With over 900 PEOs operating nationwide, choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming. While we can’t cover all options, understanding the major national players and what differentiates them helps narrow your search.
Here’s an objective comparison of the 10 largest and most popular PEO providers in 2025.
1. ADP TotalSource
Best For: Mid-sized businesses (50-500 employees) needing comprehensive services and national coverage
Strengths:
- Massive scale provides excellent benefits purchasing power
- Robust technology platform with extensive features
- Strong multi-state compliance capabilities
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Financial stability and established reputation
Weaknesses:
- Service can feel impersonal for small businesses
- Account managers often handle many clients
- Less flexible than smaller providers
- Implementation can be lengthy
Typical Pricing: $100-$200+ PEPM depending on size and services
Ideal Client: Established businesses with 50+ employees, multi-state operations, needing comprehensive coverage with strong technology
2. Paychex PEO
Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses (5-200 employees) seeking affordable comprehensive services
Strengths:
- Wide service range from basic to comprehensive
- Good small business support
- Strong payroll expertise (core Paychex competency)
- Reasonable pricing for smaller companies
- Local service presence in many markets
Weaknesses:
- Technology platform less modern than newer competitors
- Benefits options can be limited in some markets
- Service quality varies by location and rep
Typical Pricing: $90-$175 PEPM
Ideal Client: Small businesses wanting affordable PEO services with strong payroll capabilities
3. TriNet
Best For: Industry-specific needs (tech, financial services, healthcare, professional services)
Strengths:
- Industry-specific verticals with specialized expertise
- Excellent benefits packages with major carriers
- Strong technology platform
- Dedicated account management
- Good for distributed/remote teams
Weaknesses:
- Higher pricing than some competitors
- Industry focus means less flexibility for unique businesses
- Some clients report service consistency issues
Typical Pricing: $125-$250 PEPM
Ideal Client: Companies in tech, healthcare, or financial services wanting industry-specific expertise and strong benefits
4. Justworks
Best For: Startups and modern companies (5-100 employees) prioritizing technology and transparency
Strengths:
- Exceptional user interface and technology
- Transparent, predictable pricing
- Excellent for distributed teams
- Strong customer service reputation
- Modern approach to HR and benefits
Weaknesses:
- Limited customization options
- Less suitable for complex or unique situations
- Newer company with shorter track record
- May lack specialized industry expertise
Typical Pricing: $99-$149 PEPM (transparent published rates)
Ideal Client: Tech startups, remote companies, businesses wanting simple, transparent PEO services with great technology
5. Gusto
Best For: Very small businesses and startups (2-50 employees)
Strengths:
- Beautiful, intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing for very small businesses
- Easy implementation and onboarding
- Strong for tech-savvy companies
- Good integration ecosystem
Weaknesses:
- Limited services compared to comprehensive PEOs
- Less suitable for complex needs or larger companies
- Benefits options can be limited
- Less robust compliance support than larger providers
Typical Pricing: $80-$150 PEPM
Ideal Client: Very small startups and tech companies wanting affordable, easy-to-use HR and payroll with basic PEO services
6. Insperity
Best For: Businesses (20-500 employees) wanting high-touch service and HR consulting
Strengths:
- Exceptional personalized service
- Strong HR consulting and strategic guidance
- Dedicated HR business advisor for each client
- Comprehensive compliance support
- Good for companies valuing relationship over pure technology
Weaknesses:
- Higher pricing than many competitors
- Technology platform less modern than some alternatives
- Implementation can be intensive
- May be overkill for companies wanting simple PEO services
Typical Pricing: $150-$300+ PEPM
Ideal Client: Established businesses wanting strategic HR partnership with high-touch service and consulting
7. Rippling
Best For: Tech companies (10-200 employees) needing combined HR and IT management
Strengths:
- Unique combination of PEO + IT management (device, software, access management)
- Exceptional technology platform
- Strong automation capabilities
- Excellent for tech companies
- Fast implementation
Weaknesses:
- Higher pricing for the combined offering
- Newer player with less established track record
- May be complex for companies not needing IT management
- Less suitable for non-tech industries
Typical Pricing: $150-$250+ PEPM (includes IT management features)
Ideal Client: Tech companies wanting to manage HR and IT infrastructure through one platform
8. CoAdvantage
Best For: Businesses in high-risk industries (construction, manufacturing) needing strong workers’ comp management
Strengths:
- Specialization in high-risk industries
- Strong workers’ comp and safety programs
- Good pricing for construction and manufacturing
- Personalized service approach
- Experience with complex compliance situations
Weaknesses:
- Less suitable for low-risk industries
- Technology platform less advanced than pure tech PEOs
- Limited geographic coverage in some regions
- Smaller scale than national giants
Typical Pricing: $125-$250 PEPM depending on industry risk
Ideal Client: Construction, manufacturing, or high-risk industry companies needing specialized workers’ comp support
9. ExtensisHR
Best For: Larger small businesses (75-500 employees) needing customizable solutions
Strengths:
- Flexibility and customization options
- Strong for larger small businesses
- Good multi-state capabilities
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Financial stability
Weaknesses:
- Less name recognition than ADP/Paychex
- Technology may not match pure tech-focused competitors
- Pricing can be complex
- Less suitable for very small businesses
Typical Pricing: $125-$225 PEPM
Ideal Client: Established businesses with 75+ employees needing flexible, comprehensive PEO services
10. Oasis (Paychex Company)
Best For: Small businesses (5-50 employees) in California and select states
Strengths:
- Strong regional focus with local expertise
- Good small business service
- Paychex backing provides stability
- Competitive pricing for target market
- Personalized attention
Weaknesses:
- Limited geographic coverage
- Smaller scale than national providers
- Benefits options may be limited
- Less suitable for multi-state operations
Typical Pricing: $90-$175 PEPM
Ideal Client: Small California businesses wanting regional PEO with personalized service
Side-by-Side Comparison
| PEO | Best Size | Best Industry | Technology | Service | Pricing |
| ADP TotalSource | 50-500 | Any | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | $$$ |
| Paychex | 5-200 | Any | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | $$ |
| TriNet | 10-200 | Tech, Healthcare | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | $$$ |
| Justworks | 5-100 | Tech, Remote | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | $$ |
| Gusto | 2-50 | Startups | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | $ |
| Insperity | 20-500 | Any | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $$$$ |
| Rippling | 10-200 | Tech | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | $$$ |
| CoAdvantage | 10-200 | Construction | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | $$ |
| ExtensisHR | 75-500 | Any | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | $$$ |
| Oasis | 5-50 | Any (CA) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | $$ |
How to Choose
Prioritize Technology? → Justworks, Gusto, Rippling
Need Industry Expertise? → TriNet (tech/healthcare), CoAdvantage (construction)
Want High-Touch Service? → Insperity, regional providers
Very Small Budget? → Gusto, Paychex
Very Small Company? → Justworks, Gusto
Large Company? → ADP, ExtensisHR, Insperity
High-Risk Industry? → CoAdvantage, regional specialists
The Reality of Comparisons
This comparison provides general guidance, but your specific experience with any PEO depends heavily on:
- Your assigned account manager
- Your specific industry and location
- Your company size and complexity
- Your benefits needs and budget
- Your technology expectations
The “best” PEO for another company might not be best for yours.
Beyond the Top 10
Hundreds of regional and specialized PEOs provide excellent service. Many smaller providers offer superior personalized service, better pricing, or specialized expertise that larger national PEOs can’t match.
Don’t limit your search to only the biggest names. Often, the best fit is a regional provider with deep expertise in your industry and market.
Making Your Decision
Comparing PEOs effectively requires:
- Understanding your specific needs
- Obtaining detailed proposals from multiple providers
- Checking references with similar companies
- Evaluating technology platforms hands-on
- Negotiating pricing and terms
- Verifying accreditation and financial stability
Most business owners don’t have time for this process—which is why PEO consultants exist.Want personalized recommendations instead of generic comparisons?Contact PEO Consulting Partners for a free consultation. We’ll identify the 3-5 PEOs that are actually right for YOUR specific situation—not just the biggest names—and handle all the research, comparison, and negotiation at no cost to you.