Gusto
Best all-in-one Justworks alternative for payroll & HR
Overview
Gusto offers a full-service HR and payroll platform that’s easier to use and more affordable than Justworks. It includes integrated tools for payroll, benefits, hiring, onboarding, and team management—all with transparent pricing. Unlike Justworks, Gusto offers performance management, native hiring tools, and certified HR support without requiring a PEO contract. Its intuitive interface and people-first features make it ideal for small businesses that want robust HR functionality without the overhead or opacity of a PEO model.
Key Features
Seamless payroll, HR, time tracking, and benefits in one system
Automated tax filings and compliance across all 50 states
Hiring tools: built-in ATS, offer letters, onboarding checklists
Performance management, goal tracking, and employee surveys
Employee self-service portal with lifetime document access
Certified HR expert access and proactive compliance alerts
120+ country support for international contractors
300+ software integrations for accounting, comms, and more
Pros and Cons
Pros
Intuitive, all-in-one platform
Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
Includes hiring, onboarding, and team management tools
HR expert access available with Premium or add-on
High customer satisfaction and U.S.-based support
Cons
Premium benefits only available in 38 states
Basic plan lacks full HR features
No 24/7 support like some PEOs
Mobile app is limited for admins
Pricing
Simple: $49/mo + $6/person/mo — core payroll & basic HR
Plus: $80/mo + $12/person/mo — adds hiring tools, next-day payroll, time tracking
Premium: $180/mo + $22/person/mo — includes everything + HR support
HR Expert Add-On: $8 /employee/month
Free trial: Yes — free until first payroll
Free version: No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Remote
Best Justworks alternative for global payroll & compliance
Overview
Remote simplifies international hiring with global payroll, benefits, and compliance tools that cover 200+ countries and territories. Unlike Justworks’ limited EOR reach, Remote owns local entities in 80+ countries—offering faster support, lower legal risk, and better service for distributed teams. It supports contractors, full-time employees, and EOR hires with one platform and one invoice, making it ideal for small businesses expanding globally without needing to navigate local employment laws themselves.
Key Features
Contractor and EOR payroll in 80+ countries
Owned legal entities—no third-party outsourcing
Automated tax compliance and local labor law adherence
Employee self-service onboarding and benefits
PTO tracking and time management tools
Global payments in 100+ currencies with no conversion fees
Contractor misclassification risk detection
Stock option support and localized benefits
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports contractors, employees, and EOR hires
Excellent compliance and localized onboarding
Intuitive platform with unified global dashboard
Owned entities = faster, more reliable support
30-day free access before first payment
Cons
Email-only customer support
No pricing transparency for global payroll
Lacks workforce costing or scheduling tools
Doesn’t support Payoneer or PayPal payouts
Pricing
Contractors: $29/month
EOR: $599/employee/month (annual) or $699 (monthly)
Global payroll (owned entity): Contact sales
Free trial: Yes — 30 days before first payment
Free version: No
ADP TotalSource
Best Justworks PEO alternative for compliance
Overview
DP TotalSource is a full-service PEO built for businesses with 5–250 employees. It offers advanced compliance, risk mitigation, and HR support with the backing of ADP’s infrastructure. Compared to Justworks, ADP’s compliance offerings are deeper—covering ACA, FLSA, ADA, and more. You also get a dedicated HR expert, robust learning tools, and strategic HR support for growth, restructuring, and even mergers. It’s a high-powered option for businesses with complex compliance needs.
Key Features
Full-service HR, payroll, and benefits management
Compliance support across all major regulations
Dedicated HR partner and employee advisors
300+ reports and integrated analytics
Learning library with thousands of employee trainings
Work-life EAP, wellness, and DE&I resources
Custom consultation for rewards, structure, and culture
Time tracking and scheduling available as add-ons
Pros and Cons
Pros
Industry-leading compliance support
Dedicated HR expert for every client
Deep training and employee engagement resources
Extensive reporting and data tools
Employee self-service and mobile app included
Cons
Custom pricing only—no transparency
Add-ons can drive up costs quickly
No built-in global payroll
Some features feel dated or clunky
Pricing
Custom quote required. Core PEO features included; advanced time tracking, recruiting, and wellness benefits cost extra.
Free trial: Yes — three months on select plans
Free version: No
BambooHR
Best Justworks alternative for employee engagement
Overview
BambooHR is an HR-first platform that puts employee engagement at the center of its design. It’s known for its clean interface, robust hiring tools, and industry-leading onboarding experience. Unlike Justworks, BambooHR includes an ATS in its base plan and offers performance management, surveys, and customizable workflows on its Pro plan. While payroll and benefits require add-ons, BambooHR excels at helping HR teams create better employee experiences.
Key Features
Built-in ATS and onboarding checklists
Performance reviews, goal tracking, and feedback tools
Automated HR workflows and employee self-service
Time tracking, benefits admin, and payroll available as add-ons
Insight widgets for manager oversight
Preboarding, engagement surveys, and community tools
Custom reports on nearly any HR data point
Integrates with 125+ third-party tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Exceptional user experience
Full hiring suite included in base plan
Visual performance management dashboards
Prebuilt HR workflows and automations
Widely praised for onboarding experience
Cons
Payroll, benefits, and time tools are paid add-ons
Limited mobile functionality
No global support
Pricing not publicly listed
Pricing
Custom pricing required. Core HR platform available for flat-rate or per-employee pricing. Payroll, benefits, and time tracking are add-ons.
Free trial: Yes — 7 days
Free version: No
TriNet PEO
Best Justworks alternative for industry-specific solutions
Overview
TriNet PEO offers industry-specific HR and compliance expertise tailored for sectors like nonprofits, financial services, and manufacturing. Unlike Justworks, which focuses on generalist PEO services, TriNet brings vertical-specific compliance tools and HR strategy to the table. It also includes performance management, recruiting tools, and native time tracking across all tiers, making it a better fit for teams with unique regulatory or workforce needs.
Key Features
Full PEO with payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance
Built-in time tracking, performance, and recruiting tools
Paperless onboarding and employee self-service
Native employee happiness and retention tools
Industry-tailored compliance and HR services
Mobile app for communication, PTO, and time tracking
Direct deposit, automated taxes, and reports
Pros and Cons
Pros
Designed for complex, compliance-heavy industries
Recruitment and performance tools included
Native time tracking on all plans
Strong onboarding and retention features
Industry-specific expertise
Cons
No transparent pricing
Payroll features not best-in-class
Limited software integrations
Customer service can be slow
Pricing
PEPM pricing (per employee, per month). No pricing transparency—custom quote required.
Free trial: No
Free version: No
Paychex PEO
Best Justworks alternative for customization and long-term growth
Overview
Paychex PEO gives small and mid-sized businesses access to large-enterprise tools with a modular setup. It’s more customizable than Justworks, offering add-ons for LMS, recruiting, time tracking, and analytics. This makes it ideal for businesses planning to scale or needing more flexibility than a flat PEO offering. While Justworks offers better pricing transparency, Paychex wins on HR depth, risk management, and tailored service options.
Key Features
Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR outsourcing
Dedicated account manager and specialist team
Add-ons for recruiting, LMS, analytics, and time tracking
Risk management and compliance support
Mobile app and employee self-service portal
Scalable services for long-term business growth
Pros and Cons
Pros
Customizable package with flexible add-ons
Dedicated advisor + team support
Strong compliance and risk management features
Learning and recruiting tools available
Scales well for growing teams
Cons
No transparent pricing
Annual contract required
Customer support can be inconsistent
Add-ons increase overall cost
Pricing
Custom pricing required. Three months free available for new users on select plans.
Free trial: Yes — limited-time promotions
Free version: No
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Small businesses that want a Justworks alternative without a PEO—payroll, HR, benefits, and hiring in one platform | ||
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Distributed and international teams needing global payroll, EOR, and compliance |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Compliance-heavy businesses that want a full-service PEO with deep regulatory support | |
 | Custom pricing | (7 days) | Teams focused on employee engagement, onboarding, and performance (HR-first, not PEO) | |
 | Custom pricing | Companies in regulated industries needing vertical-specific HR and compliance expertise | ||
 | Custom pricing | (limited time promotions) | Growing businesses that want a customizable PEO with long-term scalability |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| Custom pricing | (7 days) |
| Custom pricing | |
| Custom pricing | (limited time promotions) |
FAQ
What is the best PEO for small businesses?
Justworks is a solid choice, but many small businesses prefer PEOs like TriNet or Paychex for their industry-specific expertise or flexibility. If you want to avoid co-employment altogether, platforms like Gusto or BambooHR offer similar features without the PEO price tag or complexity.
What are the downsides of using a PEO?
PEOs can be expensive, rigid, and less transparent than standalone HR platforms. You’ll give up some control over HR processes, and co-employment can create confusion among staff. Many small businesses switch to all-in-one platforms for better flexibility and clearer pricing.
Is Justworks a certified PEO?
Yes, Justworks is an IRS-certified PEO (CPEO). That means it meets strict financial, tax, and compliance standards, which can reduce liability for employers. However, certified status doesn’t guarantee the best fit—functionality, support, and pricing still vary widely.
How much does Justworks cost per employee?
Justworks pricing starts at $59 per employee/month for the Basic plan and $99 for the Plus plan. These rates don’t include add-ons like time tracking. Compared to competitors, it’s mid-range—but alternatives like Gusto offer more features on lower-cost plans.
What’s the difference between Justworks and Rippling?
Justworks is a PEO that bundles HR, payroll, and benefits under a co-employment model. Rippling is a modular HRIS platform with deep automation and IT tools. If you want more customization and no co-employment, Rippling offers broader functionality—but it can get pricey.
