Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Paychex
Score 6.9 out of 10
N/A
Paychex Flex, of Paychex' Online Payroll Services, is a cloud-based human resource management and payroll platform. Paychex offers core and specialized services, and scales to meet the needs of small businesses, SMBs, and large enterprises.N/A
TriNet
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
TriNet provides small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR and payroll solutions tailored by industry. TriNet also offers specialized services through client access to HR representatives for advice and notifications on impactful regulatory changes.N/A
Pricing
PaychexTriNet
Editions & Modules
Paychex Flex Pro
Custom Pricing
per month/+$4 per employee
HR Pro
Custom Pricing
HR PEO
Custom Pricing
Paychex Flex Select
Custom Pricing
Paychex Flex Enterprise
Custom Pricing
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
PaychexTriNet
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoYes
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
PaychexTriNet
Considered Both Products
Paychex
Chose Paychex
Payroll entry is easier on Paychex Flex. It is easier to see each employee's earnings and deductions to review before submitting. TriNet has better customizable reporting with their Workforce Analytics tool. TriNet has a lot more offerings and better customer service, but it …
Chose Paychex
Paychex flex was selected prior to my client contracting me. However, I have had the opportunity with other clients to evaluate, implement and administrate other payroll providers. Out of the products I've used, Paychex flex is most like Justworks. Paychex Flex is …
TriNet
Chose TriNet
TriNet outperforms ADP, Paycom, and paychex is support and compliance for sure. The only other system I've tried that has anything on TriNet's capabilites and interface is BambooHR... If I could mash the 2 systems together, I would!
Chose TriNet
TriNet stands out far from the crowd. The Trinet team is pleasant to work with and understands our organization's needs. Their sales team was reasonable and worked with our PEO broker to ensure the arrangement was beneficial for everyone. Unlike some other popular payroll …
Chose TriNet
TriNet does a great job at payroll, compliance, caring for the employees, resources for benefits, even free services offered to help and assist if needed. Very clean UI, and user-friendly and intuitive. Great for back office compliance. The customer service is vastly better …
Chose TriNet
We use Justworks quite a bit, but the difference is the designated support specialist. They only offer a general # to call into or a chat box. Also, they don't offer an audit prior to payroll processing, which I find helpful to keep accuracy and detect any errors. The JW …
Chose TriNet
Trinet was selected because they have a robust platform and many services that they provide. In addition, the first year discount provides piece of mind when changing providers.
Chose TriNet
TriNet offers a broader offering, more automated, easier to use, better support.
Chose TriNet
I didn't select TriNet, it was at my organization when I got here. No one at TriNet gave my company information on how hard it is to move companies in the middle of the quarter. Even UKG did that. I think that every other system works better.
Chose TriNet
Better pricing negotiation through pooling of TriNet.
Chose TriNet
It's been too long ago to be able to compare.
Chose TriNet
They were not very good at responding to emails and connecting with us
Chose TriNet
Paychex did not handle state tax, was not user friendly, and missed payroll more than once (they simply didn't process it for no reason).
Chose TriNet
They were about the same. We went with TriNet because of a bad experience I had with Paychex. However, TriNet started off strong and then the service went downhill. Finally, as I wrote, the state setup/final tax filings not being done makes me say I will not go back to Trinet.
Chose TriNet
We had to use five products to equal 1 TriNet. It's so nice to have all our HR needs covered by one company we trust.
Chose TriNet
Out of all of the platforms, I still think that Gusto is the most user friendly for employers and employees. However, they did not provide the support that I get with TriNet. In just a year, I feel that TriNet is listening to it clients and have already made changes to improve …
Chose TriNet
I found cheaper options but was confident in TriNet as a company. Your core business seemed like an "add-on" for others.

Ardelle Stoute did a great sales job as did Hope Webber as our customer service interface.
Chose TriNet
We felt a better rapport with the TriNet people and the portal and ease of use seem superior. Pricing was good too!
Chose TriNet
TriNet is site and payroll submission is more intuitive as well as their reporting system. Paychex seemed archaic. Required an app and was not web based. App difficult to use and get information out was only in PDF with no Excel option.
Chose TriNet
Before we signed on with TriNet, we were using Paychex for payroll and a separate small business broker for benefits. We evaluated Paychex PEO. TriNet had higher administration fees, but the benefits savings more than made up for it. TriNet also allowed us to keep the carrier …
Features
PaychexTriNet
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.3
277 Ratings
12% below category average
TriNet
7.3
735 Ratings
12% below category average
Employee demographic data7.7224 Ratings7.5527 Ratings
Employment history7.9247 Ratings7.3558 Ratings
Job profiles and administration7.7182 Ratings7.6527 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.7.8178 Ratings7.0620 Ratings
Organizational charting6.34 Ratings6.9441 Ratings
Organization and location management7.1162 Ratings7.0469 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)6.4148 Ratings7.7586 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.7
318 Ratings
6% below category average
TriNet
8.0
792 Ratings
2% below category average
Pay calculation8.0300 Ratings8.3768 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.44 Ratings8.05 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment7.4157 Ratings7.2283 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.2179 Ratings8.5777 Ratings
Direct deposit files8.3299 Ratings8.4724 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management8.0214 Ratings8.2640 Ratings
Reimbursement management7.4122 Ratings7.5397 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.2
161 Ratings
13% below category average
TriNet
7.0
522 Ratings
16% below category average
Approval workflow7.5115 Ratings7.8439 Ratings
Balance details7.6153 Ratings6.6499 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment6.4120 Ratings6.6409 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.2
275 Ratings
14% below category average
TriNet
7.5
774 Ratings
9% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information8.0253 Ratings8.7753 Ratings
Update personal information7.6265 Ratings8.5768 Ratings
View company policy documentation7.4124 Ratings7.3658 Ratings
Employee recognition5.52 Ratings5.6239 Ratings
View job history7.6189 Ratings7.5580 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.3
44 Ratings
24% below category average
TriNet
1.0
1 Ratings
156% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets6.344 Ratings1.01 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.1
179 Ratings
22% below category average
TriNet
6.5
651 Ratings
15% below category average
Report builder6.5149 Ratings6.2563 Ratings
Pre-built reports6.8167 Ratings6.9619 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data5.093 Ratings6.4320 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.8
176 Ratings
17% below category average
TriNet
7.1
636 Ratings
12% below category average
New hire portal7.0168 Ratings7.1635 Ratings
Manager tracking tools6.7112 Ratings7.1401 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
9.0
1 Ratings
10% above category average
TriNet
6.1
124 Ratings
28% below category average
Corporate goal setting8.01 Ratings5.9108 Ratings
Individual goal setting9.01 Ratings6.1120 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility9.01 Ratings6.0106 Ratings
Performance tracking10.01 Ratings6.3120 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
9.0
1 Ratings
12% above category average
TriNet
6.7
208 Ratings
18% below category average
Performance plans9.01 Ratings6.7184 Ratings
Performance improvement plans9.01 Ratings6.3171 Ratings
Review status tracking9.01 Ratings6.4168 Ratings
Review reminders9.01 Ratings7.1179 Ratings
Multiple review frequency9.01 Ratings6.814 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.7
2 Ratings
2% below category average
TriNet
7.0
99 Ratings
12% below category average
Candidate ranking7.31 Ratings8.21 Ratings
Candidate search7.52 Ratings6.893 Ratings
Candidate development8.21 Ratings5.988 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
5.3
72 Ratings
40% below category average
TriNet
7.1
141 Ratings
11% below category average
Job Requisition Management5.138 Ratings6.7110 Ratings
Company Website Posting5.235 Ratings5.51 Ratings
Publish to Social Media5.729 Ratings7.492 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting6.037 Ratings6.8112 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention4.635 Ratings9.11 Ratings
Applicant Tracking4.741 Ratings6.8119 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts6.166 Ratings7.2129 Ratings
Best Alternatives
PaychexTriNet
Small Businesses
UZIO
UZIO
Score 9.4 out of 10
UZIO
UZIO
Score 9.4 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Enterprises
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
PaychexTriNet
Likelihood to Recommend
6.8
(333 ratings)
7.7
(808 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.1
(48 ratings)
5.7
(59 ratings)
Usability
7.2
(274 ratings)
7.7
(705 ratings)
Availability
5.2
(12 ratings)
8.5
(23 ratings)
Performance
7.0
(12 ratings)
7.7
(22 ratings)
Support Rating
6.5
(273 ratings)
6.8
(786 ratings)
In-Person Training
4.5
(1 ratings)
9.4
(6 ratings)
Online Training
2.8
(4 ratings)
8.1
(10 ratings)
Implementation Rating
5.1
(13 ratings)
9.6
(31 ratings)
Configurability
5.0
(9 ratings)
5.2
(16 ratings)
Contract Terms and Pricing Model
-
(0 ratings)
5.6
(6 ratings)
Ease of integration
9.1
(3 ratings)
5.2
(12 ratings)
Product Scalability
5.4
(12 ratings)
7.7
(22 ratings)
Professional Services
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(7 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
5.7
(34 ratings)
7.1
(20 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
6.2
(35 ratings)
6.8
(20 ratings)
User Testimonials
PaychexTriNet
Likelihood to Recommend
Paychex Inc.
It is best suited for payrolls from 1 to 150 employees, because their constant attention and flex system are easy to use. Any problem is taking care by your Paychex Agent, and they always listen to you. Better yet, when you become a client with more than 5 years, you get special discount on your renewal. Honestly, I can't not think on nothing that will be less appropriate.
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TriNet
I truly believe TriNet is the best PEO out there. Our specialist, [...], was top notch and always made me feel special. I appreciate all the features available, not just for my employees but for me, as an HR specialist. The benefits I am now able to offer is why we joined but all the features and ease of use is what will keep us clients moving forward. My only issue was feeling a bit rushed through training. I was told I would get written procedures but they were pretty antiquated.
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Pros
Paychex Inc.
  • It provides a well account of Retirement Plan Account Information.
  • Alerts are sent to email when there is new information to access.
  • Employee access both online and thru app.
  • Paperless options.
  • Easy and quick access to paystubs and tax forms.
  • Easy employee retirement management.
Read full review
TriNet
  • Customer support is great when working with Amy Hoffman. She's always very quick to respond and helpful. I'd say she's the thing that makes me want to stay with TriNet the most.
  • The webinars are very helpful. I utilize those frequently and our CFO has signed up for some as well.
  • The expense management system has been very helpful. There are a couple issues with it, but it's leaps better than what the company was doing before this system through TriNet.
Read full review
Cons
Paychex Inc.
  • I understand logging you out is a security function, but I'd prefer it not to log you out so soon.
  • The training we received for the team's meeting was subpar, in my opinion. Probably better geared for people with little to no computer experience. Very slow pace; we could have easily received all of this from some tutorials in a few minutes.
Read full review
TriNet
  • The online interface for the annual benefits strategy is difficult to navigate and not intuitive.
  • Sometimes the payroll processing division provides explanations that are not very clear or accessible to non-HR professionals.
  • The cost of the service is at the higher end of the market offerings.
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Likelihood to Renew
Paychex Inc.
Overall I like the features that Paychex Flex offers. I am sure that there are other features that I am unaware of, so I am excited to see if there is more that Flex is capable of to make my job easier. The basic features are really user friendly and easy to access. If there ever is an issue customer service is great
Read full review
TriNet
e are currently seeing a massive shift in HR tech, with rapid strides being made in the integration of AI and Machine Learning models. These advancements allow for:Predictive analytics for workforce planning.Automated, intelligent chatbots for instant employee support.Smart data synthesis that provides actionable insights rather than just raw numbers.TriNet appears to be lagging in these areas, missing opportunities to leverage AI to reduce administrative overhead and improve data accuracy
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Usability
Paychex Inc.
Once you are set up in the system, it is very user-friendly and usability is on par with my expectations. Onboarding new employees is simple, employee access is simple and easy for them to use. Tax documentation, reporting, and entering payroll is easy and user-friendly. Running reports and finding information necessary to keep the flow moving foward is easy to do
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TriNet
The platform is highly intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate for both admins and employees when handling everyday tasks like payroll processing, benefits enrollment, and HR reporting. The flexibility in HR and payroll features does not require a need for extensive training. The mobile app stands out as amazing, with a great interface that enables quick access to employee related items
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Reliability and Availability
Paychex Inc.
We have not experienced any difficulties with unplanned outages. Notifications are always made for outages, and they do not effect normal business operations.
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TriNet
We had an issue with application errors - took TriNet 5 months to fix it, mean while we had someone manually tracking and keeping up with many requests and questions about the application error which affected time off. When we were all registering for Benefits during open enrollment there were lots of bugs that caused issues with registering for benefits or being able to see what benefits were available
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Performance
Paychex Inc.
Unless there is lag time within the internet, the Paychex Flex website loads exceptional fast, pages load quickly and reports that I need to print or download load quickly. If I need to create a specialized report, once I complete it I receive an e-mail telling me my report is ready to be downloaded. Changing between web pages is fast as well.
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TriNet
For the most part pages load quickly. Working for a software company we understand performance is everything, even a few seconds delay can feel like a lifetime, that being said, we ran into a few times where pages didn't load, information didn't load correctly, and an influx in users (like open enrollment) cause things to slow down
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Support Rating
Paychex Inc.
The dedicated support we are given is good and very responsive. If there is a change to the dedicated support, we are notified quickly and have temporary support in place while we wait for our new rep. The phone support is knowledgeable and quick to help if there is an immediate need. However, the chat support can be the slowest option and doesn't always launch so I rarely use it.
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TriNet
The support overall is very good. There seems to be a good number of customer support staff and they are knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with and it almost all cases are able to resolve the question or issue very quickly. My only complaint would be having to wait in some cases as I'm based in the UK and the correct department may not be open 24 hours.
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In-Person Training
Paychex Inc.
We did online training only
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TriNet
it's been awhile, but I recall them being helpful. I got through a lot of it and when I needed help, they can walk me through it over the phone. It's also pretty user friendly in general at a platform. I don't really know what else to type, but they came and helped me in person and also when there was something new, they came and talked to me. They have not done that since with the new model that I hate
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Online Training
Paychex Inc.
It was easy to understand and follow along. I do like the informational videos that we can utilize before we opt to call in for customer service support. It has made a difference since sometimes that resolves the issue I may have had and saved myself a phone call to Paychex support.
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TriNet
Since this was already implemented. I have another employee briefly train me. Then Trinet rep gave me some training as needed for things that came up. For one payroll preview report I figured it could be done, but I had asked the rep to be sure. One important training was when there was an employee leaving the company.
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Implementation Rating
Paychex Inc.
Implementation was very smooth. The most cumbersome task was entering the current employees into the system during initial set up, but Paychex staff handled most of that and verified against prior system reports as well as internal reports provided to ensure 100% accuracy.
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TriNet
not applicable as I implementation was done 5 years ago and have no recollection of the details of the process. Above it says to skip question if not involved in the process but it will not allow me to skip it as it states explanation requitred thus making this process extremely frustrating.
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Alternatives Considered
Paychex Inc.
In addition to the ones listed above, we also used BenePay, a local payroll company. We found Paychex Flex priced in the middle, with ADP the most expensive and too complicated, with many features that were unnecessary for us. We found that Paychex Flex's features and reporting to be sized right for our size (around 30 employees). Paychex Flex also offered a very reasonable service to apply for the ERTC
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TriNet
I liked Rippling's software better than TriNet. However, the pricing on employee benefits was through the roof, and they don't offer many selections/options. If it was a software only decision, I would go with Rippling (the 2.0 version of Zenefits which TriNet offers). However, the software isn't a major need, compared to smooth payroll and benefits that I get from TriNet (and great service). I'm happy at TriNet long term as long as the health insurance rates aren't exhorbinant.
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Contract Terms and Pricing Model
Paychex Inc.
No answers on this topic
TriNet
Very reasonable vs other competitors - worked out a good deal.
Read full review
Scalability
Paychex Inc.
I generally do payroll at the office, however I have had to go remote due to internet issues and also had to take payroll on vacation with me. Very easy to log in wherever you are and manage your TAA and payroll
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TriNet
We are a small company, do we use it across departments and sites? Yes, we are all remote working, so there are as many sites as there are people. We also have our entire staff using TriNet, so every department from Accounting, Admin, HR, Development, QA, and Management are all using this. Can't say for sure how great the scalability is as we are only about 30 employees
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Professional Services
Paychex Inc.
No answers on this topic
TriNet
Incredible professional resources are available.
Read full review
Return on Investment
Paychex Inc.
  • With Paychex Flex we have been able to improve our compliance with required documentation for new/rehires
  • Moving everyone to direct deposit and mobile clock in/out eliminated lines at punching stations and paycheck pickup stations
  • Lost checks is a thing of the past
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TriNet
  • Stay within HR Compliance - when the new laws about Salary change came into effect I received an email on impacted employees and how to address.
  • More involvement in employee benefits. With greater benefit selection more employees were able to find plans that suited their needs.
  • The TimeClock took a little time to get used to. It is still a little frustrating at times for hourly employees to be able to track how many hours they actually have for the week/pay-period. The off the clock meals count towards "hours" and employees have to subtract that out to be able to see what they need for the rest of the week.
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ScreenShots

Paychex Screenshots

Screenshot of Paychex Payroll DashboardScreenshot of Employee Background ChecksScreenshot of Paychex HR DashboardScreenshot of Paychex Flex Perks