Top 10 Best PEO Companies in 2023
ADP Totalsource is the best full-service PEO for companies that need a comprehensive PEO solution.
Paychex is our choice for best customer focus when it comes to PEO services.
Insperity is the best option for startups in 2023.
TriNet are the top choice for small businesses.
BBSI are the best PEO where you need additional value-added services.
Infiniti HR are the top choice for enterprises and large companies that need full-scale HR and PEO solutions.
Justworks are only top PEO with full pricing transparency. This makes them no. 1 for pricing.
Oasis are the choice for companies needing PEOs with expertise in specific industries.
Amplify are the best PEO for employee wellbeing. Their benefits packages ensure employee healthcare and safety is the priority.
AlphaStaff are the top pick for compliance. Their risk management focus is unrivalled in the PEO industry.
Top 10 PEOs — What We Looked For
Picking the right PEO can be tricky. Business owners must take their available budget, current and future needs, geographic territory, and specific industry needs into account. Our list of Top Ten PEO Companies provides something for everyone; a la carte and add-on options for fast-changing businesses, budget-conscious plans with flexible contracts, international capabilities to support expansion and remote teams, industry-specific support staff, entrepreneurial resources for new business owners, local expertise for regionally based businesses, and more.
The PEO companies on this list cover everything that a business could need in a PEO. As always, though, be sure your chosen PEO operates in the same regions as your business and employees, offers the tools that you need to continue growing, and provides the right coverage to keep your employees happy and safe.
Our reviews are based on an assessment of dozens of PEOs, looking at their customer reviews, service offerings and reputation within the industry.
BEST FULL-SERVICE PEO
1. ADP Totalsource
Key features
ADP is one of the largest PEOs in the world today, operating in more than 180 countries. ADP offers industry-specific services, focusing on manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, technical services, professional services, financial services, education, nonprofits and social services, and construction. Because of its large size, ADP has developed some powerful advantages: Its online systems and mobile apps are well-designed, giving employees extra functions such as self-service payroll. Their size also allows them to offer competitive benefits plans through top national providers.
ADP Pros
- Powerful software tools
- Self-service payroll features
- Available in over 180 countries
ADP Cons
- Pricing not advertised on website — available by appointment only
- The services offered may be more than necessary for small companies and startups. It is important that budget-conscious companies choose the most cost-effective PEO for their situation.
Our Verdict
With its large customer service department, comprehensive online services, and self-service payroll feature, ADP stands out for its client support. For those in need of a full-service PEO with all the trimmings, ADP is our top pick. For smaller companies, however, it may make sense to choose a PEO with a more narrow, but cost-effective, offering.
Read more in our comprehensive 2023 review of ADP TotalSource.
BEST CUSTOMER FOCUS
2. Paychex
Key features
Paychex is one of the largest and most well-established PEOs in the United States, employing one in 12 private employees. Unlike many other services, the Paychex support teams work directly with employees in providing HR support. By working directly with the staff, Paychex becomes an expert on their clients’ entire business process, which enables them to offer unique add-on services such as risk assessment, risk management, office management, digital marketing, and more. All clients work with a Payroll Account Manager and a Human Resource Generalist, however as they add on more services, additional consultants are brought on board. The more standard PEO services such as HR outsourcing, administration, and PEO benefits are available on an ‘add-on’ basis, providing a more flexible offering. Contracts for services are yearly.
Paychex Pros
- Risk-Assessment and Management
- In-House HR management service
- Comprehensive resources available online
- Tracks employee attendance
Paychex Cons
- 5 Employee minimum
- Less intuitive system interface
Our Verdict
Paychex provides many popular features, such as a dedicated support team, a la carte offerings, and add-on business services making it a well-rounded option for many clients. Lack of industry-specific support, one-year contracts, a slightly clunky online user interface, and a 5 employee minimum may make it less attractive for others, however.
BEST FOR STARTUPS
3. Insperity
Key features
Insperity focuses on providing the services most needed by small businesses. Since startups and small businesses often have very few administrative or support staff, Insperity provides an impressive team for each client that includes a Client Liaison, Payroll Specialist, HR Services Manager, Performance Specialist, and Safety Consultant. Because the needs and resources of small businesses vary, Insperity offers customizable plans and packages with different services. To enable even better support, Insperity also provides well-designed apps for both Android and iOS.
Insperity Pros
- Flexible packages
- Online training courses available
Insperity Cons
- 5 employee minimum
- Pricing not posted online
Our Verdict
The full support team and custom options provided by Insperity are powerful benefits for resource-strapped small businesses. For larger companies, this may be more than they need.
BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
4. TriNet
Key features
TriNet specializes in providing customized packages for different industries. Supported industries include retail, nonprofits, financial services, marketing, advertising, consulting, architecture, life sciences, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, technology, and consulting. They also provide industry-specific support teams that are familiar with the ins and outs of their clients’ businesses and their HR needs. This environment of professional guidance gives new business owners an extra resource to draw on as they plan their next moves.
TriNet Pros
- Industry-specific packages
- Trends and Insights available
- Extra benefits available i.e. commuter benefits and pet insurance
TriNet Cons
- 5 employee minimum
- Packages only, companies cannot pick and choose which service they need.
Our Verdict
TriNet provides some of the best industry-specific support services available. This makes it a good choice for businesses that want their HR support to reflect the unique cycles and culture of their industry. As there are currently no a la carte options, it may not be the best choice for those wishing to sign up for some, but not all, PEO services.
BEST VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
5. BBSI
Key features
BBSI prides itself on not only providing standard PEO services, but on helping drive client businesses in other ways as well. BBSI interviews each client business owner to get to know their motivations and goals with their business. They then match owners with a team of local professionals who help clients shape their visions and offer additional consulting on business strategy, HR, and risk management. BBSI doesn’t stop there, though; they bring together local entrepreneurs and business owners for social events. BBSI believes the relaxed community atmosphere gives owners a chance to inspire and learn from one another outside of the traditional office environment.
BBSI Pros
- Active local offices
- Additional professional consulting services available from local leaders
BBSI Cons
Local offices not in every state
Our Verdict
By building a community of experts and peers, BBSI establishes a human support network that goes further than PEO services and online tools. For those located in areas covered by BBSI, especially new business owners, this could be a major advantage.
BEST ENTERPRISE SOLUTION
6. Infiniti HR
Key features
Infiniti HR is especially geared toward larger businesses, specifically hotel management and franchises. Since many large companies already have some HR services or do not wish to change benefits packages, Infiniti lets clients choose services a la carte. Those services include the usual HR administrative processing services provided by most PEOs, as well as recruitment, a big timesaver for growing large businesses. HR support teams focus on specific states, so even businesses with branches throughout the country can have local compliance experts available. Point-of-sale (POS) integration allows hotels, retailers, and restaurants to easily track work hours and tips.
Infiniti HR Pros
- Franchise focused
- Recruitment services
- Customizable options
- Recruitment services available
- Integration with client POS systems
Infiniti HR Cons
- Not designed for smaller companies
- Slow app performance
- Unemployment and disability claims are not automated
Our Verdict
While PEOs are famous for providing missing HR services for small businesses, Infiniti also has large businesses covered. For large employers in the hotel and franchise industry especially, Infiniti is an obvious choice. Recruitment services and local compliance experts in all 50 states makes expansion into new territories that much easier.
BEST PRICING
7. Justworks
Key features
Unlike most PEOs, Justworks publishes their rates right on the public website. This level of transparency and flexibility is key to the Justworks system. All payments are made monthly; if new employees are added or old ones taken off, pricing will change each month to reflect the alteration. For those wanting to add more than the basic PEO service, there are expanded services and benefits packages.
For business owners’ peace of mind, customer service is available at any time of day or night via phone, email, and SMS, online, or through Slack.
Justworks Pros
- Simple pricing
- Round-the-clock customer support
- Fees adapt to number of employees
Justworks Cons
- Newer company
- Limited training resources available
- Time tracking is a paid add on
- Less services available for large international employers
Our Verdict
For businesses who want to provide PEO benefits and admin support quickly and for a very competitive rate, the transparent offerings from Justworks are a simple, easy solution. Monthly payments make the service easy on revenue management and 24-hour customer service provides will be of great help to busy executives.
BEST FOR SPECIALIZED INDUSTRIES
8. Oasis
Key features
Although it is a distinct business solution, Oasis is supported by its well-known parent company, Paychex. The well-established Paychex system gives Oasis an advantage over many smaller PEOs; the online system is well-designed and easy to use, and the company has access to experts well-versed in the regulatory environment in all 50 states. Oasis differs from its parent company in that it was designed to provide custom support for startups and small businesses in specific industries. The industries currently supported include; senior living, property management, hospitality, country clubs, architecture, financial services, IT, law, light manufacturing, retail, franchises, and banking. Oasis also helps client businesses meet local regulations in each of these industries for all 50 states. Oasis contracts do require a one-year commitment, however.
Oasis Pros
- Easy to learn and use system
- Industry-specific packages available
- Top ratings
Oasis Cons
- 5 employee minimum
- One-year contract with early termination fee
Our Verdict
Oasis is a great choice for startups and small businesses operating within any of the industries that it focuses on. Support for all 50 states helps clients to expand into any new territory nationally, and the backing of Paychex’s administrative capabilities ensures quality service even at scale. Yearly contracts and a 5-employee minimum require more commitment than some small companies may be ready to give, however.
BEST FOR EMPLOYEES
9. Amplify
Key features
Amplify is unique in providing Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs), which give confidential counseling to both employees and their families. These programs can help improve the mental and physical health of employees and their families. They can also lead to a healthier workforce down the road, with staff that takes less sick leave and has the tools to solve health issues that could decrease productivity or cause friction if ignored. Amplify also prides itself on providing quality customer phone service and a high degree of personal touch.
The Employer Practices Liability Insurance provided at no extra cost gives clients protection from liabilities such as wrongful termination. Amplify provides custom HR support, on-site assistance, and help with updating status and changing benefits forms.
Additionally, Amplify provides general ledger (GL) mapping for clients; helping them to get a birds-eye view of their business’s finances, and make the right decisions to cut costs and grow revenue.
Amplify Pros
- Competitive pricing
- GL mapping
- Employer Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) for all client businesses
- 24/7 customer support for employees and clients
- Employee Assistance Plans
Amplify Cons
- Less well suited for large businesses
- Coverage in only 15 states currently
Our Verdict
Their competitive pricing plans also make Amplify an easy choice on the wallet. Their GL mapping service gives an added benefit, especially for quickly growing small companies as they struggle to keep abreast of their financial status. The EAPs offered with Amplify package are a good tool to attract staff and ensure the general health of the workplace. The EPLI provided then gives employers some security, knowing that they have some protection against potential lawsuits from disgruntled former employees. Amplify is still a fairly small company, however, and its services may be too limited for larger businesses.
BEST FOR COMPLIANCE
10. AlphaStaff
Key features
AlphaStaff specializes in risk management for their client businesses. It provides this with a variety of services such as flexible pay workers’ compensation coverage, OSHA compliance and abatement assistance, accident investigations, claims management, risk analysis, and customizable safety and health programs. AlphaStaff also provides a user-friendly portal for onboarding new employees, easing the process of hiring and growing a workforce. What AphaStaff doesn’t provide is global payroll service.
AlphaStaff Pros
- Simple portal for onboarding new employees
- Assistance with OSHA abatement — best in class for PEO risk management
- Features for custom safety and health programs
AlphaStaff Cons
No global payroll option
Our Verdict
For businesses with a high risk of injury and large staffing requirements, i.e. construction or manufacturing, the AlphaStaff risk management services and simple onboarding portal will provide an advantage. For businesses wishing to hire international remote workers or expand internationally, it may be less suitable.
National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) on choosing a top PEO
Which Top PEO is best for you?
Choosing the right PEO in a competitive and crowded market is no easy task. Businesses need to carefully consider:
- Does this PEO provide the most cost-effective solution for my company?
- Does the PEO have a reputation for customer service?
- Is this PEO well-suited to a business of my size, and in my industry?
Any decision must be made only after carefully reviewing the PEOs services and checking that any proposed PEO agreement is fit-for-purpose.
FAQ
Very few PEOs provide their pricing on their website. Instead, it is expected that clients contact the PEO to request pricing. This reflects the fact that (a), PEOs usually offer tailored and tiered pricing based on the specific services needed and (b) pricing can change regularly depending on external factors like currency fluctuations (for the PEOs operating globally).
Most PEOs charge a fixed fee, per employee, per month. But others charge based on a percentage of total payroll costs.
Before deciding on a PEO, businesses must consider:
1. What are the medium-to-long-term growth projections for the company?
2. How long is the proposed PEO contract? (longer-term contracts can be riskier)
3. How many employees will be onboarded?
These factors will have a significant influence on total cost.
For more information on the cost of PEOs see our guide to PEO pricing.
Unlike other sites reviewing PEOs, RemotePad reviews are carried out by genuine industry experts. When choosing the top PEO companies operating today, All RemotePad contributors and editorial staff draw on significant first-hand experience in the PEO, remote work and payroll industries to inform their assessments. The RemotePad review process proceeds as follows:
1. The registration and compliance status of the PEO is checked with state government PEO registers, such as the New York State PEO List. Court and case registries are also checked to consider any PEO-related litigation.
2. The accreditation and/or certification status of the PEO is checked with the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) and the Internal Revenue Service.
3. Hundreds of customer reviews are analyzed to gather extensive information on PEO performance.
4. All reviews are independently fact-checked by another professional.
