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10 Best PEO Services for Small Businesses Shortlist

Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 15 we reviewed.

Managing HR as a small business owner can feel like juggling fire. You're expected to stay compliant with changing employment laws, run accurate payroll, offer competitive benefits, and support your team—all without a full HR department.

That's where a professional employer organization, or PEO service, can help. They take the weight of HR off your shoulders by handling things like payroll, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance—so you can get back to focusing on your business.

However, choosing the right PEO service can feel just as overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which PEO partner will be the right fit?

I’ve spent years reviewing HR software and services for People Managing People, helping thousands of readers make smart decisions about the tools and services they use to run their teams. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best PEO providers for small businesses based on real capabilities, not hype—so you can find the right fit faster.

Whether you’re expanding your team, navigating tricky compliance regulations, or just need help streamlining admin, the right PEO can make all the difference.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. As HR professionals 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 PEO Services for Small Businesses: Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top PEO services for small businesses to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Service Best For Trial Info Price
1

Best for global payroll

Free demo available

Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people Website
2

Best for US businesses

Trial options available

Pricing upon request Website
3

Best for fast onboarding

Free demo + free trial

From $199/month Website
4

Best for Canadian companies

Consultation available on request

Pricing upon request Website
5

Best for industry-specific needs

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
6

Best for IT tech integrations

Free demo available

From $8/user/month (billed annually) Website
7

Best for global PEO coverage

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
8

Best for startups

Free demo available

From $8/user/month + $50/month (base fee) Website
9

Best for remote workforces

Not available

From $29/contractor/month to $499/EOR employee/month Website
10

Best for automated processes

Free demo available

From $15/employee/month Website

Best PEO Services for Small Business Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best PEO services for small businesses 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.

Best for global payroll

  • Free demo available
  • Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Deel provides PEO services focusing on payroll management, compliance, and employee benefits. They cater to global teams, helping you manage payroll and HR functions efficiently.

Why I picked Deel: Deel stands out for its global payroll solutions, including PEO and Employer of Record (EOR) services, making them an ideal partner for businesses operating across borders. 

Their PEO service includes automated global payroll management, simplifying handling multiple currencies and complying with international tax regulations. This focus on global payroll helps your team maintain compliance and reduce administrative burdens.

Standout Services: Deel offers automated compliance management to help you meet local regulations effortlessly. Their employee benefits administration ensures your team gets the best coverage, addressing core HR needs.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

Specialties: Global payroll, compliance management, employee benefits, contractor management, and HR automation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides dedicated support
  • Offers flexible pricing plans
  • Integrates with existing systems

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Some services cost extra

Best for US businesses

  • Trial options available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.8/5

Insperity provides PEO services that support HR, benefits, payroll, and risk management for small and mid-sized US-based companies. They work with teams that want to offload daily HR work and need help complying with local and federal regulations.

Why I picked Insperity:  Their ‌HR platform brings together payroll, benefits, and compliance tasks so your team can focus on growing the business. 

Their services include ‌payroll tax filing, recruiting support to help you find ‌top talent, and regular checks to prepare your team for a possible ‌audit. It's a solid fit for companies that want an all-in-one HR setup with hands-on support.

Standout Services: Insperity offers employee training and development programs that give your team access to skill-building resources without needing to manage it all in-house. 

In addition, their performance management support also helps teams set clear goals and review progress without adding extra administrative work.

Target industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, financial, and professional services.

Specialties: Benefits administration, payroll processing, risk management, hr compliance, and employee training.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Risk management support
  • Wide benefits options
  • Good training tools

Cons:

  • Hard contract to exit
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for fast onboarding

  • Free demo + free trial
  • From $199/month

Skuad offers PEO services designed to manage hiring, payroll, benefits, and compliance through a single platform. They also offer EOR services to businesses of all sizes that want to expand quickly without setting up legal entities in new markets.

Why I picked Skuad: Skuad helps your team complete employment contracts, onboarding paperwork, and payroll setup in just a few clicks. Their platform also covers country-specific benefits, tax filings, and compliance, making hiring full-time employees easier without legal delays. 

If you’re building remote teams and speed matters more than anything, Skuad keeps the process moving without adding extra overhead.

Standout Services: Skuad offers localized contract management that lets your team generate and manage country-specific employment agreements without hiring extra legal help. 

They also provide global benefits administration, making it easy to offer health, insurance, and retirement plans that fit each employee’s location without juggling multiple providers.

Target industries: Software development, biotechnology, e-commerce, media and entertainment, and education technology.

Specialties: Payroll processing, benefits management, compliance support, employment contracts, and contractor management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good compliance support
  • Simple admin platform
  • Fast onboarding

Cons:

  • No performance tools
  • Slow support replies

Best for Canadian companies

  • Consultation available on request
  • Pricing upon request

PEO Canada offers various employee management services, including payroll administration, HR support, and benefits plan management. They primarily serve Canadian businesses looking to outsource these functions so they can focus on growth and operational efficiency.

Why I picked PEO Canada: Their tailored plans, such as PEO Complete and PEO Lite+, offer flexible solutions for businesses of different sizes. 

Their services, including workers' compensation and group RSPs, are designed to minimize employer risks and administrative burdens. This focus on reducing complexities helps your team concentrate on core business activities.

Standout Services: PEO Canada provides time and attendance management to help your team accurately track workforce hours and improve productivity. 

In addition, their mergers and acquisitions consulting offers guidance during business transitions, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.

Target industries: Technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail.

Specialties: Payroll administration, HR support, benefits management, workers' compensation, and recruitment.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers strategic consulting
  • Reduces administrative burdens
  • Tailored service plans

Cons:

  • Pricing details are not transparent
  • Limited to Canadian client companies

Best for industry-specific needs

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

TriNet PEO offers comprehensive HR solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), including payroll, benefits, and compliance support. They serve diverse industries, helping companies to manage HR tasks efficiently so their management team can focus on growth.

Why I picked TriNet PEO: They offer an industry-specific approach, including tailored HR services that address the unique challenges in your sector. They also provide specialized support in compliance and risk management, ensuring you meet industry regulations. 

Focusing on industry-specific needs helps your business streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens.

Standout Services: TriNet offers payroll and HR technology that simplifies payroll processing and other HR tasks, making it easier for your team to manage day-to-day operations. 

Their employee benefits service provides access to competitive health insurance and retirement plans, positively impacting employee satisfaction and retention.

Target industries: Technology, retail, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing.

Specialties: Payroll administration, compliance support, employee benefits, risk management, and HR consulting.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Risk management services
  • Comprehensive benefits plans
  • Expert HR support

Cons:

  • Initial setup takes time
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for IT tech integrations

  • Free demo available
  • From $8/user/month (billed annually)

Rippling PEO provides an all-in-one platform that integrates HR, IT, and finance, serving businesses with complex needs. They cater primarily to medium to large enterprises looking for a unified approach to managing payroll, employee data, and compliance.

Why I picked Rippling PEO: Rippling's strength lies in its ability to integrate various business functions, making it ideal for companies needing advanced tech integrations. 

The platform allows your team to automate administrative tasks like payroll processing and employee onboarding, enhancing efficiency. This integrated approach helps manage employee data and compliance from a single system, reducing administrative burdens.

Standout Services: Rippling offers IT management capabilities, enabling your team to easily onboard and offboard employees, efficiently managing devices and software access. 

Their compliance automation helps businesses stay up-to-date with frequently changing regulations, minimizing risks and ensuring adherence to local laws.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, education, and retail.

Specialties: HR integration, IT management, payroll processing, compliance automation, and employee data management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of third-party integrations
  • User-friendly interface
  • Highly scalable for growing teams

Cons:

  • Extra fees for certain services
  • High costs for add-ons

Best for global PEO coverage

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Mercans offers a wide range of global PEO services, including payroll management and HR solutions, across 160 countries. They focus on multinational organizations and government entities, providing local expertise to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Why I picked Mercans: Their strong presence in the Middle East makes them an ideal choice for businesses operating in this region. Their HR Blizz platform integrates payroll and HR management, ensuring local compliance and efficiency. 

This focus on regional expertise helps your team navigate complex regulations effortlessly.

Standout Services: Mercans provides flexible invoicing options that cater to global clients, allowing you to receive aggregated invoices in a way that suits your business needs. 

Their employee benefits program enhances employee satisfaction and productivity, offering perks like health insurance and flexible spending accounts.

Target industries: Multinational organizations, government entities, finance, healthcare, and technology.

Specialties: Payroll management, HR solutions, compliance expertise, employee benefits, and regional coverage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast payroll processing
  • Flexible invoicing options
  • Local compliance expertise

Cons:

  • Complex for small businesses
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for startups

  • Free demo available
  • From $8/user/month + $50/month (base fee)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Justworks offers PEO services that combine payroll, benefits, compliance support, and HR tools in one platform. They serve startups and small businesses that need simple, accessible ways to manage ‌HR tasks while staying focused on growth.

Why I picked Justworks: Justworks gives your team an easy way to run payroll, access large-group health insurance plans, and handle compliance without building a full HR department. 

Their platform is designed to be simple and transparent, which helps if you're scaling quickly or managing a distributed team. They're also IRS-certified and ESAC-accredited, which adds a layer of trust when you're relying on them for employment and benefits services.

Standout Services: Justworks offers time tracking integration that syncs with payroll, helping your team reduce manual entry and payroll errors. 

They also include HR consulting services, so you can get help navigating employment regulations or choosing the right benefit options as your business grows.

Target industries: Technology, professional services, consulting, marketing and advertising, and nonprofit.

Specialties: Payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance support, employee onboarding, and hr support.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Useful guides and reminders
  • Good insurance for small teams
  • Easy startup setup

Cons:

  • Inconsistent support wait times
  • Limited payroll report options

Best for remote workforces

  • From $29/contractor/month to $499/EOR employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Omnipresent offers a PEO solution focused on helping businesses manage remote employees in multiple countries. They provide international HR services and support key business functions like payroll, benefits, and ‌HR administration for growing teams without needing an in-house team.

Why I picked Omnipresent: Omnipresent specializes in helping your team onboard, manage, and pay remote employees in different locations through one platform. Their international HR services let you stay compliant with local laws while focusing on growing your business. 

You’ll get support for payroll, benefits, and ‌HR administration, which makes them a strong choice for remote-first companies.

Standout Services: Omnipresent offers employer of record (EOR) solutions that enable you to hire in countries where you don't have a legal entity, reducing compliance risks. 

In addition, their contractor management services streamline the process of managing global contractors, ensuring you stay compliant with local laws.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, education, and retail.

Specialties: Employer of record, contractor management, global payroll, compliance support, and HR solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Positive client feedback
  • User-friendly platform
  • Integrates with financial tools

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Initial setup takes time

Best for automated processes

  • Free demo available
  • From $15/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Papaya Global offers PEO services for US-based businesses that cover global payroll, benefits, compliance, and ‌HR processes through a single platform. Their PEO service is designed for small businesses that want to manage teams without setting up local entities.

Why I picked Papaya Global: Their advanced HR platform uses automation to manage ‌HR processes like onboarding, payroll, and benefits so your team saves time and reduces mistakes. 

Their platform also includes ‌risk mitigation tools to help you avoid compliance problems. They are a good fit for small business owners who want to focus on growth instead of manual admin work.

Standout Services: Papaya Global offers global equity management so you can manage stock options and grants for employees in different countries without juggling multiple systems. 

They also provide customizable workflow automation support, helping your team set up automated approvals and processes that fit how you work instead of forcing you into a rigid system.

Target industries: Technology, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.

Specialties: Payroll processing, employee benefits, workforce analytics, compliance support, and onboarding automation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy access to real-time payroll
  • Good automation for HR tasks
  • Handles complex setups well

Cons:

  • Integrations need extra setup
  • Slow customer support at times

Other PEO Services for Small Businesses

Here are some additional PEO services for small businesses that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth considering:

  1. ADP TotalSource

    For compliance support

  2. Paychex PEO

    For small teams

  3. Multiplier

    For PEO and EOR services

  4. The Payroll Edge

    For Canadian payroll solutions

  5. Global PEO Services

    For multinational expansions

What are PEO Services for Small Businesses?

PEO services for small businesses are professional employer organizations that help manage HR functions and compliance. They might offer things like:

  • Payroll processing and management
  • Employee benefits administration
  • Compliance and risk management
  • HR support and consulting
  • Recruitment and onboarding support

Small businesses, HR departments, and startups typically seek PEO services to handle administrative burdens and ensure compliance with regulations. These providers address payroll management, employee benefits, and legal compliance challenges.

Selection Criteria for Small Business PEO Services

When selecting the best PEO companies for small business to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points these providers address. This included things like managing payroll complexities and ensuring compliance with labor laws. 

I also used the following framework to keep my evaluations 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 and management
  • Employee benefits administration
  • Compliance and risk management
  • HR support and consulting
  • Recruitment and onboarding support

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:

  • Global payroll solutions
  • Certification for reliability
  • ‌Mobile app for HR tasks
  • ‌Self-service portals for employees
  • Multilingual support services

Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years of operation in the industry
  • Client base diversity
  • Industry-specific knowledge
  • Proven track record of success
  • Expertise in regulatory compliance

Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Speed of implementation
  • Availability of onboarding resources
  • Clarity of onboarding process
  • Support during initial setup
  • Customization options for onboarding

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 to inquiries
  • Quality of support resources
  • Expertise of support staff
  • Customer feedback on support experience

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 structure
  • Comparison with industry standards
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Cost-benefit ratio
  • Discounts or incentives offered

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:

  • Consistency of positive feedback
  • Commonly mentioned strengths
  • Areas for improvement
  • Testimonials on service reliability
  • Overall customer satisfaction ratings

Using this assessment framework helped me identify the PEO service providers that go beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique services, deep industry experience, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.

How to Choose a PEO Service for Small Businesses

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:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the provider aligns with your strategic goals. Consider if they offer solutions that enhance growth, efficiency, or compliance as your team needs.
Service Scope and SLAsReview the range of services and service level agreements (SLAs). Ensure they cover all your HR needs, from payroll to compliance, without hidden gaps.
Support AvailabilityCheck the availability of customer support. You need reliable access to help to resolve issues quickly, especially during critical times.
Costs and Pricing StructureAnalyze the pricing model for transparency and flexibility. Determine whether they offer scalable options to support your business as it grows or faces changes.
Communication and ReportingEvaluate their communication channels and reporting tools. Effective communication and insightful reports are key to maintaining control and understanding.
Technology IntegrationLook for providers that integrate well with your existing tech stack. This minimizes disruption and improves efficiency during transitions.
Industry ExpertiseConsider their experience in your industry. Providers with specific industry knowledge can better address regulatory and operational challenges.
Reputation and ReviewsResearch accreditations, customer reviews, and testimonials. A provider's reputation can give you insights into their reliability and customer satisfaction.

If you're short on time or need extra help, you can also enlist the help of a PEO broker to compare options on your behalf.

Key PEO Services for Small Businesses

When selecting a small business PEO provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Payroll processing and management: Handles all aspects of payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
  • Employee benefits administration: Manages benefits packages, making offering competitive perks easier for your team.
  • Compliance and risk management: Helps you navigate labor laws and regulations to avoid legal pitfalls.
  • HR support and consulting: Provides expert advice and support for everyday HR challenges and strategic planning.
  • Recruitment and onboarding support: Assists with hiring processes and integrates new employees smoothly into your team.
  • Global payroll solutions: Offer payroll services for international teams, ensuring compliance with local laws.
  • IT management capabilities: Manages employee devices and software access, streamlining tech operations.
  • Time and attendance management: Tracks employee hours to improve productivity and accuracy in payroll.
  • Industry-specific compliance expertise: Provides tailored compliance solutions for your industry to meet specific regulatory needs.
  • Communication and reporting: Delivers communication and insightful reports to keep you informed and in control.

Benefits of PEO Services for Small Businesses

Partnering with a small business PEO provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are several benefits you can look forward to:

  • Cost savings: Reduced overhead by outsourcing HR functions like payroll and benefits management.
  • Compliance assurance: Consistent compliance with labor laws that reduces legal risks.
  • Enhanced efficiency: More time to focus on core business activities by outsourcing time-consuming administrative tasks.
  • Access to expertise: Access to specialized HR support and consulting to better manage complex employee issues.
  • Improved employee satisfaction: Easier processes for offering competitive benefits packages to increase employee retention and morale.
  • Scalability: Flexible services that adapt to your changing needs, supporting business growth.
  • Time savings: Reduced time spent on routine HR tasks, allowing your team to focus on strategic goals.

Costs & Pricing Structures of PEO Services for Small Businesses

PEO services for small businesses typically come at a custom price to accommodate different business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Per employee per month: Charges are based on the number of employees, allowing costs to scale with your team size.
  • Flat fee: A set monthly or annual fee for a fixed range of services, providing predictable expenses.
  • Percentage of payroll: A fee calculated as a percentage of your total payroll, aligning costs with business size and payroll fluctuations.
  • Tiered pricing: Different levels of service packages at varying price points, allowing you to choose the right fit for your needs.
  • Custom quotes: Tailored pricing based on specific business requirements and the scope of services needed.

Key Factors That Influence Pricing for PEO Services for Small Businesses

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of PEO services for small businesses:

  • Number of employees: More employees typically increase costs due to the higher service demands and payroll processing.
  • Level of service customization: Tailoring services to specific business needs can result in higher fees for personalized solutions.
  • Industry regulations: Compliance with specialized industry standards may require additional resources and expertise, impacting costs.
  • Geographic coverage: Providing services across multiple locations or countries can increase complexity and pricing.
  • Contract duration: Longer contracts may offer better rates, while short-term agreements could incur higher costs.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, so you can compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

PEO Services for Small Businesses: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about PEO services for small businesses:

How do PEO services help with compliance?

PEO services help business owners stay compliant by managing labor laws and regulations. They keep track of changes in employment laws and ensure your policies align with them. This reduces the risk of penalties and legal issues. Your support team can focus on core activities, knowing compliance is handled.

What types of businesses benefit most from PEO services?

Small to medium-sized businesses with limited HR resources benefit most from PEO services. They provide expertise and support in managing HR tasks like payroll and benefits. A PEO can offer valuable support and solutions if your team is growing or facing complex human resource challenges.

Can PEO services handle international employment?

Yes, many PEOs offer support for international employment. They manage payroll and compliance across different countries, helping you expand globally. This ensures your business meets local labor laws and regulations, making global operations smoother for your team.

How do I know if a PEO is right for my business?

Consider your current HR needs and challenges. A PEO might be a good fit if managing payroll, benefits, and compliance is overwhelming. Evaluate if outsourcing these tasks could save time and resources for your team. PEOs are ideal if you want to focus on growth without HR headaches.

What should I look for in a PEO provider?

Look for a PEO provider with experience in your industry and a solid reputation. Check their range of services and ensure they align with your business needs. Consider their pricing structure and support availability to ensure they offer value for your investment.

How do PEO services affect employee benefits?

PEO services can enhance employee benefits by offering access to better plans. They pool resources to negotiate competitive benefits packages, which might be hard for small businesses to secure alone. This can improve employee satisfaction and retention, benefiting your team in the long run.

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Kim Behnke
By Kim Behnke

Kim Behnke is an HR Tool Expert & Writer for People Managing People. She draws on her 9 years of human resources experience and her keen eye for systematic processes to support her analyses of the top HR tools on the market. She is passionate about maximizing efficiencies and streamlining workflows to ensure internal systems run smoothly. Kim's HR experience includes recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, policy development and enforcement, and HR analytics. She also has degrees in psychology, writing, publishing, and technical communication, and recently completed a Certified Digital HR Specialist program through the Academy to Innovate HR. When away from her desk, she can usually be found outside tending to her ever-expanding garden.