The Best PEO Services

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Business Services Buyers Guide

Top Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)

  • Insperity
  • Features: Full-service HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance. Technology solutions include employee scheduling, performance reviews, and expense reporting.
  • Best For: Small-to-medium businesses needing comprehensive HR outsourcing.
  • Locations: 60+ offices nationwide.

  • TriNet

  • Features: Payroll, insurance, benefits management, and cloud-based HR solutions for SMBs. Industry-specific services for healthcare, finance, technology, and more.
  • Best For: Growing businesses needing industry-focused HR services.

  • Paychex

  • Features: Payroll, HR, compliance, and benefits administration. Customizable plans starting at $60/month plus $4/employee.
  • Best For: Businesses of all sizes seeking scalable solutions.

  • Nextep

  • Features: Cloud-based HR, payroll, workers"9 comp, and employee perks program. Transparent billing and online training courses ($50/employee/year).
  • Best For: Companies looking for straightforward pricing and workplace perks.

  • Oasis Outsourcing

  • Features: Payroll, benefits, HR administration, and compliance. Industry-specific customization available.
  • Best For: Companies requiring tailored HR solutions.

  • Emplicity

  • Features: Full-service HR with dedicated HR managers. Plans range from basic solutions to comprehensive management.
  • Best For: Small-to-medium businesses in California and Texas.

  • Infiniti HR

  • Features: Customizable consulting, free online training courses, and nonprofit-specific services (e.g., unemployment trust programs).
  • Best For: Nonprofits and businesses needing flexible plans.

  • XcelHR

  • Features: Administrative services for companies with 1 - 1,500 employees, including compliance support and government contractor solutions.
  • Best For: Small businesses and government contractors.

  • Group Management Services (GMS)

  • Features: Payroll, HR, tax compliance, and risk management. Offers 500+ customizable payroll reports.
  • Best For: Businesses needing detailed payroll insights and HR customization.

  • Employer Solutions Group (ESG)

    • Features: Recruiting, training, payroll, and employee perks. Offers location-based and online training.
    • Best For: Companies with 10 - 100 employees seeking customizable HR plans.

Key Considerations for Choosing a PEO

  • Services Offered
  • Payroll: Tax compliance, garnishments, PTO accruals, and online paystubs.
  • Benefits: Access to better plans, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
  • HR Administration: Onboarding, termination, and employee handbooks.
  • Recruiting: Job descriptions, wage determinations, and interview management.

  • Training Options

  • Online: Flexible, cost-effective employee training.
  • Regional: In-person training events held in specific locations.
  • On Location: Personalized training delivered on-site.

  • Employee Perks

  • Discounts at major retailers and attractions.
  • Mobile apps for benefits and payroll tracking.
  • Transition support for terminated employees.

  • Customer Support

  • Call centers, direct representatives, or personal consultants.
  • In-person visits for training and complex challenges.

  • Accreditation

  • ESAC: Verifies compliance and financial stability.
  • Not all reputable PEOs are accredited, so weigh other factors.

  • Business Size

  • Startups & Small Businesses: Cost-effective for HR functions.
  • Midsize Businesses: Offers scalability for growing needs.
  • Large Businesses: Tailored services like recruiting and training.

Types of PEO Services

  • Full-Service HR
  • Handles payroll, benefits, compliance, and taxes.
  • Ideal for businesses without an HR department.

  • Recruitment-Focused PEOs

  • Guides job description creation, interviews, and background checks.

PEO Costs

  • Flat Fee: $500 - $1,500 per employee/year.
  • Payroll Percentage: 2 - 11% of total payroll.

Tip: Match your business's specific needs - be it compliance, payroll, or benefits - with a PEO provider offering tailored solutions and scalable services.


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