10 Best HR Services Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 15 we reviewed.
Get free help from our service advisors to find your match.
Managing HR can be demanding. Tasks like compliance, payroll, and employee support often compete for your time and attention.
Over time, these responsibilities can lead to stress, delays, or costly oversights—especially without dedicated tools or expertise.
HR services are designed to ease that burden. The right provider can streamline essential processes, reduce risk, and help your team operate more effectively.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- A curated list of top HR services
- An overview of key features and strengths
- Insights into which service fits different business needs
- Guidance to help you choose with confidence
Use this resource to explore your options and find an HR service that supports your goals.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR management use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.
Best HR Services Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR services selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for compliance support | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for startups | Free consultation available upon request | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for tailored HR solutions | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for mid-sized companies | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for payroll management | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for small businesses | Contact for a discovery call | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for comprehensive PEO services | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for compliance tracking | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for personalized HR consulting | Free consultation available upon request | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for diverse industries | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Guru
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Mitratech Trakstar
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Best HR Services Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR services providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Questco offers HR services including payroll management, employee benefits, and risk management. They focus on compliance and cater to businesses seeking reliable HR support across various functions.
Why I picked Questco: Questco's emphasis on compliance means your team can confidently navigate regulations without worry. Questco's risk management services help you address potential legal issues. Their payroll management ensures your employees are paid accurately and on time.
Standout Services: Questco offers employee benefits administration, providing your team with attractive packages that can help retain top talent. Their HR consulting provides strategic advice to improve your workplace environment and address specific challenges.
Target industries: Healthcare, construction, manufacturing, retail, and financial services.
Specialties: Compliance support, payroll management, employee benefits, risk management, and HR consulting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable payroll services
- Attractive benefits packages
- Comprehensive risk management
Cons:
- Customization may increase costs
- May require consultation for details
Emplova delivers HR services through a professional employer organization (PEO) model, offering payroll, compliance, and employee benefits. They serve early-stage and growing companies that want support in setting up core HR activities.
Why I picked Emplova: Emplova makes it easy for your team to get started with payroll processing, onboarding tools, and automated tax filings built into one system. They focus on simplicity, which suits startups that don’t have a dedicated HR department. If you need a setup that’s quick to launch and easy to manage, Emplova’s structure gives you that from day one.
Standout Services: Emplova offers dedicated client support, providing your team with direct access to HR specialists who assist with compliance, benefits, and employee relations. They also provide on-demand HR compliance resources, giving you access to templates, policy guides, and certified advisors to help you stay aligned with employment laws.
Target industries: Financial services, venture capital, private equity, technology, and non-profit.
Specialties: Employee benefits, compliance and risk mitigation, HR technology, client service, and payroll processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- Access to exclusive Cigna healthcare plans
- Concierge-style support with direct contact
Cons:
- No mention of international support
- Limited information on website
Extensis HR provides personalized HR services, including payroll, benefits, compliance, and recruitment. They primarily serve small to mid-sized businesses, focusing on delivering tailored solutions through their mobile-first platform.
Why I picked ExtensisHR: Their focus on tailored HR solutions means your team receives services that specifically fit your business needs. With ExtensisHR, you can manage HR tasks remotely using their Work Anywhere® platform. They offer Fortune 500-level benefits, ensuring you attract and retain top talent.
Standout Services: ExtensisHR's HRCloud offers data-driven management to help your team make informed HR decisions. Their performance cloud tracks goals and performance metrics, supporting your business in achieving its objectives.
Target industries: Technology, healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing.
Specialties: Payroll, benefits, compliance, recruiting, and data-driven management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive team
- High customer satisfaction
- Mobile-first platform
Cons:
- Recent market expansion
- Focus on small to mid-sized businesses
CoAdvantage offers a range of HR services, including payroll, benefits, risk management, and compliance support. They focus on mid-sized businesses, providing tailored HR solutions to meet specific needs and challenges.
Why I picked CoAdvantage: CoAdvantage specializes in mid-sized companies, which means your team receives services designed to address the unique challenges of growing businesses. CoAdvantage's compliance support helps you navigate complex regulations. Their risk management services ensure you mitigate potential liabilities effectively.
Standout Services: CoAdvantage provides employee training programs that equip your team with the skills needed to enhance productivity and compliance. Their HR technology platform also offers tools to manage HR tasks efficiently, supporting your business operations.
Target industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and technology.
Specialties: Payroll, benefits, compliance support, risk management, and HR technology.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive HR technology
- Effective risk management
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- Focus on mid-sized businesses
- Pricing not transparent
FrankCrum offers HR services including payroll, benefits, risk management, and HR consulting. They primarily serve small to mid-sized businesses, focusing on efficient payroll management to streamline operations.
Why I picked FrankCrum: Their focus on payroll management means your team benefits from accurate and timely payroll services. FrankCrum's risk management services help you mitigate potential liabilities. Their HR consulting provides strategic insights to improve your workplace environment.
Standout Services: FrankCrum's employee benefits administration offers competitive packages to attract and retain talent, addressing key business needs. Their compliance support ensures your team adheres to regulations, minimizing legal risks.
Target industries: Construction, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail.
Specialties: Payroll management, risk management, employee benefits, compliance support, and HR consulting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strategic HR consulting
- Competitive benefits packages
- Strong risk management
Cons:
- Customization may increase costs
- Focus on small to mid-sized businesses
G&A Partners provides HR management, payroll administration, and employee benefits services. They primarily cater to small businesses, ensuring these companies meet compliance requirements and manage their HR tasks efficiently.
Why I picked G&A Partners: Their focus on small businesses means you get services tailored to your specific needs, helping you manage compliance and attract top talent. With G&A Partners, your team can benefit from personalized HR solutions that address your unique challenges. Their payroll and benefits services are designed to save you time and resources.
Standout Services: G&A's payroll administration ensures that your team gets paid accurately and on time, addressing concerns about compliance and efficiency. Their employee benefits packages offer attractive options to help you retain top talent, making sure your company remains competitive in the job market.
Target industries: Skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and technology.
Specialties: Payroll administration, employee benefits, HR management, compliance support, and recruitment process outsourcing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated HR technology
- Competitive employee benefits
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- Customization may increase costs
- Focus on specific industries
Oasis, a Paychex Company, provides HR services such as payroll, benefits, risk management, and compliance support. They cater to businesses of all sizes, focusing on delivering comprehensive PEO services to streamline HR functions.
Why I picked Oasis: Oasis focuses on comprehensive PEO services, which provide your team with benefits from an all-in-one solution for their HR needs. They also offer detailed compliance support to help you navigate regulations effortlessly. Their payroll services ensure that your employees are paid accurately and on time, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Standout Services: Oasis's employee training programs equip your team with the skills needed to enhance productivity and compliance. Their workplace safety programs help you create a safer work environment, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Target industries: Healthcare, retail, manufacturing, financial services, and technology.
Specialties: Payroll, benefits, compliance support, risk management, and employee training.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive employee training programs
- Effective payroll management
- Comprehensive PEO services
Cons:
- Customization may increase costs
- Focus on specific industries
HR Works offers HR outsourcing solutions that include regulatory compliance, audits, affirmative action plans, and training. They serve mid-sized organizations that want to align HR support with their business goals.
Why I picked HR Works: HR Works helps your team stay up to date with laws and audits through ongoing compliance tracking and documentation. They deliver services on-site or online, including support for HRIS setup and maintenance. Their structure helps you meet audit standards without adding extra overhead, making staying compliant a top priority.
Standout Services: HR Works offers leave management outsourcing to help your team track employee leave, process requests, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws. They also provide HR staffing solutions, connecting you with qualified HR candidates to fill roles like HR generalists, specialists, and executive positions, helping you build a strong HR team.
Target industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, financial services, and government.
Specialties: Affirmative action planning, leave management, HR audits, compliance training, and HRIS consulting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Delivers SHRM-certified training sessions
- Conducts legally reviewed HR audits
- Offers onsite or virtual HR support
Cons:
- Focused on specific industries
- Limited information on international services
Yeo & Yeo HR Advisory Solutions offers outsourced HR services including compliance, hiring support, compensation planning, and employee relations. They work with small to mid-sized businesses that want tailored HR help aligned with their goals.
Why I picked Yeo & Yeo HR Advisory Solutions: Yeo & Yeo customizes support based on your team’s size, industry, and structure, so you don't get a one-size-fits-all setup. They help with policy development, organizational planning, and employee training tied to your business needs. Their approach gives your team flexibility when you need HR consulting tailored to your business's unique operations.
Standout Services: Yeo & Yeo HR Advisory Solutions provides employee relations support, assisting your team with offboarding, disciplinary planning, and training to maintain compliance and efficiency. They also offer payroll solutions, handling payroll and tax administration to ensure accurate and timely payroll management while adhering to labor regulations.
Target industries: Agribusiness, construction, education, financial institutions, and government.
Specialties: Employee relations, payroll solutions, HR compliance, recruitment and hiring, and strategy and operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to HR compliance resources
- Integration with payroll solutions
- Personalized HR consulting
Cons:
- No mention of international support
- Focused on specific industries
Vensure Employer Services provides scalable HR solutions, including payroll administration, employee benefits, and risk management. They serve businesses of all sizes across diverse industries, focusing on flexibility and customization.
Why I picked Vensure Employer Services: Their ability to serve diverse industries means your team benefits from tailored solutions that fit your specific sector. With Vensure, you can access specialized coverage options, such as identity theft protection. They also offer resources, such as webinars and training materials, to support your business.
Standout Services: Vensure's risk management services help your team navigate compliance and avoid legal issues, addressing core business challenges. Their recruiting services provide access to global talent, ensuring you find the right fit for your company.
Target industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, legal, financial services, and Latino businesses.
Specialties: Payroll administration, employee benefits, risk management, recruiting, and compliance support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free HR system assessment
- Specialized coverage options
- Scalable solutions for all business sizes
Cons:
- Customization may increase costs
- May require consultation for details
Other HR Services
Here are some additional HR services providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Engage PEO
For legal expertise
- The Employers Association (TEA)
For training programs
- Alliant HR Outsourcing
For custom HR solutions
- CloudRock
For remote teams
- Caged Bird HR
For creative industries
What Are HR Services?
HR services are professional services that help businesses manage their human resources functions. They might offer things like:
- Payroll processing and management
- Employee benefits administration
- Recruitment and staffing support
- Compliance with labor laws
- Performance management systems
Small to mid-sized businesses, HR departments, and startups often seek out HR services to address challenges like payroll accuracy, benefits management, and compliance with labor regulations.
HR Services Selection Criteria
When selecting the best HR services providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like improving payroll accuracy and ensuring compliance with labor laws. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score):
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Payroll processing
- Employee benefits administration
- Compliance support
- Recruitment and staffing
- Performance management
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score):
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Leadership development programs
- Customized HR technology solutions
- International HR support
- Wellness programs
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Industry Experience (10% of total score):
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in business
- Number of industries served
- Client testimonials
- Case studies
- Industry-specific expertise
Onboarding (10% of total score):
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Speed of implementation
- Clarity of process
- Availability of training resources
- Dedicated onboarding support
- User-friendly technology
Customer Support (10% of total score):
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support channels
- Response time
- Quality of assistance
- Availability of online resources
- Customer satisfaction ratings
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency of pricing
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Comparison with competitors
- Included features
- Return on investment potential
Customer Reviews (10% of total score):
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Commonly mentioned strengths
- Areas for improvement
- Customer loyalty indicators
- Consistency of service quality
How to Choose an HR Services Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your company's goals. For example, if you need to improve employee retention, look for a provider with strong benefits packages. |
Service Scope and SLAs | Verify that the provider offers the services you need and check the service level agreements to ensure they meet your expectations. |
Support Availability | Look for providers that offer 24/7 support if your team requires round-the-clock assistance. Alternatively, ensure there is adequate support during your business hours. |
Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model and ensure it fits your budget. Look for transparent pricing without hidden fees. |
Communication and Reporting | Assess how the provider communicates updates and reports. You’ll want regular updates on compliance and payroll, for instance. |
Technology Integration | Ensure their systems integrate with your existing software to avoid disruptions to your operations. |
Reputation | Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge satisfaction and reliability. |
Customization Options | Check if the provider can tailor services to your specific needs, such as industry-specific compliance or unique HR strategies. |
Key HR Services
When selecting an HR service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payroll processing: Handles employee payments accurately and on time, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
- Employee benefits administration: Manages benefits packages to attract and retain talent, offering health insurance, retirement plans, and more.
- Compliance support: Ensures your business adheres to labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks and penalties.
- Recruitment and staffing: Helps find and hire the right talent for your team, saving time and resources.
- Performance management: Provides tools and strategies to evaluate and improve employee performance, boosting productivity.
- Risk management: Identifies and mitigates potential workplace risks, enhancing safety and reducing liabilities.
- HR consulting: Offers expert advice on HR strategies and practices, helping you optimize your workforce management.
- Training and development: Provides programs to enhance employee skills and career growth, fostering a more competent workforce.
- HR technology solutions: Integrates with your systems to streamline HR processes and improve efficiency.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives: Develops strategies to create a more inclusive workplace, enhancing company culture and innovation.
Benefits of HR Services
Partnering with an HR services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased efficiency: HR services handle time-consuming tasks like payroll and compliance, freeing up your team to focus on core business activities.
- Improved compliance: With expert support, your business stays up-to-date with labor laws, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.
- Access to expertise: Gain insights from HR professionals who provide guidance on best practices and strategies for workforce management.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction: Offering well-managed benefits and training programs can boost morale and retention.
- Cost savings: By outsourcing HR functions, you can reduce overhead costs and avoid the expenses associated with hiring full-time HR staff.
- Better talent acquisition: Recruitment services help you find and hire the right candidates, improving your team's overall performance.
- Risk reduction: Risk management services help identify potential issues, enabling you to create a safer and more compliant workplace.
Costs and Pricing Structures of HR Services
HR services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Charges a recurring fee, often monthly, for ongoing access to HR services.
- Project-based: Costs are determined by specific HR projects, such as recruitment or compliance audits, and are charged as a one-time fee.
- Per employee: Pricing is based on the number of employees, making it scalable for businesses of different sizes.
- Hourly rate: Charges are based on the time spent providing HR services, suitable for ad-hoc consultations or temporary needs.
- Tiered pricing: Offers different service packages at varying levels, allowing businesses to choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.
Key Factors That Influence HR Services Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR services:
- Customization: Tailoring HR services to fit specific business needs can increase costs due to additional time and resources required.
- Industry regulations: Compliance with specific industry standards may require specialized expertise, which can impact pricing.
- Number of employees: More employees typically mean higher costs, especially in per-employee pricing models.
- Service scope: The range and complexity of services needed can affect pricing, with broader scopes generally costing more.
- Technology integration: Costs may rise if the provider needs to integrate their systems with your existing technology.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
HR Services: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about HR services:
How do I choose the right HR service provider?
To choose the right HR service provider, start by identifying your business needs and objectives. Consider factors like the range of services offered, pricing models, and the provider’s industry experience. Make sure the provider’s approach aligns with your company culture and values. It’s also helpful to read reviews and ask for references from current clients.
What should I expect during the onboarding process?
During the onboarding process, expect a detailed review of your current HR practices and needs. The provider will likely conduct an initial assessment to tailor their services to your specific business needs. You’ll work together to integrate their systems with your existing technology. Clear communication and regular updates from the provider are essential during this period.
How can HR services improve compliance?
HR services can improve compliance by keeping your business up-to-date with the latest labor laws and regulations. They provide expert guidance on policies and procedures to ensure adherence to legal standards. The provider can also conduct regular audits and training sessions for your team to minimize the risk of non-compliance.
Are HR services suitable for small businesses?
Yes, HR services are suitable for small businesses and can be particularly beneficial. They offer expertise and resources that might be too costly to maintain in-house. Small businesses can access professional HR support tailored to their size and needs, helping them manage payroll, benefits, and compliance efficiently.
How do HR services handle employee benefits?
HR services handle employee benefits by managing the selection, administration, and communication of benefit plans. They work with you to design competitive packages that attract and retain talent. The provider also handles the enrollment process and ensures compliance with regulations, relieving your team of administrative burdens.
What are the typical costs associated with HR services?
The costs associated with HR services vary depending on factors such as the pricing model and the scope of services. Subscription-based models charge a recurring fee, while per-employee models scale with your workforce size. Additional factors like customization and compliance requirements can also affect pricing. Always request detailed quotes to understand what you’re paying for.
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