TriNet HR Software Review and Pricing

Why We Chose TriNet for Startups

We like the TriNet HR Plus platform for startups because of its broad toolset and flexible plan structure. The vendor offers several add-ons and service levels, so new businesses can choose a package that fits their needs today and easily scale as their teams grow. We also appreciate that TriNet supports full-time employees and contractors, which is especially helpful for early-stage companies managing mixed workforces.

The platform covers essential HR tasks, including employee recruitment tools, automated onboarding, performance management, employee scheduling, time tracking and payroll. These core functions give startups an organized, reliable way to stay on top of HR responsibilities while focusing on growth.

When it comes to employee benefits, you can work with TriNet’s certified brokers or use your own. We like that this flexibility helps startups control costs and choose the approach that best supports their teams. We also found the platform intuitive to use, with a clean interface that makes it easy for employers and employees to navigate.

Ease of Use

One of our favorite aspects of the TriNet HR Plus platform is its ease of use. When we tested the software, we found the interface to be modern and simple to navigate. You can automate HR processes, like employee onboarding, which helps speed up various tasks.

Because employees have access to a variety of self-service features, they can easily take control of everyday HR needs and responsibilities. Additionally, the TriNet software integrates with over 30 third-party applications. While this is fewer than some other systems offer, we still found the available integrations valuable for streamlining essential workflows.

TriNet HR Platform Features

TriNet’s HR platform offers businesses the core HR tools needed to manage employees. Here are a few of the capabilities we think stand out most for startups.

Recruiting and Onboarding

If your business is in its growing stages, you know that recruiting and onboarding can be a laborious yet essential part of HR. The TriNet HR platform can be enhanced with recruiting tools powered by JazzHR; they’re offered as optional add-ons for those who want to streamline the candidate sourcing and recruitment process. 

However, even without the add-on, TriNet’s HR software can help with the onboarding process through automated onboarding tools, which include digital offer letters and templates. We like that the platform includes employee self-service features that let new hires complete their paperwork digitally, reducing the administrative burden on HR teams.

Similar to other HR solutions, the TriNet HR platform includes digital documents with e-signatures, an employee system of record, document management tools, and company directories and organizational charts. The program also integrates with background check service Checkr, so you can easily work those screenings into your onboarding process. Plus, because the software supports automated workflows, you can rest assured that no onboarding steps will be missed — a key benefit for busy startups.

Benefits Administration

Some HR software companies require you to use them as a benefits broker, while others let you supply your own. We like that TriNet gives you a choice. It has certified brokers and can provide employee benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefits; 401(k) retirement plans; life and disability insurance; and supplemental benefits. 

The vendor also allows businesses to work with their own broker, but there may be an additional fee. Either way, we found this level of flexibility especially useful for startups, as newer businesses may or may not already have a preferred benefits broker.

Time and Attendance

We were impressed with TriNet HR’s time and attendance features, including employee scheduling and time-off tracking. You can create and edit shifts, build employee schedules around specific times or roles, and receive automated schedule notifications.

Employees can clock in and out, and you can track their locations with geolocation features. The platform also offers standard time-off tools, like paid-time-off (PTO) policy management, time-off requests and approvals, time-off blackout dates and a PTO balance calculator. TriNet automatically syncs time and attendance data with its payroll module, ensuring accuracy and reducing manual data entry. These features are crucial for staffing your business appropriately and are on par with industry standards.

Payroll

Payroll comes built into the TriNet HR Plus platform, giving you access to features like unlimited payroll runs, garnishment support, direct deposit, tips reporting and general ledger reporting. We like that you can set multiple schedules and pay rates, as well as handle contractor payments.

When we tested the software, we found the payroll dashboard easy to navigate. It has a calendar for pay periods and a list of paid and pending payroll runs, and it displays a clear banner that tells you when you need to approve your next payroll run.

TriNet HR Platform Pricing

TriNet no longer publishes fixed plan tiers or per-employee rates for its HR Plus platform. Instead, the service uses a custom, per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model based on your company size and the level of HR support you need. We like this approach for startups because it keeps pricing aligned with headcount and makes it easy to scale as your team grows. However, the quote-based structure can make it harder for small businesses to compare costs across vendors before speaking with a sales representative.

TriNet highlights three core pricing principles for HR Plus:

• Simple pricing: TriNet charges a flat PEPM fee.
• Service plan options: Businesses can choose the support level that fits their needs.
• Few additional charges: Most core HR features are included, such as onboarding, time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll, basic HR compliance tools and employee records management, with only a short list of add-ons:
  • Recruiting tools powered by JazzHR
  • HR services for independent contractors
  • Tools for international workers, such as global HR management and document tools

These extras allow startups to expand their HR capabilities without committing to a higher service tier.

Although specific plan names and exact pricing are no longer listed publicly, TriNet says it will walk you through available service levels during a guided demo and provide a tailored estimate (though it doesn’t provide an online trial or sandbox account).

Implementation and Onboarding

We love that the TriNet HR platform is quick to implement. Basic implementation takes about 14 to 30 days. Some small businesses, like startups, can be up and running in as little as seven days, depending on how long it takes to import company information and policies. You can use the provider’s self-service implementation method to set up your company and employee profiles, hiring process, policies and more on your own.

Larger companies can choose the advanced implementation process. This involves working with a TriNet implementation manager to map out an implementation and onboarding plan and set up your account. This process typically takes about 30 to 60 days, which is on par with the industry standard for larger organizations.

Customer Service

TriNet handles customer support for HR Plus directly through the HR platform. When you need help, you can log in and use the chat box on the dashboard to submit a question, review instant resolutions or open a support ticket. The system routes your request to the appropriate specialist, which makes it easy for startups to get answers without waiting on traditional phone support.

We like that TriNet also provides self-service tools, including a help center, training videos and troubleshooting guides, which can be especially helpful for new businesses getting comfortable with HR processes.

If you need more hands-on assistance, TriNet’s HR Plus service levels — such as HR Advisory, Payroll Tax Compliance Manager, Payroll Manager and HR Manager — give you access to specialists who can help with HR, payroll and compliance questions as your business grows.

Limitations

While the TriNet HR platform has a lot to offer startups, there are a few limitations to consider.

• No published pricing: TriNet no longer publishes plan tiers or per-employee rates for its HR Plus service. Instead, pricing is customized based on your company’s size and service needs. Although we like the flexibility of this approach, it can make it harder to estimate costs upfront. If transparent, self-serve pricing is a must, check out our review of Gusto, which lists pricing online.
• Limited support channels for HR Plus users: TriNet has consolidated most support for HR Plus customers into its in-app chat system. Phone support is reserved for PEO customers only, which could be a drawback for businesses that prefer live phone help. Read our review of GoCo HR to learn about a platform known for responsive, knowledgeable support. 
• No free trial or sandbox environment. TriNet does not offer a free trial or self-guided demo environment for its HR platform. Instead, businesses must book a demo to see the software in action. If you want to test a platform before committing, check out our review of Bambee HR software, which offers a generous 30-day trial.

Methodology

We spent weeks investigating and analyzing dozens of HR systems to find the best human resources software on the market. Our evaluations focused on pricing, contracts, recruiting and onboarding tools, employee benefits administration, time-tracking features, payroll processing abilities, performance management features, analytics, integrations, legal compliance assistance, usability and customer service options. Whenever possible, we watched product videos, joined live demos and reviewed hands-on walkthroughs to see how each platform performs in real business scenarios.

To identify the best HR software for startups specifically, we compared a number of products and focused especially on pricing, scalability, employee onboarding tools, ease of use, employee self-service options and payroll and benefits administration.

Bottom Line

We recommend TriNet’s HR platform for …

• Startups and growing businesses that want scalable HR tools.
• Companies that need streamlined onboarding and employee self-service features.
• Organizations looking for an all-in-one HR, payroll and benefits administration solution.

We don’t recommend TriNet’s HR platform for …

• Companies that need frequent and speedy customer service.
• Businesses that require more extensive third-party integrations than what TriNet currently supports.
• Teams that prefer transparent, published pricing without having to request a quote.