Comparison · checked Oct 27, 2026
ADP TotalSource vs TriNet
ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus ~$80–$150/employee/mo (estimates labeled). Here's how they differ on certification, minimums and contract terms, and who each one suits.
The short version
Best for scale and payroll infrastructure
Choose ADP TotalSource if…
Companies of 10–200 that want a large, established provider.
Skip it if: High-risk industries that may be declined at underwriting, and buyers who want short contracts.
ADP TotalSource pricingBest for industry-specific benefits
Choose TriNet if…
Companies of 10–500 that want benefits and compliance built for their industry.
Skip it if: Buyers who need a price before a sales call.
TriNet pricingSide by side
| ADP TotalSource | TriNet | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$70–$200/employee/mo Estimate | ~$80–$150/employee/mo Estimate |
| Pricing model | % of payroll or PEPM | Flat PEPM (unpublished) |
| Certification | CPEOESAC | CPEOESAC |
| Minimum employees | 5 employees | Not published |
| Best fit | 10–200 employees | 10–500 employees |
| Contract | Multi-year terms reported | Annual |
| Coverage | National | National |
| Industries | Professional services, Financial services | Tech and startups, Professional services, Financial services, Nonprofits, Healthcare practices |
| 25 employees, admin fee per year | $21,000–$60,000 | $24,000–$45,000 |
| Strengths | Scale and decades of payroll-tax infrastructure · Annual benefits benchmarking · CPEO and ESAC | Industry-specific compliance and benefits · Flat per-employee admin fee · CPEO and ESAC |
| Watch out for | Payroll-based fees rise with raises · Long contracts reported · Underwriting may turn away high-risk industries | No public rate card · Several features rely on partners |
Questions buyers ask
Is ADP TotalSource cheaper than TriNet?
ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus ~$80–$150/employee/mo (estimates labeled). Benefits, workers' comp and state taxes are quoted separately for both.
Who should choose ADP TotalSource?
Companies of 10–200 that want a large, established provider.
Who should choose TriNet?
Companies of 10–500 that want benefits and compliance built for their industry.