Gusto vs. TriNet: Which Payroll and HR Platform is Right for Your Business?

When you're managing an hourly team, spreadsheets and sticky notes can only go so far...before chaos strikes. Notes will go missing, and you'll be stuck manually filling out spreadsheets till late at night (sound familiar yet?). 

But with the right payroll and HR platform, you can skip the stress, catch up on sleep, and give your team the support they need. 

If you're stuck between Gusto vs. TriNet, we compared their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you pick the best fit for your business.

Key takeaways

• Gusto is a payroll and HR software designed for small to mid-sized businesses that want easy-to-use payroll and HR tools with clear pricing.
• TriNet offers a deeper set of HR features, making it a strong choice for businesses with more complex HR needs.
• Looking for an all-in-one tool? Homebase combines payroll, time tracking, scheduling, team messaging, hiring, and compliance—so you can skip the hassle of juggling multiple systems.

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Overview: Why Gusto vs. TriNet?

When you're shopping for payroll and HR software, Gusto and TriNet often top the list. But they’re built for different needs.

We’re comparing Gusto vs. TriNet because they both offer payroll and HR support, but TriNet leans deeper into HR management, while Gusto keeps things simple.

If you’re mainly looking for easy, affordable payroll with light HR tools, Gusto has you covered. But if you’re growing fast and need features like performance reviews, compensation planning, and complex compliance support, TriNet may be a better fit.

This comparison helps you figure out which tool aligns with your team’s size, needs, and future plans, so you don’t end up overpaying for software or under-supporting your people.

Need more options? Check out our guide for the best payroll solutions for small businesses.

What is Gusto?

Gusto launched in 2011 as an online payroll and HR platform for small businesses. It’s built to be easy to use and budget-friendly, covering payroll, tax filing, and basic benefits.

With Gusto you get:

• Automated payroll with tax filing and direct deposits.
• Health benefits and 401(k) management.
• Employee onboarding and document management.
• Compliance reminders and basic labor law support.

Gusto’s user-friendly dashboard and “set it and forget it” payroll runs make it popular with startups and local businesses without full HR teams.

In short: Gusto makes paying and managing your team simple—even if you’re not an HR expert.

What is TriNet?

TriNet is an all-in-one HR software built for businesses that want more robust HR tools alongside payroll.

With TriNet, you get:

• Core HR tools like onboarding, benefits administration, and PTO tracking.
• Advanced features like performance reviews and compensation planning.
• Stronger compliance monitoring across multiple states.
• Add-on payroll services that sync directly with HR data.

TriNet works well if your company is hiring fast, operating across state lines, or needs automation for complex HR tasks.

In short: TriNet is a better fit if HR is a big part of your business strategy, not just a back-office task.

Feature comparison: Gusto vs. TriNet

Choosing between Gusto vs. TriNet comes down to what you prioritize:

• Simple payroll with basic HR support → Gusto
• Full HR management system → TriNet

Let’s take a closer look at how they stack up.

Payroll processing

In 2023, the IRS collected over $68 billion in unpaid taxes. Payroll mistakes can be costly—but good software helps you avoid them.

Gusto automates payroll so it runs smoothly in the background. It calculates taxes, files forms, and sends payments with minimal setup.

TriNet offers payroll too, but it’s an add-on that connects with their HR tools. You’ll get deeper integration, but it may require more setup.

Bottom line:

• Choose Gusto if you want payroll that’s fast and hands-off.
• Choose TriNet if payroll needs to work inside a larger HR system.

Employee benefits

Gusto offers a benefits marketplace with health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. You can easily offer employee benefits in any state without shopping around yourself.

TriNet provides even more benefits management tools, including automated enrollments, ACA compliance, and open enrollment support.

Bottom line:

• Gusto is great for simple, ready-to-go benefits.
• TriNet is better for large or more complex benefits programs.

Time tracking

Tracking your team’s hours shouldn’t be messy—or take up your whole afternoon. 

Gusto includes basic time tracking, letting employees clock in and out with hours synced directly to payroll.

TriNet doesn’t offer built-in time tracking—you’ll need to connect a third-party app like Homebase, Deputy, or QuickBooks Time.

Bottom line:

• Go with Gusto if you want built-in time tracking without extra apps.
• Go with TriNet if you’re already using other time-tracking tools.

Psst… did you know Homebase also has built-in time tracking? We make it easy for hourly teams to track hours and clock in and out from anywhere.

Homebase is always ready to go—in your pocket or at the office. Join for free today.

HR features

Gusto offers hiring templates, onboarding checklists, and compliance reminders to help you stay organized.

TriNet adds performance management, compensation planning, and HR workflow automation, giving you more tools to manage a growing team.

Bottom line:

• Gusto works well for basic HR needs.
• TriNet is built for businesses with bigger HR demands.

Compliance support

TriNet includes strong compliance tools, with alerts to flag issues like missing documentation or updated labor laws. It’s helpful if you operate in multiple states or regulated industries.

Gusto provides the essentials—like payroll tax filing and deadline reminders—but doesn’t go as deep.

Bottom line:

• Gusto covers the basics.
• TriNet is better if you need extra compliance support across multiple locations.

Pricing transparency

Gusto offers clear, straightforward pricing with no surprise fees. You choose from three plans based on the HR features you need.

TriNet uses tiered pricing—affordable at first, but costs can climb as you add payroll and other services.

Bottom line:

• Choose Gusto if you want predictable costs.
• Choose TriNet if you’re okay paying more for extra features.

Customer support

Gusto offers support by chat, email, and phone. Some customers love it, but others say it can take a while to get help or get issues resolved.

TriNet also offers chat, email, and phone support. Plus, you can get advice from certified HR pros for trickier HR questions. Just know that some users report slow or frustrating tech support experiences.

Bottom line: 

• Both get mixed reviews, but Gusto is usually faster for basic support.
• TriNet gives you expert HR help—if you’re okay waiting longer.

Scalability

Gusto works best for startups and small businesses looking for simple payroll and HR tools. But if you’re growing fast or planning to scale beyond a mid-sized business, you might eventually need something bigger.

TriNet is built for fast-growing companies managing bigger teams, multiple locations, and more complex HR needs. If you’re not growing quickly or don’t need all the bells and whistles yet, you might not use everything it offers.

Bottom line: 

• Gusto is great for steady growth.
• TriNet is better for businesses scaling up quickly and handling more complexity.

Key differences in features

Here’s the gist of how Gusto vs. TriNet compare:

• Payroll and benefits: Gusto makes payroll easy with built-in benefits and tax filing. TriNet combines payroll into a broader HR system, better for businesses needing more compliance oversight.
• Compliance: TriNet has stronger compliance tools—good if you deal with complex labor laws. Gusto covers the basics if you’re not in a heavily regulated industry.
• Pricing: Gusto keeps pricing clear and upfront. TriNet uses tiered pricing that can climb as you add services.

Gusto: Pros and cons

No tool is perfect. Here's what stands out about Gusto and where it might fall short depending on your business needs.

Advantages of Gusto

What people like about Gusto:

• User-friendly: Designed for busy business owners who don’t have time to learn complicated systems.
• Transparent pricing: You know exactly what you’ll pay each month, with no hidden costs creeping in later.
• All-in-one HR tools: From hiring to compliance to payroll, Gusto covers the essentials.
• International payroll: Gusto lets you manage both US-based and international teammates.
• Third-party integrations: Syncs with popular apps like QuickBooks, Xero, and Homebase to make operations smoother.
• Self-service portal: Your team can manage their own pay stubs, W-2s, and benefits without having to bug managers.

Gusto shines when you need quick setup, easy payroll runs, and basic HR management in one clean system.

Drawbacks of Gusto

Where Gusto falls short:

• Basic compliance: It handles taxes and basic HR laws, but doesn’t have the deep compliance tools you might need as you grow bigger.
• Not ideal for rapid growth: If you're adding dozens of employees quickly, you might eventually outgrow Gusto’s more basic structure.
• Customer support wait times: During busy periods, it can sometimes take a while to get help.

Gusto is great for small businesses that want simplicity over bells and whistles.

TriNet: Pros and cons

TriNet offers a lot, but its payroll is an additional cost, and setup takes time. Here’s how the platform stacks up overall.

Advantages of TriNet

Why some businesses choose TriNet:

• Full HR suite: Payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee management in one system.
• Advanced compliance: Great for businesses operating in multiple states or industries with tricky labor laws.
• Automation and integrations: Workflow automation saves you from tons of manual admin work.
• Customizable plans: You can pick and choose features based on your specific needs.
• Benefits administration: Ensures compliance and cost-effective employee benefits for easy administration.

If you want HR to be fully hands-off and legally airtight, TriNet is a strong choice.

Drawbacks of TriNet

Potential downsides:

• Pricing complexity: The base price looks great until you add payroll, benefits, or performance tools—costs add up fast.
• Longer setup and learning curve: Setup takes time and attention, especially if you don’t have a dedicated HR person.
• Payroll is an add-on: Some payroll services cost extra instead of being part of the standard HR plans.
• Support availability: Access to HR advisors is helpful, but general tech support response times can lag.

TriNet is better if you treat HR as a strategic function that needs to be hands-off, airtight, and scalable—and you’re okay paying more for it.

Gusto vs. TriNet: Pricing breakdown

When we compared pricing between Gusto vs. TriNet, Gusto came out more transparent and budget-friendly overall. TriNet starts low, but extra costs can pile up fast.

Gusto pricing

Gusto’s plans are easy to understand, and you can estimate your monthly bill right from their pricing page—no mystery consultations needed. Their plans are:

• Simple plan: Payroll and benefits for small teams starting at $49/month + $6 per employee.
• Plus plan: Adds hiring and onboarding tools, plus compliance support.
• Premium plan: Full HR suite access, including performance management, dedicated support, and more.

TriNet pricing

Payroll costs extra, and adding advanced reporting, compliance services, or advisory support can push prices up even more.

• Essentials plan: Core HR management and compliance tools.
• Growth plan: Adds performance management and compensation planning.
• Zen plan: Access to advanced features like employee engagement surveys and a people hub.

The final word on cost considerations

Want simple, transparent pricing? Go with Gusto.

Want a custom-built HR system you can build out (and budget for)? TriNet gives you more flexibility and a higher price tag to match.

Why Homebase is stronger than Gusto and TriNet

What is Homebase?

If you’re managing an hourly team in food service, retail, hospitality, or healthcare, Gusto and TriNet might feel like overkill—or not quite enough.

Homebase gives you everything you need in one easy app, built specifically for small businesses:

• Payroll processing: Automated payroll, tax filing, and direct deposits.
• Employee scheduling: Drag-and-drop team scheduling.
• Time tracking: A reliable time clock to track employee hours, time-off, and labor law compliance.
• Hiring and onboarding: Easily recruit and onboard new team members. Hiring delays cost businesses time—the average time to hire is 44 days—so our built-in hiring and onboarding workflows help speed up this process.
• Team communication: Built-in team messaging so your team gets updates right on their phone.

Unlike TriNet, you won’t need to buy extra add-ons. And unlike Gusto, you get built-in scheduling and time tracking—no third-party apps required.

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Why you should choose Homebase over Gusto and TriNet

When you compare them side by side, Homebase stands out because we offer:

• All-in-one team management: Payroll, scheduling, time tracking, and HR without multiple systems or extra costs.
• Budget-friendly: Affordable for small businesses if you want to save money without cutting corners.
• User-friendly: Designed for non-HR experts—no complex training just to run payroll.
• Flexible without PEO contracts: You don’t need to sign a co-employment agreement like some competitors require.
• Better scheduling and time tracking: Scheduling and communication are built-in and don’t require you to buy third-party integrations like Gusto and TriNet.

Why businesses prefer Homebase

Thousands of businesses use Homebase every day because:

• It’s more affordable than TriNet.
• It’s easier to use than Gusto.
• It’s designed for real hourly teams in restaurants, retail, healthcare, and service.
• It eliminates the need for multiple tools by combining payroll, HR, and scheduling.

“With Homebase, I am able to save 20 hours a month making my schedule. You guys make it so easy, I never have to worry! — Angel Putnam, Franchisor, Pigtails & Crewcuts

Gusto is great if you’re looking for simple, affordable payroll. And TriNet is a good bet if your business is growing fast and needs deeper HR tools. But Homebase is the best all-in-one tool for small businesses.

We make everything easier for you, from payroll to scheduling to team management, designed for hourly teams like yours.

“Homebase helps us keep track of all our hours and staffing, helps us get our labor under control and keep our team in contact with each other, we couldn’t imagine life without them.” — Connor Ward, Owner, Altona Hotel

No need to get lost in a sea of paperwork or different apps. Homebase makes running your team’s HR and payroll as easy as checking your phone.

Make your team unstoppable and try Homebase for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I switch from Gusto to TriNet or another payroll provider?

Yes, you can switch from Gusto to TriNet or another payroll provider, but timing matters. The process may require data transfers and new system configurations. So, the best time to switch is at the end of a quarter or year to avoid tax reporting headaches.

Is TriNet better than Gusto for compliance?

Yes, TriNet is better than Gusto for compliance because it offers more compliance features, especially for multi-state businesses that need constant regulatory updates.

How does Homebase compare to Gusto and TriNet?

Homebase compared to Gusto and TriNet is the best option for small businesses needing payroll, scheduling, time tracking, and HR in one app. Unlike Gusto and TriNet, Homebase is tailored specifically for small business owners managing hourly teams.

Which HR platform is more cost-effective?

Homebase is the more cost-effective HR platform compared to Gusto and TriNet while still offering everything your team needs in one simple app.

Gusto is cheaper than TriNet, but it’s better for businesses that only need payroll and basic HR. Meanwhile, TriNet is costlier due to its complex features and many add-ons, like payroll.