Justworks costs $59-$599 per employee monthly and best serves small to medium-sized businesses looking for consolidated HR, payroll, and benefits administration. After testing the platform, I found its user-friendly interface and comprehensive compliance handling particularly valuable for companies managing multi-state employees, though the premium pricing may be prohibitive for very small startups.
Founded in 2012, Justworks has established itself as a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that simplifies complex HR tasks while providing access to enterprise-level benefits. Their all-in-one platform handles everything from payroll processing to benefits administration through an intuitive interface that reduces the administrative burden on growing businesses.
While Justworks delivers exceptional value for established SMBs with multiple employees, the higher price point compared to basic payroll providers means it’s not the most economical choice for solo entrepreneurs or very early-stage startups. Companies with 5-99 employees across multiple states will find Justworks’ compliance expertise and streamlined platform worth the investment.
Editor’s verdict
Pros
- User-friendly platform with intuitive design: Justworks offers a clean, modern interface that simplifies complex HR tasks for both employers and employees, significantly reducing the administrative learning curve.
- Comprehensive multi-state compliance management: Justworks handles varying state regulations and tax requirements across jurisdictions, making it ideal for businesses with employees in multiple locations.
- Access to enterprise-level benefits: Small businesses gain access to high-quality health insurance plans and benefits typically available only to larger organizations, improving talent attraction and retention.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure: Justworks maintains straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or setup costs, making budgeting predictable for financial planning.
- Strong customer support with 24/7 availability: The platform provides around-the-clock assistance through multiple channels, ensuring help is available whenever issues arise.
- All-in-one HR solution reducing administrative burden: The comprehensive platform eliminates the need for multiple systems, streamlining workflows from onboarding to offboarding.
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to basic payroll providers: At $59-$599 per employee monthly, Justworks costs significantly more than simpler payroll solutions, making it expensive for very small teams.
- Limited customization for unique HR requirements: The standardized approach works well for typical scenarios but offers less flexibility for businesses with specialized employment arrangements.
- Mobile app functionality less robust than desktop: While the mobile experience covers essential employee self-service features, it lacks some of the administrative capabilities available on desktop.
- Not ideal for primarily international hiring needs: Justworks focuses primarily on US-based employees with limited international support compared to global EOR providers.
What is Justworks?
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Founded in 2012 by Isaac Oates, a former Amazon and Etsy executive, the company was born from Oates’ own frustrations with managing employee benefits and compliance across multiple states at his previous startup.
The platform handles the entire employment lifecycle—from onboarding and payroll to benefits administration and compliance—through a centralized dashboard. Unlike standard payroll providers, Justworks operates as a PEO, establishing a co-employment relationship that allows small businesses to access enterprise-level benefits and enhanced compliance support.
Justworks processes substantial volumes of payroll and taxes, handling over $25.6 billion in payroll and $6 billion in federal taxes in 2023. The company supports 2,000 tax localities, making it particularly valuable for businesses with employees across multiple jurisdictions.
The platform is especially well-suited for growing businesses with 5-99 employees who need to reduce administrative burdens while providing competitive benefits packages. Justworks’ straightforward approach and modern interface have made it popular among tech companies and other SMBs looking to streamline their HR operations.
Company Information
- Headquarters: New York City
- Founders: Isaac Oates
- Founding Date: 2012
What are the key features of Justworks?
Justworks platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Payroll management and tax filing: Justworks delivers comprehensive payroll processing that handles everything from direct deposits to tax filings across multiple jurisdictions. The system automatically calculates and remits federal, state, and local taxes, eliminating the complexity of multi-state compliance. Businesses can set up various payment schedules and manage different pay rates through customizable job codes, while the platform handles W-2 and 1099 generation for year-end reporting.
- HR administration and compliance support: The platform streamlines HR operations with digital onboarding workflows, centralized document management, and PTO tracking capabilities. Justworks provides crucial compliance assistance with employment regulations across federal, state, and local levels, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements without dedicated legal resources. This includes support for workers’ compensation and employment practices liability insurance, protecting companies from common workplace risks.
- Benefits administration with enterprise access: Through its PEO model, Justworks enables small businesses to access high-quality health insurance plans at rates typically available only to larger organizations. The Plus plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage along with HSA/FSA accounts and additional wellness perks. This enterprise-level benefits access helps smaller companies compete for talent against larger employers with more resources.
- All-in-one employee management platform: Justworks centralizes workforce management through a clean, intuitive interface accessible to both employers and employees. The dashboard provides quick access to essential functions including team oversight, payroll processing, and benefits administration. For employees, the platform offers self-service access to pay information, benefits selections, and time-off requests, creating a streamlined experience for the entire organization.
- Modern, user-friendly interface: The platform features a contemporary design that simplifies complex HR tasks without overwhelming users. Navigation follows logical workflows rather than feature sets, reducing the learning curve for new administrators. The employee-facing interface provides clear access to personal information and benefits, while the onboarding process guides users through required steps with status indicators to track progress.
- Multi-state employer support: Justworks excels at managing the varying regulations and tax requirements across different states, making it particularly valuable for businesses with distributed teams. The platform automatically handles different state tax calculations, unemployment insurance, and compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden of managing employees across multiple jurisdictions.
- 24/7 customer support: The platform provides around-the-clock support through multiple channels including email and chat, with the option to schedule video calls for complex issues. The comprehensive knowledge base contains detailed documentation covering most common scenarios, with country-specific guides for employment requirements. This continuous support ensures businesses can resolve issues quickly regardless of when they arise.
What are the benefits of using Justworks?
The benefits of using Justworks are:
- Reduced administrative burden: Justworks eliminates the need for multiple HR systems by consolidating payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee management into a single platform. This integration dramatically reduces administrative overhead, allowing small business teams to focus on core operations rather than paperwork and manual processes. Companies typically save 12-15 hours weekly on HR administration after implementing Justworks.
- Access to enterprise-level benefits: Small businesses gain access to premium benefits packages typically available only to larger organizations, helping them compete for top talent. Through Justworks’ collective bargaining power, companies with as few as 5 employees can offer competitive medical, dental, and vision plans at better rates than they could secure independently. This improved benefits access directly impacts recruitment and retention efforts.
- Simplified compliance management: Businesses navigate complex regulatory environments with Justworks handling employment law compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The platform automatically manages tax filings, workers’ compensation requirements, and employment regulations, reducing compliance risks and potential penalties. This support proves especially valuable for companies with employees in multiple states facing varying labor laws.
- Time and cost savings: Companies using Justworks report significant time savings on payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. The streamlined platform reduces the need for dedicated HR personnel or outsourced services, providing cost efficiencies for growing businesses. Many users calculate ROI not just in direct cost savings but in reduced compliance risk and improved operational efficiency.
- Enhanced employee experience: Employees benefit from a self-service portal providing easy access to pay information, benefits details, and company resources. The modern interface and mobile app improve engagement by simplifying routine tasks like accessing paystubs, requesting time off, or managing benefits selections. This improved experience contributes to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Predictable HR expenses: Justworks’ transparent pricing model eliminates surprise fees and provides predictable monthly costs for budgeting purposes. The flat-rate structure scales with company growth without hidden charges for standard services like issuing bonus payments or adjusting employee information. This predictability enables more accurate financial planning for growing businesses.
Justworks pricing
Justworks offers a straightforward pricing structure with two main plans charged on a per-employee, per-month basis:
Payroll Plan
- Base fee: $50 per month
- Per employee: $8 per employee monthly
Includes: Basic payroll processing, HR tools, expert support, and access to time tracking for teams just getting started who need to run simple payroll.
PEO Basic Plan
- Per employee: $59 per employee monthly
Includes: Payroll processing, tax filings, compliance support, HR consulting and tools, contractor payments, workers’ compensation, 24/7 support, 401(k) administration, and access to time tracking.
PEO Plus Plan
- Per employee: $109 per employee monthly
Includes: Everything in the PEO Basic plan plus health insurance administration, HSA/FSA accounts, mental health benefits, and fertility benefits.
EOR Plan
- Per employee: $599 per employee monthly
Includes: Global hiring capabilities, global HR support, and global compliance support for teams looking to expand internationally.
Special Pricing
- Nonprofit Discount: Available for 501(c)(3) organizations (contact for details)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $8 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
When comparing costs with competitors, Justworks offers multiple service tiers:
| Provider | Monthly Cost (10 Employees) | Annual Cost | Difference vs. Justworks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justworks | $5,990 | $71,880 | – |
| RemoFirst | $1,990 | $23,880 | -$48,000 |
| Multiplier | $4,000 | $48,000 | -$23,880 |
| Rippling | $5,000 | $60,000 | -$11,880 |
| Deel | $5,990 | $71,880 | – |
Pricing accurate as of April 2025
Justworks provides flexible options from basic payroll processing ($8/employee + $50 base) to full PEO services ($59-$109/employee) to global EOR capabilities ($599/employee). This tiered approach allows companies to select the service level that best matches their current needs and scale up as they grow. The transparent pricing model also means companies aren’t surprised by hidden fees for standard services that other providers might charge extra for.
User experience & interface
Justworks stands out for its clean, intuitive interface that simplifies complex HR functions for both employers and employees. The platform follows a modern design philosophy that reduces clutter and highlights essential tasks, making it accessible even for users without HR expertise.
The employer dashboard provides quick access to core functions organized by workflow rather than feature set, aligning with how HR teams actually operate. This approach significantly reduces the learning curve for new administrators while improving efficiency for routine tasks like processing payroll or approving time off requests.
The employee experience is equally streamlined, with clear access to personal information, pay details, benefits selections, and company resources. Self-service capabilities empower staff to manage their own information while reducing administrative requests to HR teams.
The onboarding workflow deserves special mention for its thoughtful design. The process guides users through required steps with clear instructions and status indicators, making it easy to track progress and ensure completion of all necessary documentation.
Mobile functionality, while not as comprehensive as the desktop experience, covers essential employee self-service features through apps available for both iOS and Android. These include access to paystubs, benefits information, time-off requests, and the company directory, allowing team members to handle basic HR functions from anywhere.
Recent platform updates have improved the reporting interface, though it still lacks some of the advanced customization options found in dedicated HRIS platforms. The available reports cover fundamental metrics like headcount, costs, and time-off usage, but custom reporting typically requires exporting data for external analysis.
User Reviews and platform ratings
Understanding how users rate and review Justworks can provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with the platform. Review platforms offer a window into customer satisfaction levels, platform reliability, and potential areas for improvement. While ratings and review counts can fluctuate over time, they offer a helpful snapshot of user sentiment. Here’s a current overview of Justworks’s ratings across major review platforms:
| Review Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.6 | 1007 |
| Trustpilot | 2.6 | 18 |
| Capterra | 4.6 | 735 |
Reviews last updated April 2025
Customer & Technical Support
Justworks offers responsive support through multiple channels to assist customers with questions and technical issues:
Support Availability
Weekend Support: Available with potentially longer response times
Hours: 24/7 support
Response Time: Usually within 1-3 hours during business hours
| Support Channel | Available? |
|---|---|
| ✓ | |
| Phone | ✓ |
| Live Chat | ✓ |
| Overall Availability | 24/7 |
Customer reviews consistently highlight Justworks’ support quality as a major strength, with many users mentioning responsive, knowledgeable representatives who resolve issues quickly. The human touch is particularly appreciated, with one customer noting: “I love the HUMANS at Justworks! 9 times out of 10 when you reach out via email or phone, someone goes above and beyond to respond to your inquiry/question/concern.”
The comprehensive knowledge base contains detailed documentation covering most common scenarios, including step-by-step guides for key processes and compliance requirements. These self-service resources are well-organized and frequently updated to reflect regulatory changes and platform updates.
Technical support follows the same channels, with additional escalation paths for critical issues affecting payroll or compliance. Support representatives are trained to handle both platform questions and complex compliance inquiries, providing valuable expertise for businesses without dedicated HR specialists.
While support quality is generally excellent, some users note that response times can vary during peak periods, particularly at month-end and during tax season. The company appears to have invested significantly in expanding their support team as they’ve grown, leading to improved response times over the past year.
Security & Compliance
Justworks maintains robust security measures to protect sensitive employer and employee data:
Security Framework
- Data Protection: Encryption for communications and data at rest
- Access Management: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls
- Application Security: Regular security testing and code reviews
- Infrastructure Security: Advanced monitoring and protection systems
- Incident Response: Documented procedures for security events
When security incidents occur, Justworks responds proactively by resetting passwords, issuing new multi-factor authentication tokens, and offering complimentary identity theft protection services to affected users.
Compliance Capabilities
As a PEO, Justworks provides extensive compliance support including:
- Tax Filing: Automated tax filings and remittance across jurisdictions
- Multi-State Support: Management of varying state regulations
- Employment Law Guidance: Help with federal, state, and local employment regulations
- ACA Compliance: Assistance with Affordable Care Act requirements
- Insurance Requirements: Management of workers’ compensation and other required coverage
The platform includes audit trails for sensitive actions, supporting internal governance requirements and external compliance verification. These logs capture key events like permission changes, payment approvals, and document access.
Justworks’ governance and risk management approach includes comprehensive policies and regular risk assessments to ensure the platform remains secure and compliant with evolving regulations. The company’s transparency about security practices indicates a mature approach to protecting sensitive information.
Integrations and Extensibility
Justworks offers integrations with several popular business tools to extend its functionality and connect with existing workflows:
Accounting Integrations
- QuickBooks: Synchronizes payroll data, expenses, and general ledger entries
- Xero: Connects accounting and payroll data for streamlined financial management
Time Tracking
- Justworks Hours: Native time tracking add-on ($8 per user monthly)
- TSheets: Integration for advanced time tracking needs
- Deputy: Supports scheduling and time tracking integration
HR Tools
- Basic HRIS functionality: Built into the core platform
- Applicant Tracking Systems: Limited integration options
The platform provides API access for custom integrations, though this typically requires technical resources to implement effectively. While Justworks covers essential integrations, some users mention that the platform could benefit from expanded options with additional HR and business tools.
Integration setup is generally straightforward, with guided implementation for popular connections like QuickBooks. The platform handles data mapping and synchronization automatically after initial configuration, reducing the technical burden on administrators.
Recent platform updates have improved integration capabilities, particularly for accounting systems, though Justworks still offers fewer third-party connections than some competitors. For businesses with simple integration needs focused on accounting, the current offerings are likely sufficient, while companies requiring extensive integrations may need additional solutions.
Justworks Competitor Comparison
Comparing different remote workforce platforms helps in making the right choice. Each Employer of Record (EOR) provider has strengths and weaknesses that suit different business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the top competitors in the market against Justworks.
| Feature | Justworks | Multiplier | Rippling | Teamed | Remote | RemoFirst | Deel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small and medium-sized businesses (primarily 5-99 employees) | Companies Looking for Same-Day Global Hiring & Payments | Companies Wanting One Platform for Global HR, IT & Finance | Global companies seeking a user-friendly EOR solution to hire international talent. | Companies Prioritizing Risk-Free International Hiring | Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets | Fast-Growing Companies Needing Global Hiring at Scale |
| EOR Pricing | $599 per employee/month | $400 per employee/month | $500 per employee/month | $299 per employee/month | $599 per employee/month | $199 per employee/month | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | Custom | $40 per employee/month | $25 per employee/month | $39 per employee/month | $29 per employee/month | $25 per employee/month | $49 per employee/month |
| Country Coverage | 150+ Countries | 185+ | 150+ Countries | 180+ Countries | 180+ | 150+ Countries | |
| Support Channels | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Live Chat | Email, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | Business Hours | Business Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| G2 Rating | 4.6/5 (1007 reviews) | 4.7/5 (986 reviews) | 4.8/5 (3227 reviews) | 4.8/5 (18 reviews) | 4.6/5 (2068 reviews) | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) | 4.8/5 (7241 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 4.6/5 (735 reviews) | 4.7/5 (40 reviews) | 4.9/5 (3073 reviews) | 4.6/5 (8 reviews) | 4.5/5 (46 reviews) | 5/5 (2 reviews) | 4.8/5 (2819 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 2.6/5 (18 reviews) | 4.9/5 (832 reviews) | 4.4/5 (1029 reviews) | No Reviews | 4.7/5 (1639 reviews) | 4/5 (10 reviews) | 4.8/5 (6767 reviews) |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
Who should use Justworks?
Justworks works best for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses with 5-99 employees looking for comprehensive HR solutions without dedicated HR departments
- Companies with multi-state employees needing assistance managing varying state regulations and tax requirements
- Growing businesses seeking access to enterprise-level benefits to attract and retain competitive talent
- Organizations prioritizing user experience and simplified HR administration over extensive customization
- US-focused businesses that primarily employ workers within the United States
When to consider alternatives:
Consider other providers when:
- Budget constraints are primary: Very small startups or solopreneurs might find Justworks’ pricing prohibitive and should explore simpler payroll solutions like Gusto or Square Payroll
- International hiring is the main focus: Companies primarily hiring globally should look to international EORs like Remote.com that specialize in global employment
- Advanced HRIS functionality is essential: Organizations needing sophisticated human resource information systems might prefer Rippling or dedicated HRIS platforms
- Industry-specific expertise is required: Businesses in highly regulated industries might benefit from TriNet’s sector-focused approach
- Enterprise-scale needs: Very large organizations typically need the more extensive capabilities of ADP TotalSource or similar enterprise-focused providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Justworks’ PEO Basic and PEO Plus plans?
The main difference is that the PEO Plus plan includes health insurance administration, HSA/FSA accounts, mental health benefits, and fertility benefits, while the PEO Basic plan focuses on payroll, compliance, and HR tools without these comprehensive health benefits. PEO Plus costs $50 more per employee monthly ($109 vs. $59).
Does Justworks handle multi-state employment?
Yes, Justworks excels at managing employees across different states. The platform automatically handles varying state tax calculations, unemployment insurance, and compliance requirements, making it particularly valuable for businesses with distributed teams across multiple jurisdictions.
How long does implementation take with Justworks?
The typical implementation timeline is 2-4 weeks, depending on company size and complexity. The process includes setting up payroll, enrolling employees, configuring benefits if applicable, and ensuring proper tax registration. Companies transitioning mid-year may require additional time for historical data migration.
Can Justworks help with benefits administration?
Yes, benefits administration is one of Justworks’ core strengths, especially on the Plus plan. The platform provides access to competitive health insurance plans at rates typically available only to larger companies through its PEO model. Justworks handles enrollment, deductions, and ongoing administration, simplifying the complex benefits landscape.
Is Justworks suitable for startups?
Justworks is well-suited for funded startups with at least 5 employees who can afford the monthly fees. The platform’s streamlined approach and access to quality benefits help startups compete for talent, while the compliance support reduces regulatory risks. Very early-stage startups with tight budgets might find the pricing challenging.
How does Justworks compare to basic payroll providers like Gusto?
Justworks offers multiple service levels from basic payroll (similar to Gusto) to full PEO to global EOR services. For basic payroll, both are comparable in price ($8/employee + base fee), but Justworks’ PEO services offer additional benefits like co-employment, access to large-group health plans, more comprehensive compliance support, and full employment administration. Justworks also provides global EOR services for international hiring that most basic payroll providers don’t offer.
Does Justworks offer a mobile app?
Yes, Justworks provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. The apps allow employees to access paystubs, benefits information, submit time-off requests, view company directories, and handle other self-service HR functions. While not as comprehensive as the desktop experience, the mobile apps cover essential functionality for employees on the go.
