- The best PEO providers are Wisemonk, ADP PEO, TriNet, Insperity, Justworks, Paychex PEO, Oasis, CoAdvantage, BambooHR PEO, G&A Partners, Zenefits, Nextep, and Velocity Global.
- A PEO is a co-employment partner that handles payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR functions while you focus on business operations.
- Average PEO costs range between $150–$200 per employee per month or 2–12% of payroll, depending on scope and services.
- Choosing the right PEO comes down to compliance expertise, transparent pricing, employee benefits access, scalable HR solutions, and dedicated support.
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Looking to find the best PEO companies for your business in 2025? With so many professional employer organizations (PEOs) promising everything from payroll processing to compliance support, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. In our experience working with global founders, the choice comes down to more than just cost, it’s about trust, transparency, and scalability. This article is for founders, HR leaders, and small businesses exploring PEO services to streamline growth.
This guide breaks down what a PEO is, what services they offer, and a detailed comparison of the top PEO companies so you can make a confident decision for your team.
What is a PEO?[toc=What is PEO]
A professional employer organization (PEO) is a company that enters into a co-employment relationship with your business. You keep control of daily operations, while the PEO takes on core HR functions like payroll processing, benefits administration, risk management services, and compliance support. Some are accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) or registered as an IRS certified professional employer organization (CPEO), which gives extra financial and compliance assurance.
Why use a PEO?
So why do companies, especially startups and small businesses, turn to a PEO provider in the first place? Simple, it saves time, reduces headaches, and keeps you compliant without adding more overhead.
Choose a PEO if:
- You want to reduce HR costs while still offering comprehensive benefits packages.
- You need to stay compliant with local labor laws and complex tax compliance rules.
- You’re looking to streamline administrative tasks like managing payroll and employment contracts.
- You want access to better employee benefits packages (health insurance, retirement plans, workers’ compensation).
- You’d rather focus on business operations while experts handle the HR headaches.
What services do PEOs offer?
Next, let’s see what a PEO typically provides:
- Payroll services with automated payroll processing and payroll compliance.
- HR administration including employee management, onboarding, and performance management.
- Workers’ compensation and risk management support.
- Comprehensive HR services like employee assistance programs, benefits management, and compliance management.
Average cost of a PEO
Most PEO service providers charge either a flat per-employee monthly fee (usually $150–$200 per employee) or a percentage of total payroll (often 2–12%). The right pricing model depends on your company size, payroll volume, and whether you want full-service PEO support or a more limited setup.
Read more: How much does a PEO Cost? A Complete Guide for 2025
Who are the best PEO providers for your business?[toc=Best PEO Providers]
Based on our extensive experience in helping global companies expand and scale in diverse markets, we’ve narrowed down the best PEO providers to help simplify your decision.
Top 13 PEO Companies in 2025:
- Wisemonk
- ADP PEO
- TriNet
- Insperity
- Justworks
- Paychex PEO
- Oasis
- CoAdvantage
- BambooHR PEO
- G&A Partners
- Zenefits
- Nextep
- Velocity Global
1. Wisemonk[toc=1.Wisemonk]
Wisemonk is the go-to professional employer organization in India for global companies looking to hire and manage teams seamlessly. Unlike generic providers, Wisemonk specializes in compliance expertise, local labor laws, and international workforce management, making it easier for US companies to scale without setting up a local entity. In our experience, this focus on deep local knowledge is what helps startups and growth-stage businesses avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Key Features:
- End-to-end HR and payroll services with transparent pricing.
- Benefits administration and access to competitive employee benefits packages.
- Compliance support for India’s complex tax and labor codes.
- Equipment procurement and onboarding support for remote teams.
- Dedicated account managers providing hands-on HR support.
Pros and Cons of choosing Wisemonk Professional employer organization:
2. ADP PEO (ADP TotalSource)[toc=2. ADP]
ADP TotalSource is a full-service PEO built around co-employment. ADP handles payroll processing, benefits administration, HR compliance, and risk management while you run day-to-day operations. It’s both an IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO) and an Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) accredited, strong markers of financial stability and compliance rigor. Pricing is quote-based; industry ranges often land around $150–$200 per employee/month or 2–12% of payroll, depending on scope.
Key Features:
- Dedicated HR support with all-in-one PEO tech for HR operations and automated payroll.
- Access to big-company employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans) and compliance help for ACA, OSHA, and multi-state payroll compliance.
- Workers’ compensation programs and certificates via ADPIA®, plus pay-as-you-go options.
- CPEO + ESAC credentials for added regulatory compliance assurance.
Pros and Cons of choosing ADP PEO:
3. TriNet[toc=3.TriNet]
TriNet is a long-standing professional employer organization (PEO) for SMBs, combining payroll processing, benefits administration, HR compliance, and risk management in a co-employment model. A TriNet subsidiary holds IRS CPEO status and the company maintains ESAC accreditation, useful markers for financial safeguards and regulatory compliance. Pricing is quote-based and charged per employee per month (TriNet markets a flat, line-item approach).
Key Features:
- Full-stack HR services like payroll, tax compliance, onboarding, HR administration, and handbook support.
- Access to major-market employee benefits (health), 401(k) multiple employer plan, and employee assistance programs.
- Workers’ compensation with pay-as-you-go billing and A+-rated carrier coverage.
- Industry-tailored programs and national scale (30+ years; ~338k worksite employees as of 06/30/25).
- Ongoing compliance support (ACA, COBRA, OSHA) and risk guidance.
Pros and Cons of choosing TriNet PEO:
4. Insperity[toc=4.Insperity]
Insperity is a long-running professional employer organization (PEO) for SMBs that wraps payroll processing, benefits administration, HR compliance, and risk management into a co-employment model. It’s IRS CPEO–certified and ESAC-accredited, strong indicators of financial stability and regulatory compliance. Pricing is quote-based, third-party market reviews commonly cite per-employee ranges in roughly the $125–$210 PEPM band, with some variability by scope and mix.
Key Features:
- End-to-end HR services: automated payroll, tax filing, onboarding, handbooks, and day-to-day HR administration.
- Access to major-market employee benefits (health, retirement plans) plus employee assistance programs.
- Risk management services including workers’ compensation programs and safety guidance.
- Ongoing compliance support (multi-state, OSHA/ACA) with HR specialists and resources.
Pros and Cons of choosing Insperity PEO:
5. Justworks[toc=5.Justworks]
Justworks is one of the most popular modern PEO service providers for startups and small businesses, known for its clean tech platform and transparent pricing. Unlike some legacy players, Justworks makes it easy for small teams to access enterprise-level employee benefits packages and stay on top of compliance management without hiring a large HR staff.
Key Features:
- Transparent per-employee monthly pricing (PEPM) starting around $59 (basic) or $99 (plus).
- Automated payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance support.
- Access to medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- HR consulting, onboarding tools, and performance management add-ons.
Pros and Cons of choosing Justworks PEO
6. Paychex PEO[toc=6.Paychex]
Paychex is a well-known name in HR and payroll services and also operates a strong PEO business solution for SMBs. As an IRS-certified professional employer organization, it delivers reliable compliance management and broad HR coverage.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive HR services including payroll, HR admin, and benefits management.
- Access to health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.
- Integrated HR software platform for managing employees and administrative tasks.
- Strong compliance expertise in payroll taxes and local labor laws.
Pros and Cons of choosing Paychex PEO
7. Oasis (a Paychex Company)[toc=7.Oasis]
Oasis is a full-service PEO acquired by Paychex, targeting SMBs with flexible HR outsourcing solutions. It offers comprehensive HR services with a personalized touch, especially for industries like healthcare and hospitality.
Key Features:
- End-to-end HR operations: payroll, benefits administration, and risk management.
- Industry-tailored HR solutions for specialized compliance needs.
- Dedicated support teams for client businesses.
- Strong focus on managing HR costs and employee relations.
Pros and Cons of choosing Oasis PEO
8. CoAdvantage[toc=8.CoAdvantage]
CoAdvantage is a national PEO provider serving SMBs with strong focus on compliance support and HR services. With ESAC accreditation and IRS CPEO status, it brings credibility and security to co-employment arrangements.
Key Features:
- Payroll services, HR consulting, and benefits administration.
- Risk management programs, including workers’ compensation.
- Compliance expertise across multi-state operations.
- Customizable HR solutions for different industries.
Pros and Cons of choosing CoAdvantage PEO
9. BambooHR PEO[toc=9.BambooHR]
Best known as an HR software platform, BambooHR also partners with Trinet to deliver PEO services. It’s a great option for small businesses already using BambooHR’s software who want full-service PEO coverage.
Key Features:
- Integrated HR management and PEO services in one platform.
- Payroll, benefits, compliance support, and risk management.
- Smooth employee management via BambooHR’s software.
- Designed to scale with small to mid-sized businesses.
Pros and Cons of choosing BambooHR PEO
10. G&A Partners[toc=10.G&A Partners]
G&A Partners is a trusted PEO provider with over 25 years in the business. Known for dedicated support teams and personalized HR consulting, it focuses on helping SMBs streamline their HR and payroll needs.
Key Features
- Payroll, benefits management, risk management, and compliance expertise.
- Access to robust employee benefits packages.
- HR consulting and performance management support.
- ESAC-accredited and IRS-certified.
Pros and Cons of choosing G&A Partners for PEO:
11. Zenefits (via TriNet PEO)[toc=11.Zenefits]
Zenefits made its name as an HR solution platform for small businesses and now partners with TriNet to offer PEO services. It’s a good choice for startups looking for a tech-first approach with integrated HR and PEO functions.
Key Features
- HR tools for payroll, benefits, and employee management.
- PEO services delivered through TriNet partnership.
- Automated payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support.
- Transparent pricing structure for HR software; custom quotes for PEO.
Pros and Cons of choosing Zenefits PEO
12. Nextep[toc=12.Nextep]
Nextep is a mid-sized PEO provider focused on offering comprehensive services with a personal touch. It’s known for transparent pricing and easy-to-use HR technology.
Key Features
- Payroll, benefits, risk management, and compliance management.
- Focus on small business PEO options with clear cost breakdowns.
- ESAC-accredited and IRS-certified.
- Strong emphasis on HR support and client service.
Pros and Cons of choosing Nextep PEO
13. Velocity Global (Pebl)[toc=13.Velocity Global]
Velocity Global(now Pebl) is best known for global workforce management and EOR services, but it also offers PEO solutions in the U.S. It’s ideal for businesses hiring across borders while needing domestic HR support.
Key Features
- International workforce management and global HR compliance.
- Payroll processing, benefits administration, and tax compliance.
- Helps manage independent contractors and employment contracts globally.
- Local entity and legal employer support worldwide.
Pros and Cons of choosing Velocity Global for PEO services:
How to choose the right PEO for your business?[toc=How to Choose]
With so many PEO service providers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. In our experience working with founders and HR leaders, the right PEO isn’t just about cost, it’s about fit. The best PEO companies give you peace of mind on compliance, free up your time from payroll tasks, and give your team access to benefits you couldn’t negotiate alone.
Here’s what to look at before signing a PEO agreement:
- Pricing model: Do they charge per employee per month or as a % of payroll? Make sure there’s transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Compliance expertise: Are they an IRS Certified PEO or ESAC-accredited? That’s your safety net for tax compliance and regulatory assurance.
- Benefits access: Can they actually deliver competitive employee benefits packages like health insurance, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs?
- Technology & tools: Do they provide user-friendly HR tools for payroll processing, benefits management, and employee relations?
- Support model: Will you get a dedicated support team or just a call center? Direct relationships matter when things get messy.
- Scalability: Are they best for small business PEO options, or can they grow with you into international workforce management?
The takeaway? Don’t just pick the biggest brand, pick the PEO that aligns with your business operations, compliance needs, and growth plans.
What makes Wisemonk stand out for PEO services in India?[toc=Why Choose Wisemonk]
When it comes to building teams in India, most global PEOs stop at payroll and compliance. Wisemonk goes further.
Wisemonk is a leading Employer of Record (EOR) in India, we combine deep local expertise with end-to-end support, so you don’t just hire talent, you set them up for success from day one.
Here’s how we make it simple:
- We help you find top talent in India and onboard them smoothly from day one.
- We run payroll accurately, handle taxes properly, and keep you compliant with Indian laws.
- We give your team access to competitive health insurance, retirement plans, and other key benefits.
- We guide you through India’s labor laws and tax rules so you can stay compliant without stress.
- We build Global Capability Centers or dedicated offshore teams in India tailored to your growth.
And because scaling a team is never just about contracts and paychecks, Wisemonk also helps with background verification, equipment procurement, office setup, and company registration assistance. In short, we handle the local complexity so you can focus on global growth.
Ready to simplify hiring? Book a free consultation call with Wisemonk to find the best approach for scaling your team efficiently, affordably, and with full compliance.
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