BambooHR vs TriNet HR Plus (formerly Zenefits): an objective comparison

BambooHR is a respected name in the HRMS market. Founded in 2008, it has remained focused on small- and medium-sized businesses, helping organizations move from spreadsheets to a true cloud HR platform. BambooHR’s solution is user-friendly and intuitive, designed to automate repetitive HR tasks so HR teams “can spend more time on people and less time on paperwork.”

Today, BambooHR serves employees in 70+ countries, offering core HR functions like a central employee database, time-off tracking, performance management, and an applicant tracking system (ATS) for hiring. It also provides mobile access, allowing employees to update their personal data and request time off on the go. In recent years, BambooHR added an optional integrated payroll solution, making it a complete platform for growing businesses.

TriNet HR Plus (formerly Zenefits) has a different origin. Zenefits was launched around 2013 as a freemium benefits-administration platform. After regulatory setbacks and a 2022 acquisition, Zenefits was rebranded as TriNet HR Plus.

The new TriNet HR Plus combines Zenefits’ all-in-one HR software with TriNet’s outsourced HR services. In TriNet’s words, HR Plus is a “comprehensive ASO (Administrative Services Organization) solution” that simplifies HR, payroll, and benefits administration.

TriNet (a large PEO/HR company) primarily serves U.S. small and medium businesses, so HR Plus continues Zenefits’ focus on that segment. It emphasizes a technology-enabled service model: you get the same cloud-based HR platform (Zenefits’ software) plus access to TriNet’s team of certified HR and payroll experts.

Company size and industry

BambooHR supports hundreds of thousands of employees across more than 70 countries. Its clients span all industries, and nearly 90% of them are small or mid-size businesses. BambooHR even caters to very small companies and freelancers. In short, if your organization has outgrown manual HR and spreadsheets, BambooHR aims to provide an easy onramp to a modern HRIS.

TriNet HR Plus (Zenefits) similarly targets small and medium businesses, but with a stronger U.S. focus. TriNet itself is a U.S.-based HR company, and Zenefits historically served all 50 states.

Under TriNet, HR Plus continues to serve U.S. SMBs with tools for payroll, benefits, and compliance. (TriNet’s press materials note that HR Plus is available in various service levels to match a company’s needs.) In practice, TriNet HR Plus is especially appealing to companies that want the simplicity of SaaS HR software plus the option of outsourcing HR tasks to a dedicated team.

Functionality

Core HR features

Both platforms include a central employee database. BambooHR offers the usual HRMS modules (employee records, time-off and attendance tracking, performance reviews, etc.), plus built-in recruiting and onboarding tools.

Its applicant tracking system (ATS) is well-regarded and helps HR and managers collaborate on hiring. BambooHR’s workflows are highly customizable. TriNet HR Plus also includes recruiting (via TriNet’s ATS), onboarding, and full employee management features as part of its cloud platform.

Payroll and compliance

BambooHR now provides an optional payroll solution as an add-on. It syncs directly with employee records to reduce manual entry and includes automatic tax calculations and filings in all 50 U.S. states.

However, compliance oversight is mostly self-managed through BambooHR's in-app prompts and documentation, making it best suited for companies with basic payroll needs and internal oversight.

TriNet HR Plus includes payroll as a core part of its platform and supports federal, state, and local tax compliance, including filings, W-2s, and 1099s. What's distinct is TriNet’s access to certified compliance experts who proactively monitor regulatory updates and help customers stay compliant with evolving labor laws, especially useful for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions.

HR Plus also includes built-in support for ACA tracking, COBRA administration, and other complex regulatory requirements, which are often pain points for small HR teams.

Use our free online comparison tool to compare more HRMS software and find the right system for your organization

Benefits administration

Both systems handle benefits and time-off. BambooHR includes open enrollment and benefit tracking within its platform. TriNet HR Plus offers a benefits administration dashboard that employees and brokers can share, allowing benefit enrollment in the mobile app.

TriNet’s solution is strong on ACA and compliance support, including TriNet’s brokerage relationships and compliance tools as part of HR Plus.

Mobile and employee self-service

BambooHR provides a mobile-friendly interface so employees can view pay stubs, request time off, and update personal info from their phones.

TriNet HR Plus explicitly promotes a mobile-first experience; employees can do much of their HR (time-off, benefits enrollment, etc.) via smartphone through the TriNet HR platform.

Integrations and ecosystem

BambooHR has an extensive marketplace and integrates with common tools (payroll partners, time-tracking, recruiting sites, Slack, etc.). 

TriNet HR Plus also supports integrations and a growing partner marketplace, though TriNet’s strategy is often to bundle services (e.g., PEO, insurance, payroll) rather than rely on third parties.

Key differences:  BambooHR tends to keep its interface simple and focused on employee experience and core HR needs. TriNet HR Plus, by contrast, couples its HR platform with specialized support levels, from an on-demand Advisory desk up to full HR Manager or Payroll Manager roles that TriNet provides. 

In other words, TriNet HR Plus is a hybrid of software plus an outsourced HR team. This typically means it has a broader set of hands-on services (and potentially a steeper learning curve), while BambooHR emphasizes ease of use.

Deployment and pricing

Both BambooHR and TriNet HR Plus are cloud-based platforms, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Their software is mobile-friendly and designed for distributed teams.

BambooHR uses a quote-based pricing model. Pricing is calculated per employee per month, but exact costs depend on your selected modules (e.g., payroll, performance management) and company size. You’ll need to request a demo or speak with sales to get a custom quote.

It offers two main packages, Essentials and Advantage, with optional add-ons like payroll, time tracking, and benefits tracking. Annual prepayment may unlock discounted rates, but pricing isn't publicly listed.

Download our HRMS pricing guide for an overview of HRMS software pricing models.

TriNet combines platform and service into a flat-fee model with transparent inclusions and a clear structure. It's simple, flat-fee PEPM pricing based on service level (no minimum employee headcount is required). 

Payroll, benefits administration, COBRA, FSA support, audits, learning management, and performance tools are included by default, though fees may apply for independent contractor payments, international workers, or recruiting (e.g., via JazzHR). Pricing also depends on the level of outsourced services selected.

Support and resources

Both vendors emphasize helping small businesses without large internal HR teams.

• BambooHR support: Customers get access to a responsive support team via phone, email, or chat. BambooHR also provides extensive online help resources: video tutorials, community forums, webinars, and a 24/7 knowledge base. The vendor touts its award-winning 'support heroes' who are trained on the full product.
• TriNet HR Plus support: TriNet’s model goes beyond typical customer support. Every HR Plus customer is paired with a team of certified HR and payroll specialists. These experts handle day-to-day tasks (payroll runs, compliance filings, answering HR questions) and proactively advise on best practices. In addition to this dedicated team, TriNet provides traditional support channels (phone, email, chat) and an online help center with FAQs and guides. There is also a customer community for peer Q&A. Essentially, TriNet HR Plus blends self-service support with high-touch personal support.
  
  

Ultimately, TriNet HR Plus tends to have the edge in the depth of its support and compliance features (thanks to TriNet’s HR professionals). BambooHR prides itself on simplicity, user-friendliness, and transparent service (no hidden fees). 

Many users appreciate BambooHR’s straightforward platform and reliable performance. Businesses that need minimal HR overhead often prefer BambooHR’s ease of use, while those who want comprehensive payroll/benefits support may lean toward TriNet HR Plus.

Key takeaways

• BambooHR is a simple, all-in-one HRMS that small companies can adopt quickly. It automates recruiting, onboarding, time tracking, benefits enrollment, and payroll (as an add-on) in one place.
• TriNet HR Plus is a tech-enabled HR service. It uses the Zenefits HR platform under the hood but augments it with TriNet’s outsourced HR and payroll teams.
• Both are cloud-based and mobile-friendly. BambooHR handles pricing on a quote basis; TriNet HR Plus pricing depends on chosen service tiers.
• BambooHR offers extensive self-help (knowledge base, videos, community) and known “human” support. TriNet HR Plus assigns your company dedicated HR experts, effectively extending your team.

Choose BambooHR if you value an intuitive, employee-centric HR system and keeping things simple. Choose TriNet HR Plus if you prefer an all-in-one platform plus hands-on HR/payroll support from experts.

In either case, both solutions help small and mid-size businesses move beyond spreadsheets to modern HR management.