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TriNet vs QuickBooks Payroll (2024 Comparison)

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 07, 2024

We earn a commission from partner links on Keevee. Commissions do not affect our editor's opinions or evaluations.

Excellent Value For Price
4.3

0

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TriNet

TriNet offers a comprehensive suite of HR services, including payroll, benefits, and compliance support. Its scalable solutions and strong compliance support make it an ideal choice for growing businesses.

  • Comprehensive HR services
  • Strong compliance support
  • Scalable solutions
  • Complex interface
  • Higher cost for small businesses

Free plan?

No

Starting price

Contact sales
Excellent Value For Price
4.5

0

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QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll provides efficient payroll management with a user-friendly interface and seamless QuickBooks integration. Its payroll automation features make it a top choice for businesses seeking streamlined payroll solutions.

  • User-friendly interface
  • Seamless QuickBooks integration
  • Efficient payroll automation
  • Limited HR services
  • Higher cost for advanced features

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$42.50 per month

What is TriNet?

TriNet is a comprehensive HR solution that offers a range of services including payroll, benefits, and compliance support. It helps businesses streamline their HR processes, allowing them to focus on growth and productivity. With TriNet, you can manage employee benefits, handle payroll efficiently, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. This tool is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking to outsource their HR functions to a reliable partner.

What is QuickBooks Payroll?

QuickBooks Payroll is a robust payroll management software that simplifies the payroll process for businesses. It offers features like automatic payroll tax calculations, direct deposit, and employee self-service portals. QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, providing a unified platform for managing finances and payroll. This tool is ideal for businesses seeking an efficient and user-friendly payroll solution that reduces manual work and ensures accuracy.

Pros and Cons of TriNet vs QuickBooks Payroll

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Pros & Cons of TriNet

Comprehensive HR services
  • TriNet offers a full suite of HR services, including benefits administration, compliance support, and payroll management. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to outsource their HR functions to a reliable partner.
Strong compliance support
  • With TriNet, businesses can stay compliant with ever-changing regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues. This is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have dedicated compliance teams.
Scalable solutions
  • TriNet's solutions are designed to grow with your business, providing the flexibility and scalability needed to adapt to changing business needs. This makes it a great choice for businesses on a growth trajectory.
Complex interface
  • TriNet's comprehensive nature can make its interface feel complex, requiring users to invest time in learning how to navigate the platform effectively. This may be a drawback for businesses seeking a more straightforward solution.
Higher cost for small businesses
  • While TriNet offers extensive features, its pricing may be higher for small businesses with limited budgets. This could be a consideration for businesses looking for more cost-effective HR solutions.
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Pros & Cons of QuickBooks Payroll

User-friendly interface
  • QuickBooks Payroll is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage payroll tasks efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for businesses new to payroll software.
Seamless QuickBooks integration
  • QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, providing a unified platform for managing finances and payroll. This integration simplifies financial management for businesses already using QuickBooks.
Efficient payroll automation
  • QuickBooks Payroll offers efficient payroll automation features, reducing manual work and ensuring accuracy in payroll processing. This is ideal for businesses looking to streamline their payroll operations.
Limited HR services
  • While QuickBooks Payroll excels in payroll management, it offers limited HR services compared to comprehensive HR solutions like TriNet. This may be a drawback for businesses seeking a full HR package.
Higher cost for advanced features
  • QuickBooks Payroll's advanced features may come at a higher cost, which could be a consideration for businesses with limited budgets. This is important to consider when evaluating the overall value of the tool.

TriNet vs QuickBooks Payroll: At A Glance

Decision FactorTriNetQuickBooks Payroll
Value to Price
Good4.2
Excellent4.4
Ease of Use
Good4.0
Excellent4.6
Functionality
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.7
Scalability
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.5
Integrations
Good4.1
Excellent4.6
Customer Support
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.3
Security
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.4
Overall Rating
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.5

Value to Price

TriNet offers a comprehensive suite of HR services, making it a valuable investment for businesses looking to outsource HR functions. Its pricing reflects the extensive features and support provided. QuickBooks Payroll, on the other hand, offers competitive pricing with a focus on payroll management, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses primarily seeking payroll solutions. If you need a full HR package, TriNet is worth the investment, but for payroll-specific needs, QuickBooks Payroll offers great value.

Ease of Use

QuickBooks Payroll is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage payroll tasks efficiently. TriNet, while offering a wide range of features, may require a bit more time to get accustomed to due to its comprehensive nature. If you prioritize ease of use, QuickBooks Payroll is the better choice, especially for those new to payroll software.

Functionality

Both TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll offer robust functionality, but TriNet stands out with its extensive HR services, including benefits and compliance support. QuickBooks Payroll excels in payroll management, offering features like automatic tax calculations and direct deposit. If you need a tool with broader HR capabilities, TriNet is the way to go. For focused payroll functionality, QuickBooks Payroll is ideal.

Scalability

TriNet is designed to support businesses as they grow, offering scalable HR solutions that can adapt to changing needs. QuickBooks Payroll also offers scalability, particularly for businesses looking to expand their payroll operations. If your business is on a growth trajectory and requires comprehensive HR support, TriNet is a strong contender. For payroll-specific scalability, QuickBooks Payroll is a reliable choice.

Integrations

QuickBooks Payroll integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, providing a unified platform for managing finances and payroll. TriNet offers integrations with various HR and business tools, enhancing its versatility. If you are already using QuickBooks for accounting, QuickBooks Payroll is a natural fit. For broader integration needs, TriNet offers more flexibility.

Customer Support

TriNet provides dedicated customer support, ensuring businesses receive the assistance they need for HR-related queries. QuickBooks Payroll also offers reliable support, with resources available to help users navigate payroll challenges. If personalized support is a priority, TriNet's customer service is commendable. QuickBooks Payroll offers solid support for payroll-specific issues.

Security

Both TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll prioritize security, implementing measures to protect sensitive employee and payroll data. TriNet's comprehensive HR services include security protocols to safeguard information. QuickBooks Payroll also ensures data protection, particularly for payroll transactions. If security is a top concern, both tools offer reliable protection, with TriNet providing additional HR-related security features.

Overall Rating

TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll both receive high overall ratings, reflecting their effectiveness in their respective domains. TriNet excels in providing a full suite of HR services, while QuickBooks Payroll is a leader in payroll management. If you need a comprehensive HR solution, TriNet is highly recommended. For payroll-specific needs, QuickBooks Payroll is the top choice.

TriNet vs QuickBooks Payroll: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features

FeaturesTriNetQuickBooks Payroll
Payroll Management
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.7
HR Services
Excellent4.6
Good4.2
Tax Compliance
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.5
Employee Self-Service
Good4.2
Excellent4.6
Reporting and Analytics
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.3
Mobile Access
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4

Payroll Management

QuickBooks Payroll shines in payroll management with its intuitive interface and automation features, making payroll processing a breeze. TriNet also offers robust payroll management, but its strength lies in its comprehensive HR services. If your primary focus is on efficient payroll management, QuickBooks Payroll is the superior choice. However, if you need a tool that combines payroll with extensive HR capabilities, TriNet is worth considering.

HR Services

TriNet excels in providing a wide range of HR services, including benefits administration and compliance support. QuickBooks Payroll, while strong in payroll, offers limited HR services. If your business requires comprehensive HR support, TriNet is the better option. For businesses focused solely on payroll, QuickBooks Payroll remains a strong contender.

Tax Compliance

Both TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll offer reliable tax compliance features, ensuring businesses meet their tax obligations accurately. QuickBooks Payroll automates tax calculations, reducing manual errors. TriNet provides additional compliance support as part of its HR services. If tax compliance is a priority, both tools are effective, with QuickBooks Payroll offering automation and TriNet providing broader compliance support.

Employee Self-Service

QuickBooks Payroll offers a user-friendly employee self-service portal, allowing employees to access their payroll information easily. TriNet also provides self-service options, but its focus is more on HR services. If empowering employees with easy access to payroll data is important, QuickBooks Payroll is the better choice. For a more comprehensive HR self-service experience, TriNet is a strong option.

Reporting and Analytics

TriNet offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, providing valuable insights into HR and payroll data. QuickBooks Payroll also offers reporting features, but its strength lies in payroll management. If you need detailed HR analytics, TriNet is the superior choice. For payroll-specific reporting, QuickBooks Payroll is effective.

Mobile Access

Both TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll offer mobile access, allowing users to manage HR and payroll tasks on the go. QuickBooks Payroll's mobile app is particularly user-friendly, making it easy to handle payroll tasks from anywhere. TriNet also offers mobile access, with a focus on HR services. If mobile payroll management is a priority, QuickBooks Payroll is the better option. For broader HR mobile access, TriNet is a solid choice.

Pricing Comparison of TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll

To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of TriNet and QuickBooks Payroll. This comparison will highlight the best option for managing your HR and payroll needs.

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TriNet Pricing Plans

Essentials
For Small Businesses
Contact sales
Request Pricingright_arrow
Essentials includes:
  • Centralized employee system of record for easy access to information.
  • Comprehensive company directory and organizational chart.
  • Secure document management for employee records.
  • Custom reporting to analyze HR data effectively.
Growth
For Growing Businesses
Contact sales
Request Pricingright_arrow
Includes Essentials, plus:
  • Payroll integration for seamless payroll processing.
  • Enhanced compliance assistant for regulatory adherence.
  • Mobile app for on-the-go HR management.
  • Spending accounts management for employee benefits.
Zen
For Large Enterprises
Contact sales
Request Pricingright_arrow
Includes Growth, plus:
  • Comprehensive payroll processing features.
  • Advanced reporting for deeper insights into HR operations.
  • Enhanced employee engagement surveys for feedback collection.
  • Real-time company feed for effective communication.
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QuickBooks Payroll Pricing Plans

Payroll Core + Simple Start
For Small Businesses
$42.5

per month

Try For Freeright_arrow
Payroll Core + Simple Start includes:
  • Auto Payroll feature to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
  • Employee portal for easy access to pay stubs and tax forms.
  • Track income and expenses to maintain financial clarity.
  • Invoice and accept payments to streamline cash flow management.
Payroll Core + Essentials
For Growing Businesses
$57.5

per month

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Payroll Core + Simple Start, plus:
  • Run enhanced reports to gain deeper insights into business performance.
  • Manage bills and enter time to streamline operations.
  • Connect up to 3 sales channels for expanded reach.
  • Includes 3 users to facilitate team collaboration.
Payroll Premium + Plus
For Large Enterprises
$92

per month

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Payroll Core + Essentials, plus:
  • 24/7 expert product support for uninterrupted assistance.
  • Track project profitability to optimize resource allocation.
  • Track inventory to manage stock levels effectively.
  • Includes 5 users to support larger teams.

Our Rating Methodology

We thoroughly evaluate each payroll and HR tool, focusing on key factors like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and conducting in-depth testing, we ensure our recommendations fit your needs. Each factor is weighted by importance to deliver a reliable final rating, helping you make informed decisions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

TriNet or QuickBooks Payroll: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?

Choose TriNet If You Need ...

  • Comprehensive HR solution

    If you are a business looking for a comprehensive HR solution that includes payroll, benefits, and compliance support, TriNet is the ideal choice. Its extensive HR services make it a reliable partner for outsourcing HR functions.

  • Scalable HR services

    If your business is on a growth trajectory and requires scalable HR services that can adapt to changing needs, TriNet offers the flexibility and support needed to support your expansion.

Choose QuickBooks Payroll If You Need ...

  • Efficient payroll management

    If you are a business seeking efficient payroll management with a user-friendly interface, QuickBooks Payroll is the top choice. Its intuitive features make payroll processing a breeze.

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration

    If you are already using QuickBooks for accounting and need a payroll solution that integrates seamlessly, QuickBooks Payroll is the natural fit. Its integration simplifies financial management.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.