ADP Workforce Now vs. TriNet HR Platform

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ADP Workforce Now
Score 8.0 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based HR platform for mid-sized businesses. It features customizable modules of various HR services that businesses can tailor to their specific needs, as well as regulatory monitoring and alerts to help businesses remain compliant.N/A
TriNet HR Platform
Score 6.8 out of 10
N/A
Zenefits is a free, cloud-based core-HR platform. It primarily services small to mid-sized businesses and provides time management and benefits administration capabilities.
$10
per month
Pricing
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Editions & Modules
Essential
Contact sales team
Enhanced
Contact sales team
Complete
Contact sales team
HR Pro
Contact sales team
Payroll Essentials
Contact sales team
HR Plus
Contact sales team
Hiring Advantage
Contact sales team
Performance Plus
Contact sales team
Essentials
$10
per month per employee
Growth
$20
per month per employee
Zen
$33
per month per employee
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPlease contact ADP for a product demo and ask about a hands-on "test drive" of Workforce Now.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Considered Both Products
ADP Workforce Now
Chose ADP Workforce Now
We went with ADP because our thousands of per diem nurses were already in the system so we got an extremely substantial discount to utilize ADP as our HRIS for our corporate employees.
Chose ADP Workforce Now
We also used CheckWriters Payroll. ADP has a leg up on the other products based on user friendliness. ADP is easy to use and has functions that others do not. For example, the ability to project vacation balances.
Chose ADP Workforce Now
I would say there are some features that ADP is doing good but some features are lacking (Time and Attendance, Organizational Chart).
Chose ADP Workforce Now
ADP is by far the overall best solution. Reporting on the other programs don't measure up. The platforms are not as user friendly, and the interfaces aren't as eye pleasing.
Chose ADP Workforce Now
Zenefits was replaced with ADP WorkForce Now because it could not keep up with our rapidly growing company. It was difficult to manage multiple employees on this application and benefits information was also lacking. Requesting time off is much easier on the ADP platform, as is …
Chose ADP Workforce Now
Zenefits was a product we looked at for a while and while it was intially exciting, we realized that with employees all over the US and mostly in the state of Utah, we could negotiate for our employees best. We selected ADP over Zenefits even though our relationship with Zenefit…
Chose ADP Workforce Now
We used BambooHR and really liked it. Selected ADP because we did not want to find integrations for benefits and payroll - we wanted it to be "all in one," which is what ADP Workforce Now could provide. This was the same with Zenefits.
Chose ADP Workforce Now
When making the choice to pursue WFN, I courted four companies. All had bells and whistles comparable to WFN, some even had sexier features, but none had the same business longevity as ADP. I entered this agreement hesitantly due to ADP's customer service reputation, but …
Chose ADP Workforce Now
  • ADP Workforce Now is user friendly.
  • ADP Workforce Now is reliable in data confidentiality.
  • ADP Workforce Now is precise in data validation and does not have excess or over options available.
TriNet HR Platform
Chose TriNet HR Platform
Zenefits is much more inclusive and user friendly. Zenefits customer service is also much more top notch. I also would recommend the help pages Zenefits has. So many of my questions on features of the platform (and HR questions, too) have answers published. Its a great …
Chose TriNet HR Platform
I selected Zenefits because it had more, easier to use features than the rest. The sales process was pleasant and not pushy at all! The cost was better/the same as others with a friendly interface and more reporting.
Chose TriNet HR Platform
Overall, we picked Zenefits since they still fit our small business needs but have the capability and technology to seamlessly hire and retain talent. I love the fact that Zenefits is easy for administrators and users to use. Compared to Gusto, their reporting and compliance …
Chose TriNet HR Platform
Significantly cheaper and way more features

We almost went with Workforce as it had all the same features as Zenefits and seemed even more customizable, however, the cost was completely over the top and nowhere near what we were looking to spend on this. The goal was to reduce …
Chose TriNet HR Platform
Much less robust with fewer fields, such as effective dating and ability to create complex reports. Much lower cost. More value by handling the administration of benefits, COBRA and ACA filing.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.7
1022 Ratings
2% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
2.3
132 Ratings
109% below category average
Employee demographic data8.1903 Ratings2.5108 Ratings
Employment history8.2939 Ratings2.4103 Ratings
Job profiles and administration8.0890 Ratings2.5102 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.7.5917 Ratings2.6107 Ratings
Organizational charting6.7643 Ratings1.9117 Ratings
Organization and location management7.5704 Ratings1.8119 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)7.6648 Ratings2.3105 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
8.0
1034 Ratings
0% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
2.2
117 Ratings
114% below category average
Pay calculation8.7995 Ratings2.3100 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.5389 Ratings1.550 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment7.9294 Ratings2.363 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.9798 Ratings2.6105 Ratings
Direct deposit files8.7983 Ratings2.3101 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management7.9769 Ratings2.193 Ratings
Reimbursement management7.7468 Ratings2.465 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.7
844 Ratings
5% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.8
115 Ratings
127% below category average
Approval workflow8.0766 Ratings2.0113 Ratings
Balance details7.6800 Ratings1.7111 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment7.6648 Ratings1.692 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
8.0
1014 Ratings
1% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.9
131 Ratings
124% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information8.3977 Ratings2.1125 Ratings
Update personal information8.6968 Ratings2.3131 Ratings
View company policy documentation8.2782 Ratings1.4118 Ratings
Employee recognition7.0366 Ratings1.363 Ratings
View job history7.732 Ratings2.2101 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.0
12 Ratings
25% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.1
22 Ratings
150% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets6.012 Ratings1.122 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.1
944 Ratings
7% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.4
104 Ratings
138% below category average
Report builder7.4927 Ratings1.4100 Ratings
Pre-built reports7.6923 Ratings1.4102 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data6.4550 Ratings1.364 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.2
116 Ratings
11% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
4.6
111 Ratings
54% below category average
New hire portal7.6112 Ratings5.0110 Ratings
Manager tracking tools6.892 Ratings4.290 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.8
311 Ratings
4% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
8.4
41 Ratings
3% above category average
Corporate goal setting7.9240 Ratings8.337 Ratings
Individual goal setting7.9291 Ratings8.440 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility7.5238 Ratings8.335 Ratings
Performance tracking7.9284 Ratings8.437 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.3
402 Ratings
8% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.5
57 Ratings
136% below category average
Performance plans7.3361 Ratings1.354 Ratings
Performance improvement plans7.2309 Ratings1.351 Ratings
Review status tracking7.5366 Ratings2.152 Ratings
Review reminders7.3378 Ratings1.352 Ratings
Multiple review frequency7.2313 Ratings1.348 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.0
7 Ratings
27% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
7.5
23 Ratings
5% below category average
Create succession plans/pools5.86 Ratings7.520 Ratings
Candidate ranking5.86 Ratings7.521 Ratings
Candidate search6.37 Ratings7.523 Ratings
Candidate development6.26 Ratings7.622 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.8
421 Ratings
13% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
7.5
25 Ratings
3% below category average
Job Requisition Management7.6366 Ratings7.420 Ratings
Company Website Posting8.1358 Ratings7.415 Ratings
Publish to Social Media7.1287 Ratings7.514 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting7.3321 Ratings7.516 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention2.38 Ratings7.518 Ratings
Applicant Tracking7.1362 Ratings7.417 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts8.3383 Ratings7.622 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Small Businesses
Patriot Software
Patriot Software
Score 9.0 out of 10
Patriot Software
Patriot Software
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.5 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.3 out of 10
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Likelihood to Recommend
8.3
(1089 ratings)
1.7
(141 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.3
(82 ratings)
8.5
(11 ratings)
Usability
6.2
(78 ratings)
8.9
(32 ratings)
Availability
7.3
(14 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Performance
6.4
(13 ratings)
8.5
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
7.1
(463 ratings)
8.8
(42 ratings)
In-Person Training
8.1
(9 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
5.8
(17 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
5.8
(34 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Configurability
6.4
(10 ratings)
8.8
(4 ratings)
Ease of integration
6.1
(8 ratings)
9.1
(3 ratings)
Product Scalability
7.5
(751 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
5.2
(8 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
6.1
(8 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
ADP Workforce NowTriNet HR Platform
Likelihood to Recommend
ADP
If you are looking to automate processes and have the system handle administrative, boring tasks this is the system for you. They are continuing to evolve and are coming out with improvements constantly. Have a suggestion on an improvement they will listen and consider implementing.
Read full review
TriNet
I think as a small business owner, this system gives peace of mind. When I'm onboarding an employee I can automatically integrate the process with Gmail and Quickbooks. I feel like they are always doing work in the background and I don't have to keep checking up on them or verifying the work that's been done
Read full review
Pros
ADP
  • HRIS that is personalized for the employee and addresses DE&I needs.
  • Payroll, of course! The system addresses all needs, such as deductions, additional pay, premium OT, and shift differentials.
  • Onboarding is an excellent way to stay in compliance and have all documents completed.
  • Tax and Banking and resolution to any issues.
Read full review
TriNet
  • Payroll services in all 50 states, including payroll tax filings
  • Integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, and Human Interest (401(k))
  • Simple yet powerful mobile app for employees to access information including paystubs, benefits, and time off requests
  • Streamlined admin portal for People Ops professionals
Read full review
Cons
ADP
  • I would like it if better communication was sent out about new product updates. Sometimes, I go into a screen and things are different and I have to relearn it on the fly.
  • Editing the mobile app - I would like it if what is shown on the desktop version was automatically on the app. WAY more of my employees use the app, but I put the most important information on the desktop version because it is easier to update.
Read full review
TriNet
  • Support doesn't exist once you are a customer
  • Tax team has a 3-6 month response time
  • Poor Menu/Navigation structure
  • Fails to pay taxes on time, results in delinquency notices and fees
  • Glitchy UI, sometimes you need to wait a day or two for a section to work again
  • Feels like a perpetual beta product, nothing polished about it
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
ADP
Due to the lack of support from the sales and service center we are looking at other options outside of ADP. Again it is a good system, it just lacks the support it deserves from the company employees. It is just unimaginable that you will need to reach out to a service provider several times for the same issue and not get it resolved.
Read full review
TriNet
We've already renewed after our first year with Zenefits due to the cost savings, ease of administration, reduction in overhead required to perform HR functions, and the employees happily embracing and liking the software. I've found employees generally hate anything new, but we've had no complaints about Zenefits outside the first few weeks of getting used to it.
Read full review
Usability
ADP
I would give it a 10 however I do not like when ADP does facelifts in Workforce Now which does not add any value other than having to relearn navigation. I am also not a big fan of being forced to refer to the Bridge. We have Google which gives the same results. If I understood the answer I would not contact our Account Rep.
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TriNet
It's extremely user friendly and customer service is super helpful. The app needed help a while back but it has greatly improved. There were issues with files being cut off, and when I was onboarded, it actually cut my offer letter off hiding important information. Since then, it's been fixed so they are continually improving.
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Reliability and Availability
ADP
ADP outages are very rare
Read full review
TriNet
We have not experienced any application errors or unplanned outages in the two years I have been using this app. Sometimes there is a lag in the time keeping/ confirming your location, however, it quickly resolves itself within seconds and more often than not is an internet connection error
Read full review
Performance
ADP
Overall, I think the functionality of the program works pretty well. Sometimes, certain browsers do not work well for the policy function of ADP, but that is the only issue thus far
Read full review
TriNet
This app always loads extremely quickly and in a reasonable time frame. Like I said, when we do experience lags from this app, it is more often than not an internet connection error
Read full review
Support Rating
ADP
I have contacted support multiple times and have always been happy with the results. ADP's support staff is always helpful and makes easy work of solving problems. I love my Payroll Account Manager, as well as my Enhanced Time Account Manager.
Read full review
TriNet
Not good at all. Basically I typically feel like they can solve the issue at hand. However, they take forever and it never feels like they really care. It can be frustrating that the agent will never speak with you on the phone or just give you their direct contact info so that you can continue to follow up on the same issue. Once they "close" the issue - you have to go back to the main customer service email or line again, even though it may be related to something you've contacted them about in the past
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In-Person Training
ADP
In-person training was pretty good - I think this significantly depends on the trainer. Our trainer was really good and showed what ADP can do - but I know that all trainers are not the same - and this truly makes such as difference. Overall, our training went pretty well.
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TriNet
Can't really say just because I would not know.
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Online Training
ADP
At the time training was not as expansive as it is now. If it could go wrong it did for me so the process was difficult and lengthy. I needed to have more in person walkthroughs of things to ensure the transition was done correctly. Not sure what else I can say, we were part of the initial move to Workforce Now when it was introduced.
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TriNet
It went through successfully.
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Implementation Rating
ADP
Either assign more than one specialist to the implementation process, or assign less clients to the implementation specialist. The process requires attention to detail and the ability to test and re-test as well as verify the information. It also requires a lot of back and forth between the client ant the implementation specialist, so they need to be readily available during the whole implementation process.
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TriNet
Unfortunately I do not have any insights on the implementation of Zenefits as I was not employed with this company when Zenefits was introduced. Based on how effortless it is to use Zenefits, I wouldn't image there would be many issues with the implementation of Zenefits
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Alternatives Considered
ADP
Although this SAS takes longer to perform the everyday functions related to payroll and HR data input, the difference in this software and our previous software is like night and day. We were on a very old server platform and had too many issues with continuous need for backup.
Read full review
TriNet
Zenefits has been a better tool for our purposes than Paychex Flex. While Zenefits is a fairly rigid tool without a lot of options for customization, Paychex has even fewer options for customization and their customer services is even more difficult to deal with
Read full review
Scalability
ADP
It handles very well with very sensitive data of a company especially of employees. Even provides HR services regarding recruitment services like recruitment, providing notification, even handles increment cycle of employee, any awards achieved by employees. All of this services are handled by them in very efficient way.
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TriNet
It is very easy to use and does not require the end user to go to multiple sites to obtain many facets of HR/ Payroll information that the app offers
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Return on Investment
ADP
  • ADP WorkforceNow has provided a positive ROI for our company. It has saved me countless hours in the time I used to spend preparing reports, managing benefits, and annual enrollment, recruitment tracking, and much more.
  • The integration with Payscale has allowed our company to take every position in our organization and benchmark it to industries and job titles. This has allowed us to be more competitive on recruitment and retention.
  • We have used the new DE&I dashboard to provide valuable information on the landscape of our workforce, as well as areas of our organization that may not be as diverse.
Read full review
TriNet
  • California Meal Break Violations cost a full hour of each employees pay rate. If an employee clocks in 1 minute early it costs us at least 10.50 (minimum wage Ca, 15.00 in Los Angeles) which adds up quickly. We had 37 meal break violations when we first rolled it out. They need to add a feature that disallows them to clock in ahead of 30 minutes, or add a feature that shows them how long they've been on break.
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ScreenShots

ADP Workforce Now Screenshots

Screenshot of ADP Workforce Now: a simple and complete human capital management solutionScreenshot of Benchmarking by ADP DataCloud: an application with an extensive data set ... available to ADP Workforce Now clientsScreenshot of ADP Workforce Now clients can equip their employees with the ADP Mobile self-service app

TriNet HR Platform Screenshots

Screenshot of Screenshot of Screenshot of Screenshot of HR ManagementScreenshot of HR ManagementScreenshot of HR Management