Justworks has carved out a strong niche by combining payroll, benefits, and human resources (HR) support into a simple, professional employer organization (PEO)-driven package. However, the software may not meet the requirements of every organization.
If you’re scaling quickly, hiring globally, or want more control over your HR stack without being locked into a co-employment model, you may find Justworks to be limiting. Maybe its pricing doesn’t align with your budget, or its U.S.-centric structure can’t support your international growth.
The good news? There are plenty of high-performing Justworks alternatives that offer greater control, global capabilities, and deeper customization, without sacrificing ease of use.
In this guide, we have curated 10 of the best alternatives to Justworks, breaking down what each platform offers, who it’s best for, and how it compares.
What Is Justworks?
Justworks is a PEO and HR software platform that helps small and growing businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR tasks in one place. It acts as a co-employer and simplifies complex responsibilities like tax filings and benefits administration.
The software is particularly known for offering access to large-company benefits, such as health insurance and 401(k) plans, at competitive rates.
Key features of Justworks include:
- Full-Service Payroll
- Compliance Support
- International Contractor Payments
- Global Hiring
While Justworks is widely praised for its simplicity and customer support, it’s not always the right fit for every business. Common concerns include limited global capabilities, a lack of advanced customization, and the constraints that come with a PEO model (which may not suit businesses that prefer full control).
What To Look For In A Justworks Alternative?
When evaluating alternatives to Justworks, consider the following factors to ensure the platform aligns with your business needs:
- Flexibility: Does the platform allow customization to fit your company's specific HR processes and policies?
- Scalability: Can the solution grow with your business, accommodating increasing employee counts and expanding operations?
- Global Capabilities: If you're operating internationally, does the platform support global payroll, compliance, and benefits administration?
- Integration Capabilities: Does the software integrate seamlessly with your existing tools, such as accounting systems, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and communication platforms?
- User Experience: Is the interface intuitive for both administrators and employees, ensuring high adoption rates?
- Pricing Structure: Does the cost align with your budget, and is it transparent without hidden fees?
Taking into account these features will help you find just the right HR and payroll software that fits your business’s requirements.
Our 10 Best Justworks Alternative Recommendations
Here’s a table summarizing the features of Rippling and Paychex as discussed in the article:
Software | Unique Advantage | Notable Features |
BambooHR | Highly customizable HR software with flexible integrations | On-hand Tax Specialists, Multi-Rate Payroll, Performance Management, ATS |
Deel | Global-first HR platform supporting full legal compliance in 150+ countries | Global Payroll Processing, Global HRIS, In-House Payroll Experts, Talent Management |
Gusto | Budget-friendly and intuitive HR solution tailored for startups | Payroll Processing, Hiring and Onboarding, Talent Management |
Paychex | Scalable solution offering both PEO and standalone HR services with deep industry expertise | AI Assisted Recruiting, HR Consulting, Workers’ Compensation, Payroll Processing |
TriNet Zenefits | Flexible HR platform with strong benefits administration and no co-employment required | HR Advisory, Payroll Processing, Benefits Administration |
Remote | Transparent global HR and payroll platform tailored for international teams without local entities | EOR Services, Performance Management, Payroll Processing |
Paylocity | End-to-end HR platform with advanced AI features for automation and workforce analytics | On-Demand Payroll, Airbase Spend Management, Global Payroll, Learning Management System (LMS) |
Papaya Global | Best for complex international payroll and compliance with flexible global workforce solutions | Worker Wallets, Split Payments, Fraud Prevention, Optimized Rails |
Namely | Customizable HRIS for growing U.S.-based businesses with real-time reporting and talent tools | Managed Services, Recruiting, Onboarding, Reporting |
Rippling | Modular platform integrating HR, IT, and finance | Global Payroll, Benefits Admin, Surveys, Identity & Access Management |
1. BambooHR
Ideal for: Startups, small and mid-sized businesses, and enterprises
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software built with a strong focus on people operations. It’s best known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined HR functions like employee records, performance reviews, and leave management.
While Justworks provides a more bundled PEO experience, BambooHR offers companies complete control of their HR stack. It offers customizable features and integrations, allowing them to tailor the platform to their specific workflows and tools.
Top Features
- On-Hand Tax Specialists
- Multi-Rate Payroll
- Performance Management
- ATS
Pros
- Offers helpful implementation videos and support, ensuring an easy setup process
- Highly customizable, allowing for complete HR data collection and personalized sections
- Features like custom workflows, approvals, and e-signatures streamline admin tasks
Cons
- The short lockout time can be frustrating in a busy environment, requiring frequent logins throughout the day
- Lack of subfolder functionality in the files section can make document organization challenging
Pricing
BambooHR offers multiple pricing plans catering to the diverse requirements of companies with distinct needs. Its pricing starts from $6/employee/month.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
2. Deel
Ideal for: Global teams and remote-first companies
Deel caters to businesses expanding beyond borders. It streamlines the entire global employment process—from onboarding to payroll—ensuring full legal compliance in over 150 countries.
Compared to Justworks, which only supports U.S.-based teams, Deel’s strength lies in helping companies scale globally without needing local subsidiaries.
Top Features
- Global Payroll Processing
- Global HRIS
- In-House Payroll Experts
- Talent Management
Pros
- Multiple withdrawal and transfer options add convenience and flexibility, allowing users to choose the method that best suits them
- Centralized contractor payment management with compliance with home country laws
- SSL security provides peace of mind by ensuring that both personal information and assets are well protected
Cons
- Offers basic reporting features that may meet the needs of more complex use cases
- Limited customization options hinder the ability to tailor the platform to a business’s specific requirements
Pricing
Deel offers a modular pricing structure, with prices starting from $29/employee/month for payroll, $15/employee/month for HR, and $9/device/month for IT. Furthermore, customized plans are available for Deel Services, including immigration, entity set up, background checks, and equity consulting.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
3. Gusto
Ideal for: Small businesses and startups
Gusto offers an all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, and benefits with an emphasis on simplicity. It’s particularly loved by startups for its approachable pricing, quick setup, and intuitive user interface (UI).
The software offers greater flexibility and is more budget-friendly for small companies that don’t require PEO-level service, like Justworks, but still want full payroll and HR support.
Top Features
- Payroll Processing
- Hiring And Onboarding
- Talent Management
Pros
- Adjusting pay or running bonuses is incredibly easy and straightforward
- Offers easy access to all the functionality from a centralized dashboard
- The process to access W-2 and benefit information is quick and easy
Cons
- Frequent auto-logouts make it hard to keep the clock visible and switch between tasks efficiently
- Initial navigation can be a bit confusing, hindering the platform’s functionality
Pricing
The vendor offers three pricing plans for companies with different requirements. These include Simple ($49/month + $6/employee/month), Plus ($80/month + $12/employee/month), and Premium ($180/month + $22/employee/month).
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
4. Paychex
Ideal for: Self-employed, growing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and enterprises
Paychex combines traditional payroll and HR services with deep industry experience. It serves businesses across the U.S. and offers both PEO and standalone Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products.
Compared to Justworks, Paychex is more customizable and scalable, offering both a hands-on PEO service and software for internal teams.
Top Features
- AI-Assisted Recruiting
- HR Consulting
- Workers’ Compensation
- Payroll Processing
Pros
- Enables users to easily adjust their accounts to meet the specific needs of their current projects
- The reports are easy to locate and highly customizable, allowing for tailored insights that suit specific needs and preferences
- Entering payroll information is incredibly easy and straightforward, ensuring quick payroll processing
Cons
- Setting up contractors was a bit more complex than expected
- The frequent changes in dedicated account managers can be a bit disruptive
Pricing
The vendor offers multiple pricing plans (Paychex Flex Select, Paychex Flex Pro, and Paychex Flex Enterprise). These plans are available at custom pricing.
5. TriNet Zenefits
Ideal for: U.S.-based small to mid-sized and established businesses
Zenefits is a modern platform that simplifies core HR functions such as payroll, time tracking, and compliance. It is particularly renowned for its benefits administration capabilities.
Compared to Justworks, Zenefits gives businesses a powerful HR toolkit without requiring a co-employment model, offering flexibility and control.
Top Features
- HR Advisory
- Payroll Processing
- Benefits Administration
Pros
- Simplifies HR management significantly, making it particularly suitable for small teams without a dedicated HR department
- Allows users to easily access both payroll information and employee documents, all in one place, saving time and effort
- Webinars and monthly updates help companies stay informed and compliant with the latest legal changes
Cons
- Paid time off (PTO) projections, showing both taken/paid and approved but not yet taken/paid balances, can be helpful
- Making changes or locating the desired information on the admin side can be challenging
Pricing
Trinet pricing depends on various factors, including the company’s size and the required features. It starts from $6/employee/month.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
6. Remote
Ideal for: Startups and scaleups hiring internationally
Remote provides global payroll, benefits, and compliance services with a transparent flat-fee pricing model. It’s designed for companies expanding across borders without setting up local entities.
The software stands out as it offers a much broader international employment infrastructure compared to Justworks’ U.S.-focused PEO.
Top Features
- Employer of record (EOR) Services
- Performance Management
- Payroll Processing
Pros
- Automates the payroll process, requiring minimal manual intervention
- Fast payment processing (typically within 1-2 days after approval), ensuring employees receive their dues promptly without unnecessary delays
- Offers easy access to contract terms and payment details for freelancers
Cons
- New users don't get immediate access to all the features unless the contractor sends them an invite
- Limited currency options are available, which can be restrictive for global transactions
Pricing
The software offers a modular pricing structure. The pricing starts from $18/employee/month for HRIS, $29/employee month for Payroll, and $199 for Recruit.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
7. Paylocity
Ideal for: Small, mid-sized, and large businesses
Paylocity is a powerful platform offering end-to-end HR tools with a strong emphasis on employee engagement and workforce analytics. The software particularly stands out for its AI model, 'Paylocity AI,' that offers intelligent automation, proactive assistance, and personalized insights.
Compared to Justworks, it provides deeper HR and talent management features without locking companies into a PEO model.
Top Features
- On-Demand Payroll
- Airbase Spend Management
- Global Payroll Processing
- Learning Management System (LMS)
Pros
- The extensive knowledge base makes it easy to understand and navigate the platform's features
- The support team actively listens to feedback and continuously updates the platform with new features and improvements
- Offers a module for everything an HR department needs, from payroll and benefits administration to compliance, and employee onboarding
Cons
- Lacks customization options to meet the unique needs of different companies
- The reporting feature could use some improvement, as it feels either too vague or overly complex for the available options
Pricing
The vendor provides a modular structure with pricing tailored to the specific needs of each business.
8. Papaya Global
Ideal for: Companies with complex global payroll requirements
Papaya Global is a workforce and payroll management platform that simplifies cross-border payments and compliance. It’s tailored for businesses managing both contractors and full-time employees worldwide.
The software offers global payroll and EOR services that exceed Justworks' U.S.-centric capabilities.
Top Features
- Worker Wallets
- Split Payments
- Fraud Prevention
- Optimized Payment Rails
Pros
- New hires can quickly log in to the software and complete the process with ease and speed
- Processing payroll is very straightforward and easy to manage, ensuring quick wage distribution
- All documents are conveniently stored in one place, making them easy to view, download, and use for declarations
Cons
- The invoices could be more detailed, as they sometimes lack the required level of information
- The employee experience can be limited, as it often depends on the capabilities of the local partner in each region
Pricing
Papaya Global pricing depends on the selected module. Users can choose from Workforce OS (starting from $5/employee/month, PayrollPlus (starting from $15/employee/month), EOR (starting from $599/employee/month), Contractors (starting from $30/contractor/month, Global Workforce Payments (starting from $2.5/transaction), and Agent of Record (starting from $200/contractor/month).
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
9. Namely
Ideal for: U.S.-based growing companies
Namely offers a centralized HR platform with payroll, benefits, talent management, and compliance built in. It's designed to give growing companies a user-friendly yet powerful HRIS.
The software provides deeper customization and a more comprehensive in-house HR solution than Justworks’ PEO model.
Top Features
- Managed Services
- Recruiting
- Onboarding
- Reporting
Pros
- The newsfeed fosters a fun, engaging environment that enhances company culture
- Offers advanced reporting with customizable options and real-time data access
- Centralizes key information, such as employment details, benefits, PTO, salary, and more, in one location
Cons
- Missing compensation analysis and benchmarking tools, making it challenging to compare salaries and benefits with industry standards
- Rehire onboarding could be more streamlined to align with the new hire process for better consistency
Pricing
Namely offers multiple pricing plans, starting from $9/employee/month, catering to the requirements of different organizations. These include Namely Now, Namely Plus, Namely Plus People, and Namely Complete.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
10. Rippling
Ideal for: Businesses seeking modular and scalable HR + IT
Rippling merges HR, payroll, IT, and finance into one unified platform. The software allows companies to choose only the modules they need, whether that’s just payroll or a fully integrated system for employee lifecycle and IT provisioning.
Rippling is more flexible and customizable, with optional PEO services available if needed. It’s especially attractive to tech-savvy and fast-growing companies.
Top Features
- Global Payroll Processing
- Benefits Administration
- Surveys
- Identity And Access Management
Pros
- Automation in payroll and HR management simplifies workflows and saves valuable time
- Clear, timely homepage reminders help users stay organized and on top of pending tasks
- Detailed salary slips provide transparency into deductions, helping employees understand compensation and withholdings
Cons
- No salary correction tool, making it difficult to retroactively adjust pay runs when payroll errors occur
- Uploaded receipts sometimes fail to attach properly and remain stuck in draft status
Pricing
The vendor offers a customized, modular pricing structure, allowing users to pay for the features they require.
Choosing The Right Justworks Alternative
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to HR and payroll software. If your business is scaling internationally, platforms like Deel, Remote, or Papaya Global might be ideal. For more control and customization, Rippling, Gusto, or BambooHR offer robust functionality without the constraints of a PEO.
Before making a decision, identify your company’s current needs and future goals. Look for tools that offer scalability, compliance support, and seamless integrations to help you stay agile and competitive.
Need help evaluating your options? Reach out for personalized recommendations and find the platform that best fits your HR strategy.
