Table of Contents
ADP PEO
ADP PEO stands out as one of the top overall PEO companies, offering the feel of a large enterprise combined with personalized service. It provides all the benefits of a big organization but with a personal touch.
Amplify PEO
Amplify PEO is an established, comprehensive service provider with extensive experience working across various industries and company sizes. It is dedicated to helping businesses of all types achieve their HR and staffing goals.
OysterHR
OysterHR provides a modern, global platform designed to help HR teams efficiently manage and optimize their workforce. It streamlines hiring and personnel management by offering tools to track, manage, and improve HR processes efficiently.
CoAdvantage PEO
CoAdvantage offers one of the premier team-building solutions in the industry, helping you identify top talent for your workforce and ensuring effective team development services.
VensureHR
VensureHR provides a variety of insurance options including health coverage, disability, life insurance, and more. They also offer standard retirement plans through a partnership with Slavic 401k, giving businesses comprehensive benefits solutions.
If you are reading this, chances are you’re either a business owner, manager, or HR specialist exploring what a professional employer organization (PEO) can do for your company and staff. Alternatively, you might be considering switching from your current PEO provider to a new one. Understanding what a PEO offers can help you make informed decisions about managing your workforce effectively.
What is a PEO?
A PEO, or Professional Employer Organization, collaborates with your business through a co-employment arrangement. This partnership allows the PEO and its HR professionals to handle essential functions like payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance, and other human resources tasks. PEOs are widely used, supporting millions of employees and thousands of companies, thanks to their ability to streamline HR operations and access bulk benefits at lower costs. Their services typically include managing health insurance plans such as dental and vision, workers’ compensation, payroll, employee benefits, time off policies, compliance support, HR consulting, and customer support, among others.
Key Factors When Choosing a PEO
For those unfamiliar with PEOs, they vary significantly in their offerings and features. To determine the best fit for your business, focus on these primary considerations:
Pricing
Pricing structures among PEO providers can differ widely, making direct comparisons challenging. Some are more affordable for small businesses, potentially offering significant savings. Obtain quotes from your shortlisted providers and consider both initial costs and long-term affordability. Pricing models may include a flat fee per employee, a percentage of payroll, or scale with your company size.
Benefit Packages and Offerings
Beyond basic payroll services, evaluate what additional benefits each PEO provides. Is the benefit selection wide enough to satisfy all your employees? Are these benefits competitive within your industry? Since employee benefits influence retention, choosing a provider with attractive options is crucial.
Service Quality
Providers might boast excellent services, but reliability is key. Can they deliver HR support swiftly and without issues? Review client feedback and reports to verify that promises are fulfilled. Accreditation from bodies like ESAC is also a good indicator of service quality.
Minimum Contract Requirements
Some PEOs have minimum employee requirements, like 5 or 10 staff members, which could impact affordability and suitability for smaller businesses. Conversely, larger companies might find some providers do not have the capacity to support bigger operations or might not offer the best terms. It’s essential to match your business size with the provider’s capabilities.
Customer Support
Efficient customer service is vital, especially if issues arise with HR administration or online platforms. A PEO with responsive support can prevent minor problems from becoming major disruptions. Employee self-service portals and HR consulting are also important features to consider.
Online Tools and Portals
Examine the digital platforms offered by potential PEOs. User-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features can make a big difference in daily operations. Ensure the tools meet your needs and facilitate easy management of HR processes.
Leading PEO Providers
Below is a curated list of top PEO firms based on thorough evaluation and industry reputation.
1. ADP PEO
Expert’s Recommendations
Are you searching for the top Professional Employer Organization (PEO) provider? I highly recommend ADP PEO as the best overall choice. It provides excellent customer support and a dedicated partner who genuinely cares about your success. Additionally, ADP offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to support your business growth.
ADP PEO offers the benefits of a large organization with the personalized service of a small business. If you’re seeking a partner that excels in HR consulting and customer support, ADP stands out as an excellent choice. They provide a broad range of services across different departments, which can help attract and keep top talent. For businesses needing to stay compliant with constantly evolving regulations, ADP is a solid option.
With insights driven by data analytics and innovative technology, ADP is constantly looking for ways to enhance your HR experience. This approach allows you to leverage their HR experts, enabling you to focus on strategic planning and daily operations. Thanks to their nationwide reach and years of experience, ADP is well-suited for businesses of all sizes.
h4 class=”wp-block-heading”>Key Features:
- Provide employees with quick access to the information they need, whenever they need it.
- Deliver top-tier benefits that help attract talented employees and keep them engaged.
- Offer dedicated support from real professionals whenever assistance is required.
- Use data-driven techniques to optimize your workforce management strategies.
- Leverage HR expertise to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of human resources.
User Experience:
With both desktop and mobile apps optimized for iOS and Android, ADP PEO provides a seamless experience for employees needing to access their information remotely. The interface is streamlined and easy to navigate, with key details clearly displayed. Employees can review available benefits, submit time-off requests, view pay stubs, and perform other essential tasks effortlessly.
What I Like/Dislike About ADP PEO:
Advantages:
- The wide range of features ensures that employees can quickly find answers and manage their needs efficiently.
- Support from dedicated specialists is readily available, providing assistance whenever necessary. This is especially helpful during onboarding or when unfamiliar with specific functionalities.
Disadvantages:
- The software interface can be challenging for first-time users unfamiliar with similar platforms.
- The time tracking and employee scheduling modules are offered as additional paid features, which may increase overall costs.
Get started with ADP PEO.
2. Amplify PEO.
Expert’s Advice
Business safety is paramount, and Amplify PEO offers a comprehensive array of safety services, from online training modules to on-site safety consulting. They recognize that each company has unique needs, providing customizable plans tailored to specific client requirements.
Ideal For
Team Safety
Pricing
Quote Based
Annual Discount
No
Get Started
If your business is concerned about workplace safety and risk management, Amplify offers safety reviews and workers’ compensation support, making it easier for you to focus on other priorities. What sets them apart is their exceptional customer service—they’re recognized for their responsiveness and personalized approach, which is rare among larger providers. When issues arise, you’ll communicate directly with a human representative, simplifying problem resolution.
Their standard services, including payroll and HR administration, are delivered promptly and efficiently, with no notable issues reported. However, if your business requires specialized features uncommon in general PEO services—specific industry tools or niche functionalities—Amplify may not be the best fit. In such cases, exploring providers with industry-specific offerings might be necessary.
Key features of Amplify PEO include the ability for employers to schedule payroll, hire or terminate employees, generate detailed reports, and more. Employees can view their paystubs, enroll in benefits, request paid time off, and manage their information through a user-friendly, 24/7 online platform. The cloud-based HR system facilitates seamless global collaboration and communication within your organization.
The user experience is designed to be straightforward; employees can enroll in benefits easily with just a few clicks, and employers can generate insightful reports to analyze benefit preferences and adjust plans accordingly—all while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Some highlights we appreciate about Amplify PEO: it offers cost-effective services that allow you to concentrate on your core business activities, provides comprehensive HR solutions through its full-service model, and features a cloud-based portal accessible from anywhere—making HR management flexible and convenient.Anytime
Dislikes:
- Finding information about pricing and plans right after visiting the website can be challenging.
3. OysterHR.
Expert’s Advice
OysterHR provides a modern, comprehensive platform that supports both HR teams and individual employees worldwide. It offers easy-to-use tools enabling managers to onboard new hires swiftly, handle employee data efficiently, and monitor performance. This streamlines staffing and HR processes, helping teams stay organized and productive.
Best For
Hiring Across Borders
Pricing
$0/month to $499/month
Annual Discount
Yes – Save 17%
Special Offer
OysterHR delivers a sleek, modern experience perfect for global teams and HR professionals alike.
It provides expansive access to top talent worldwide and offers local legal support tailored to each country’s employment laws. This makes hiring and compliance straightforward and smooth.
OysterHR extends its services beyond employers, also offering features for individual employees. Employers can use the platform to discover qualified international candidates and benefit from region-specific legal guidance and insurance options. Meanwhile, employees can utilize self-service tools to manage their activities and personal information more independently.Employees can now create their own profiles, oversee their tasks and deadlines, get instant feedback from colleagues or managers, and easily monitor their performance metrics.
Heading: Key Features:
- Time-off management helps your team stay organized by allowing them to handle vacation days, sick leave, and other absences.
- Recruitment management simplifies finding qualified candidates worldwide and scheduling interviews efficiently.
- Performance review features enable systematic employee evaluations based on clear, objective criteria, providing valuable feedback on progress.
- Payroll tools ensure quick and accurate processing of employee wages.
- Onboarding modules streamline introducing new hires, sharing essential information, and setting clear role expectations.
- The employee database centralizes important information about each team member, making data easily accessible to everyone.
Heading: User Experience:
Setting up an OysterHR account is simple and quick. You can get started within minutes and customize your profile to meet your specific needs. The user-friendly interface allows you to navigate effortlessly and find the tools you need without unnecessary complexity.
Heading: What I Like and Dislike About OysterHR:
Like:
- The free version allows you to explore the platform and use its features without immediate financial commitment.
- The system provides legal and compliance support, making it easier for employers to stay aligned with international regulations.
Dislike:
- Pricing for scaling small businesses may be considered steep for some users.
CoAdvantage PEO
Expert’s Advice:
A strong team can significantly influence your business’s success. The right team-building tools can help you identify top performers and motivate others. If developing your team is a priority, consider exploring CoAdvantage. As a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), they offer effective services designed to pinpoint your best employees and inspire continuous improvement.
Ideal For
Business Team Development
Pricing
Quote-Based
Annual Savings
No
Start Your Journey
Growing quickly and based in Florida, CoAdvantage is a professional employer organization (PEO) that operates under the larger Morgan Stanley framework. With decades of experience, they support companies like yours by providing everything needed to succeed and ensuring employees receive comprehensive benefits. Trust that they are committed to helping you build a top-notch team, and since they operate nationwide, you’ll find their services accessible regardless of where your business is located.
They excel in tools for team building, enabling you to identify high performers within your organization and find potential candidates for new roles, saving valuable time in recruitment. Onboarding new employees and managers is straightforward, making the process efficient. Their standard services—payroll management and benefits administration—are also reliable and comprehensive. While other specialized areas might not be their strongest suit, their core offerings align well with what most businesses require.
Key Features:
– HR Technology offers a cloud-based HR management system that automates and streamlines human resources tasks.
– Risk & Compliance provides essential tools and resources to keep your business in line with regulations.
– Payroll ensures employees are paid accurately and on time.
User Experience:
If you’re looking for detailed analysis and reports on your HR data, CoAdvantage PEO could be a good choice.
The software offers a complete, cloud-based platform for managing HR tasks, making processes easier and more automated. When it comes to payroll, CoAdvantage PEO guarantees that your employees are paid accurately and on time.
What I Appreciate / Dislike About CoAdvantage PEO:
Likes:
- The platform allows for detailed or summarized views, giving either a broad overview or specific details as needed.
- It’s straightforward to navigate, and finding information doesn’t require jumping through multiple menus.
Dislikes:
- Sometimes, resolving issues or figuring out how to use certain features requires contacting support, as some functions aren’t immediately clear.
5. VensureHR.
Expert’s Advice
For small companies seeking a comprehensive PEO service, VensureHR is worth considering. They offer a broad array of services, and their team is knowledgeable and supportive. They can help you provide benefits like 401(k)s to your staff, which can greatly enhance your business growth.
Our next recommendation is VensureHR, which is a particularly good choice for small businesses because they appear to focus on serving smaller companies. They are willing to collaborate with nearly any organization, regardless of size, making them stand out for those with only a few employees who want to avoid the usual restrictions or extra costs.
Services include all the essentials you’d expect, such as various insurance plans (covering healthcare, disability, life, and more), along with standard retirement options through a partnership with Slavic 401k.
As an employer, you can tailor benefits packages to align with your company’s resources without going over budget.
While customer service may not be quite up to the standards set by Amplify PEO, Vensure HR is reliable and will complete the necessary tasks effectively. Pricing varies based on your business’s specific needs and plans selected, but VensureHR is likely one of the more affordable options, offering pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation plans and flexible service packages. The platform’s customization options are quite extensive, fitting the needs of many small businesses.
However, since VensureHR is primarily designed for smaller businesses, it might not be the best solution for bigger companies seeking advanced HR software, extensive HR services, or HR outsourcing solutions.
Key Features:
Their software offers a full human resources management system that streamlines employee data, performance evaluations, and benefits management. It includes modules for payroll, time tracking, recruitment, and talent development, accessible via a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. The risk management component assists organizations in identifying and handling operational risks through risk assessments, mitigation planning, and progress tracking. Additionally, the benefits management module simplifies employee benefits enrollment, eligibility, and claims handling.
User Experience:
The platform is designed to be accessible on various devices, making it easy for employees and managers to access information from work, home, or on the go. Its interface is straightforward, clean, and intuitive, simplifying navigation across modules. If you prefer mobile access, the mobile app allows you to review employee data and benefits anytime, anywhere.
What I Like/Dislike About VensureHR:
Like: The platform offers comprehensive solutions, eliminating the need to piece together multiple tools to cover all HR functions.
Dislike: It lacks specialized high-end features, opting for a more general approach suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
6. Resourcing Edge
Resourcing Edge, which has been operating since 2003 and serves clients across 44 states (and shows no signs of slowing down), offers a comprehensive suite of HR and staffing solutions.Resourcing Edge is a PEO service especially suitable for small business owners and startups eager to leverage comprehensive training opportunities for their staff and themselves.
The core services are standard — including payroll management, HR support, and reasonable employee benefits — ensuring employees are generally satisfied. However, our focus here isn’t on these typical features, which are solid but not extraordinary; instead, we highlight their outstanding training programs and safety initiatives.
Out of our top picks, Resourcing Edge stands out if your primary focus is on employee development and maintaining strict safety and risk management protocols. This provider offers an impressive array of training options and safety resources, making it easier for small businesses to invest in their teams’ growth and well-being. Their extensive network of partner organizations further enhances the potential benefits for your employees’ quality of life.
Pricing can differ depending on your business size and needs, so it’s wise to request a quote early if you’re considering their services. Although they are a smaller firm, with around 100 to 150 employees, this size is generally sufficient for small businesses, and most should find their services accommodating enough.
Key Features include direct deposit, live checks, and paycards, giving employees flexible payment options. They also provide online data management with real-time reporting for better oversight, Garnishment and deduction management to ensure compliance, seamless accounting integration through general ledger uploads, and online portals via re360 for both managers and staff to stay connected and informed.
Their web-based platform makes it easy to access their services from anywhere at any time. And if any questions or issues arise, their support team is always just a phone call away. This comprehensive, user-friendly digital solution suits businesses across various industries and sizes.
What I appreciate most about Resourcing Edge is their personalized customer service, which helps maximize the value of your account, along with their broad network of partners. On the downside, they do not specialize deeply in specific areas, so some businesses may find that they need additional specialized services elsewhere.
Moving on to another notable provider, Insperity, which has been a major player in the PEO industry for over 30 years. Serving millions of employees across more than 100,000 companies, Insperity is among the largest providers available and is capable of supporting very large organizations.
Despite its size, Insperity offers a surprisingly flexible range of services, from basic packages to highly complex solutions tailored to extensive corporate needs. They emphasize value, aiming to deliver comprehensive services without unnecessary extras. If you’re interested in exploring options with Insperity, it’s best to gather quotes from multiple providers to compare offerings and prices based on your unique business requirements.
Insperity is known for being dependable, flexible, and capable of growing alongside your business. If you’re unsure where to start and our other suggestions don’t suit your needs, Insperity could be a great resource to explore. These providers typically charge based on the number of employees, making them more suitable for small businesses. Additionally, cancellation is usually straightforward, often requiring just a 30-day notice, which makes them appealing for businesses wanting to test out a PEO before committing long-term.
Comparison Summary
From our list of top PEO service providers, most businesses should begin their research with Amplify PEO and then consider other options. However, this doesn’t mean Amplify suits everyone. Some companies prefer a more personalized approach, while others may focus on serving smaller firms like VensureHR or larger organizations. Certain businesses may prioritize specific features or specialized services offered by PEOs.
Because of these differences, detailed side-by-side comparisons aren’t always necessary or helpful. Still, understanding what each provider offers can help you make an informed choice, especially if you know what goals you’re aiming for.
Other PEO providers not yet included in this list include TriNet, Justworks, Paychex, Oasis Outsourcing, and ADP TotalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions about PEOs
Have questions about setting up your partnership with a PEO, how the process works, or how to maximize the benefits? Here are some common inquiries:
Is a Commitment Necessary?
Generally, yes, although the details depend on the PEO provider and the plans or benefits you choose. It’s important to ask questions and read the fine print to know how long you’ll be bound to the agreement. Many contracts last a year, and multi-year agreements do exist. If you’re concerned about lengthy commitments, look for providers that offer short-notice cancellations, or ones that provide trial periods without penalties.
Will Daily Business Operations Be Affected?
Not unless you want them to be. Although payroll processing will likely shift to the PEO, how you manage your company remains in your control. The PEO won’t make changes or recommendations unless you request assistance, or if existing practices violate regulations they are responsible for. During onboarding, you can review and discuss all procedures. Employees might notice some small adjustments during this period, but overall their daily routines shouldn’t be significantly impacted unless previous processes are replaced or modified.
What Benefits Can a PEO Provide?
A PEO can assist in establishing any benefits you wish to offer to employees. Common options include various retirement plan types, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and investment opportunities. Some providers may also offer discounts with retailers, rewards programs, life insurance, compliance services, workers’ compensation insurance, and employee development programs. The scope is quite broad, and additional employer-focused services like workplace safety support, employee handbooks, training software, and HR assistance are also available. Most of these services can be added for extra fees, depending on your needs.
How Will I Interact with My PEO?
Answers depend on the provider, but you’ll almost certainly have an online portal and multiple ways to contact support—whether through email, phone, or direct messaging. The ease of communication varies, and some providers may assign a dedicated representative, while others may offer more general support. Routine requests or adjustments can often be handled online, but more complex issues might require direct contact. The exact interaction method depends on your chosen PEO provider.
Maximizing Your PEO Experience
To get the most out of your partnership with a PEO, it’s essential to keep certain strategies in mind. Firstly, thoroughly review all documents and information related to your provider, as options that seem minor today could become relevant tomorrow. Don’t hesitate to make calls or ask for adjustments—most plans are flexible and can be tailored to your evolving business needs. Remember, you can typically upgrade services or switch providers after your initial contract expires, so avoid decision paralysis and focus on what benefits your company most now. Cost isn’t everything; cheaper options may offer less value, so weigh the benefits against the price. When introducing your new PEO to employees, do so gradually, avoiding overwhelming them with information all at once. Lastly, understand how PEOs and their clients interact with tax authorities, especially regarding payroll taxes and employee onboarding. Knowledge of these aspects can help you optimize compliance and financial workflows.
Conclusion
There are many other prominent PEO companies beyond those listed here, but we believe the ones mentioned are among the best options for your business. Not every provider will be the right fit, but by focusing on your priorities and what benefits your employees most, you’ll be able to make a quick and confident decision. We hope this guide has clarified your options and will serve as a helpful resource throughout your selection process.