Head to head · scores updated Oct 27, 2026
ADP TotalSource vs TriNet: scored side by side
ADP TotalSource scores 77 and TriNet scores 72 out of 100. ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus ~$80–$150/employee/mo (estimates labeled).
Score breakdown
| Factor | Max | ADP TotalSource | TriNet |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS CPEO certification | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| ESAC accreditation | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Price transparency | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| Contract flexibility | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Small-business access | 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Coverage | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 77 | 72 |
Side by side
| ADP TotalSource | TriNet | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 77 / 100 | 72 / 100 |
| 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| Pricing model | % of payroll or PEPM | Flat PEPM (unpublished) |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
Which ranks higher, ADP TotalSource or TriNet?
ADP TotalSource ranks higher, 77 to 72. The score uses certification, price transparency, contract terms, minimum headcount and coverage only.
Is ADP TotalSource cheaper than TriNet?
ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus ~$80–$150/employee/mo (estimates labeled).