts to raise agreed per-employee prices and slow resolution times.
• Support Speed: A few customers report delays in support responses, mainly for complex billing issues.
• Need for Core HR: Like other EORs, Skuad doesn’t fully replace an internal HRIS for performance, learning, or detailed analytics.

Our Take

Choose Skuad for rapid EOR and contractor management if you're a startup or mid-market company expanding internationally.

Opt for a premium EOR like Pebl or Velocity Global for detailed benefit breakdowns and personalized account management.

7. Gusto

Gusto is a popular US payroll and HR platform aimed at small and mid‑sized businesses that want modern, self‑service HR rather than a full PEO relationship. It bundles payroll, tax filing, benefits, time tracking, and basic talent tools into one interface.

Compared with TriNet, Gusto is less of a “done‑for‑you” PEO and more of a flexible, in‑house payroll and HR toolkit.

Key Features of Gusto

Below are the notable features of Gusto, one of the top TriNet competitors:

• Full-Service Payroll: Automated payroll with tax filing for federal, state, and local levels in the US.
• Benefits Administration: Manage health, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits for small companies.
• HR Tools: Onboarding, employee records, and basic performance and time-off management in one system.
• Contractor Support: A dedicated plan for businesses that pay only 1099 workers.
• Integrations: Connect with accounting, time tracking, and other small-business systems.
• Compliance Help: Tools and alerts for payroll compliance, especially for multiple states.
• Modern UI: A user-friendly interface praised by non-HR founders and office managers.

Gusto Pricing

Pros of Gusto

• SMB-Friendly Design: Made for small businesses wanting to manage payroll and HR in-house.
• Recognized HR Suite: Listed on Capterra’s 2024 shortlist for top HR software, showing great overall value.
• Feature Depth for Size: Provides payroll, benefits, HR, and contractor support all in one—more than many simple payroll apps.
• Good User Sentiment: Reviewers often commend easy setup, intuitive workflows, and clear employee self-service.

Cons of Gusto

• Hidden-Fee Perception: Reviews mention add-ons, like multi-state options and advanced tools, can raise costs beyond the advertised price.
• Operational Issues: Some users face tax errors, payroll delays, and compliance problems, especially in complex multi-state setups.
• Limited Global Reach: Gusto focuses on the US. For global EOR or multi-country payroll, you'll need extra vendors.

Our Take

Choose Gusto if you're a US-based SMB seeking modern payroll and HR without needing a PEO. For complex multi-state compliance or extensive benefits, consider comparing Gusto with PEOs like Justworks or payroll options like ADP and Paychex.

8. Justworks

Justworks is a US PEO and HR platform that simplifies payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR support for small and mid‑sized businesses. It offers both a full PEO model and a lower‑priced payroll product for teams that do not need full PEO support.

Compared with TriNet, Justworks is often viewed as more transparent and user‑friendly, especially for first‑time PEO buyers.

Key Features of Justworks

Below are the core features of Justworks, one of the top TriNet alternatives:

• PEO Services: Co-employment model that combines payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR consulting.
• Payroll Product: Standalone Justworks Payroll for teams that need payroll and basic HR without a full PEO.
• Benefits Access: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at competitive rates, plus 401(k), HSA, and FSA.
• Compliance & HR Support: HR advisory, reporting tools, workers’ comp, commuter benefits, and risk management.
• Time Tracking Add-On: Integrated time tracking module, charged per employee or contractor.
• Modern Platform: Easy-to-use self-service portal for employees and admins to manage payroll, PTO, and benefits.
• Always-On Support: 24/7 support is a key part of our value.

Justworks Pricing

Pros of Justworks

• Big-Company Benefits: Small teams can enjoy perks usually available to large employers. Many reviewers consider this a key return on investment.
• Transparent Policies: Clear info on fees, payments, and benefit renewals builds trust. This is better than the unclear practices of some PEOs.
• High Satisfaction: Users often highlight great value for money and higher employee satisfaction.

Cons of Justworks

• US-Centric: It has limited international options compared to global EOR platforms.  
• Customization Limits: Reviewers mention fewer industry-specific features and less flexibility for complex mid-market needs.  
• Add-on Costs: Additional modules like time tracking and some benefits increase costs beyond the core admin fee.

Our Take

Choose Justworks for a modern, straightforward US PEO, particularly for teams with fewer than a few hundred employees.

For extensive customization, complex multi-entity needs, or significant non-US hiring, consider global EORs or enterprise HCM platforms instead.

9. ADP

ADP is one of the oldest and largest payroll and HCM providers, serving businesses from very small firms to global enterprises. For TriNet customers, the relevant products are typically RUN Powered by ADP for small businesses and ADP Workforce Now for mid‑market teams.

ADP is known for its deep functionality and strong compliance support. It also has a vast services ecosystem. However, it has complex, quote-only pricing and a heavier implementation footprint.

Key Features of ADP

Below are the standout features of ADP, one of the best TriNet competitors:

• Payroll Engines: RUN supports 1-49 employees, while Workforce Now caters to 50-999 employees. Both offer multiple tiers.
• Compliance & Tax: ADP provides strong tax calculation, filing, and compliance services across the US and beyond.
• HR & Talent Modules: Options include time and attendance, recruiting, performance, and broader HCM solutions.
• Scalability: ADP grows with you, from small teams to complex multi-state or multi-country organisations.
• Brand Reliability: With over 70 years in payroll, ADP is a trusted choice for many cautious finance leaders.
• Ecosystem: A large partner network offers integrations and add-on services like benefits, retirement, and insurance.

ADP Pricing

Pros of ADP

• Feature Depth: Exceptional payroll and tax features make it ideal for complex needs.
• Scalable Stack: Easily expands from basic payroll to full HCM, cutting down vendor changes.
• Compliance Strength: Known for its expertise in multi-state compliance and intricate tax issues.
• Brand Trust: A long-standing reputation gives executives confidence over newer SaaS options.

Cons of ADP

• Opaque Pricing: Analysts and users report that ADP’s pricing is complex and unclear, with many variables and add-ons.  
• Hidden Fee Risk: Implementation fees, per-run charges, and extras can raise costs well above initial estimates.  
• Overkill for Small Teams: For very small or simple businesses, ADP may be too complex and costly.  
• Older UX in Places: Some SMB reviewers find ADP’s interface less appealing compared to newer, design-focused tools.

Our Take

Consider ADP if you're outgrowing TriNet's bundled PEO model. It offers a full-service solution for managing payroll and HR in-house.

However, it's not ideal for very small teams or founders focused on cost and simplicity. In those cases, Gusto, Justworks Payroll, or Paychex Flex are often lighter and easier options.

10. Paychex

Paychex is a payroll and HR provider known for its Paychex Flex platform and optional PEO services. It targets small to mid-sized US businesses seeking flexible payroll packages, HR support, and strong tax and compliance guidance.

For teams leaving TriNet, Paychex is attractive when you want more control over configuration, but still value hands‑on support.

Key Features of Paychex

Below are the notable features of Paychex, one of the best TriNet alternatives:

• Paychex Flex Platform: A cloud-based payroll and HR suite. It offers various plans for different business sizes.
• Payroll & Tax: Includes core payroll processing, tax filing, and support for various pay frequencies.
• HR Services: Higher tiers provide HR guidance, learning, onboarding, and performance/document management.
• PEO Option: Paychex PEO is for companies seeking co-employment and benefits administration.
• Guided Workflows: In-app prompts help users with payroll and compliance tasks.
• Support & Training: Focuses on dedicated tax guidance and training resources for employers.

Paychex Pricing

Pros of Paychex

• Flexible Packaging: Businesses can select from various plans, choosing between basic payroll and comprehensive HR support.
• Competitive for Larger Teams: Analyses show its low per-employee costs appeal to businesses with larger headcounts compared to some competitors.
• Strong Tax Support: Paychex is often recommended for companies seeking dedicated tax guidance and training.
• Scalable Options: Businesses can easily transition from basic payroll to PEO services as their needs expand.

Cons of Paychex

• Quote-only Pricing: Without public pricing tables, comparing options early is tougher.
• Complex Structure: Like ADP, various packages and add-ons can confuse total costs and setup.
• UX vs Newer Tools: Some users mention the interface isn’t as user-friendly as newer SMB-focused platforms.
• Limited Global Story: Mainly US-focused, so you'll need separate global EOR or payroll partners.

Our Take

Paychex offers a robust alternative to TriNet, providing detailed payroll and HR control alongside excellent tax guidance.

If you prefer transparent pricing and a modern interface, consider Gusto, Justworks, or newer global platforms that suit your team's preferences.

10 Additional TriNet Alternatives

Below are 10 more worthwhile TriNet competitors. Compare the ideal for and key differentiators: