Top Benefits Administration Software Comparison
By Lucy Chen | Published: October 26 | Category: Benefits Administration Software
About Benefits Administration Software
Benefits administration software helps organizations manage employee benefits programs, including enrollment, plan configuration, compliance, and communication. It streamlines complex processes, reduces administrative burden, and improves the employee experience.
Scoring Criteria
- → Core Benefits Features
- → Enrollment Experience
- → Admin Management
- → Integration Capabilities
- → Reporting & Compliance
- → User Interface & Usability
- → Customer Support
- → Pricing & Value
The Best Benefits Administration Software
#10
Paychex Flex
By Paychex, Inc.
A scalable HCM solution primarily serving small to mid-sized businesses, offering payroll, HR, retirement, and insurance services, including benefits.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses, Mid-sized Businesses, Companies needing integrated payroll, HR, and potentially PEO services
Key Features
- ✓Scalable Platform: Offers different packages suitable for businesses of varying sizes.
- ✓Payroll Integration: Seamless connection between benefits deductions and payroll processing.
- ✓Compliance Support: Assistance with tax filings and regulatory compliance like ACA.
- ✓Optional PEO Services: Can function as a Professional Employer Organization, handling more HR tasks.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Flex Select
Contact Vendor
- Payroll Tax Admin
- Standard HR & Benefits
- Employee Self-Service
- Mobile App
Flex Pro
Contact Vendor
- All Select Features
- Enhanced HR Admin
- Onboarding
- Analytics
- Optional Benefits Admin Add-ons
Flex Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- All Pro Features
- Performance Management
- Advanced Reporting
- Full Benefits Administration
Pros
- + Scalable solution for businesses from small to mid-sized.
- + Strong integration with payroll.
- + Established company with extensive support infrastructure.
- + Option for PEO services.
Cons
- - Interface can feel less modern than some competitors.
- - Pricing structure can be complex with various add-ons.
- - Customer service experiences can vary depending on the support level.
Verdict
"A reliable and scalable option for SMBs needing integrated payroll, HR, and benefits, particularly those considering PEO services."
#9
Namely
By Namely, Inc.
A modern HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed for mid-sized companies, emphasizing usability and company culture.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-sized Businesses (50-1000 employees), Companies seeking a modern UI and strong core HR, Organizations valuing integrated payroll and benefits
Key Features
- ✓Intuitive Enrollment Workflow: User-friendly interface for employees during open enrollment and life events.
- ✓Broker Integration: Works with a company's chosen broker or can recommend partners.
- ✓Integrated Platform: Combines HRIS, Payroll, Benefits, and Talent Management features.
- ✓Social Feed & Recognition: Includes features aimed at enhancing company culture and communication.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Core HR
- Payroll
- Benefits Administration
- Time & Attendance
- Performance Management
- Onboarding
- Analytics
Pros
- + Modern and intuitive user interface.
- + Good fit for the specific needs of mid-sized companies.
- + Integrated payroll and benefits.
- + Focus on company culture features.
Cons
- - Some reports of inconsistent customer support.
- - Fewer integrations than some larger competitors.
- - Pricing requires a custom quote.
Verdict
"A strong option for mid-sized businesses looking for a modern, integrated HR platform with a user-friendly benefits enrollment process."
#8
UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro)
By UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
A robust HCM solution focused on people-centric experiences, offering strong capabilities in HR, payroll, talent, and benefits for mid-market and enterprise.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-sized Businesses, Large Enterprises, Companies focused on employee experience and talent management
Key Features
- ✓Life Events Management: Guides employees through benefit changes triggered by qualifying life events.
- ✓People-Centric HCM: Integrates benefits deeply with talent management, performance, and employee sentiment analysis.
- ✓Powerful Reporting: Business intelligence tools for in-depth analysis of benefits and HR data.
- ✓Global Capabilities: Supports multi-national organizations with payroll and HR features.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Full HCM Suite
- Benefits Administration
- Payroll
- Talent Acquisition & Management
- Workforce Management
- Reporting & Analytics
Pros
- + Strong focus on employee experience and talent management.
- + Comprehensive HCM feature set.
- + Powerful reporting and analytics capabilities.
- + Good customer support reputation.
Cons
- - Primarily targets mid-market and enterprise, can be costly.
- - User interface can feel complex for some users.
- - Implementation process requires significant resources.
Verdict
"Excellent for mid-to-large companies prioritizing employee experience and integrated talent management alongside robust benefits features."
#7
Paylocity
By Paylocity
A cloud-based HCM platform offering payroll, HR, talent, and benefits administration, known for its customer service and modern features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-sized Businesses, Companies seeking strong payroll and HR integration, Organizations valuing customer support
Key Features
- ✓Integrated Suite: Combines Payroll, HR, Benefits, Talent, and Workforce Management in one platform.
- ✓Expense Management Integration: Connects benefits like HSAs/FSAs with expense reporting.
- ✓Compliance Dashboard: Tools and visibility for managing compliance tasks, including ACA.
- ✓Employee Self-Service & Mobile App: Modern interface for employees to access benefits information and make elections.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Payroll
- Core HR
- Benefits Administration
- Time & Labor
- Talent Management
- Mobile App
- Analytics
Pros
- + Highly rated customer support.
- + Modern, user-friendly interface.
- + Comprehensive HCM suite with strong integration.
- + Good mobile application.
Cons
- - Pricing is quote-based and can be less transparent.
- - Can be more expensive than some SMB-focused solutions.
- - Some advanced customization might be limited compared to Workday.
Verdict
"A strong contender for mid-sized businesses wanting a modern, integrated HCM platform with excellent customer support."
#6
BambooHR
By BambooHR LLC
An HRIS focused on employee experience and data management for SMBs, offering benefits administration as an add-on.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses (SMBs), Mid-sized Businesses, Companies prioritizing HR data and employee experience
Key Features
- ✓Employee Self-Service Portal: Allows employees to view and manage their personal information and benefits details.
- ✓Benefits Tracking: Central repository for tracking employee benefit elections and plan information.
- ✓Reporting Capabilities: Generates reports on benefit enrollment status and employee data.
- ✓Add-on Functionality: Benefits Administration is an optional add-on module to the core HRIS.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
Contact Vendor
- HR Data & Reporting
- Employee Self-Service
- Standard Support
Advantage
Contact Vendor
- All Essentials Features
- Onboarding & Offboarding
- Integrations (API)
- Advanced Reporting
- Optional Add-ons (Performance, Time Tracking, Payroll, Benefits Admin)
Pros
- + Excellent user interface and focus on employee experience.
- + Strong core HRIS features.
- + Good customer support reputation.
- + Focuses well on the HR needs of SMBs.
Cons
- - Benefits Administration is a basic add-on, not as robust as dedicated systems.
- - Lacks integrated payroll (relies on partners).
- - Pricing requires a custom quote.
- - Limited carrier connections compared to some competitors.
Verdict
"Best suited for SMBs prioritizing a user-friendly HRIS with good employee experience, where basic benefits tracking is sufficient."
#5
Zenefits
By Zenefits
An all-in-one HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering benefits administration often linked with their brokerage services.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses (SMBs), Mid-sized Businesses, Companies using Zenefits as their broker
Key Features
- ✓Integrated HR Suite: Combines benefits with HR, time tracking, and optional payroll.
- ✓Broker Integration/Services: Option to use Zenefits' own brokerage services or connect an existing broker.
- ✓Mobile App Access: Employees can manage benefits, view pay stubs, and request time off via mobile app.
- ✓Compliance Tools: Features to assist with ACA reporting and other compliance requirements.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$10.00 / Per Employee Per Month
- Core HR
- Time & Scheduling
- Integrations
- Mobile App
Growth
$18.00 / Per Employee Per Month
- All Essentials Features
- Compensation Management
- Performance Management
Zen
$27.00 / Per Employee Per Month
- All Growth Features
- Employee Engagement Surveys
- People Hub
Benefits Admin Add-on
$5.00 / Per Employee Per Month (if using own broker)
- Benefits Administration
Pros
- + All-in-one platform for SMBs.
- + Clear, modular pricing structure.
- + Good mobile app experience.
- + Option to use their integrated brokerage services (can be free admin).
Cons
- - Payroll is an optional add-on with extra cost.
- - Customer support has received criticism.
- - Less feature-rich than enterprise-level solutions.
- - Benefits Admin module costs extra if not using their brokerage.
Verdict
"A solid choice for SMBs looking for an integrated HR platform with benefits, particularly if they utilize Zenefits' brokerage services."
#4
Rippling
By Rippling
A modern platform unifying HR, IT, and Finance, offering robust benefits administration integrated with device management and app provisioning.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Tech Companies, Fast-growing Startups, Companies needing HR and IT integration
Key Features
- ✓Unified Platform: Connects employee data across HR (payroll, benefits) and IT (apps, devices). (Unique Integration)
- ✓Automated Enrollment & Deductions: Streamlines benefit enrollment workflows and syncs deductions instantly with payroll.
- ✓Broker Integration: Allows businesses to work with their existing broker or use Rippling's services.
- ✓Global Payroll & Benefits: Expanding capabilities for managing international employees and benefits.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Core Platform
$8.00 / Per Employee Per Month (Base Fee)
- Employee Database
- Onboarding/Offboarding Automation
- Permissions
- Basic Reporting
Limitations: Requires add-ons for Payroll, Benefits, IT, etc.
Benefits Administration Add-on
Contact Vendor
- Plan Setup
- Enrollment
- Carrier Feeds
- Compliance
- Broker Integration
Pros
- + Unique integration of HR and IT management.
- + Modern, intuitive user interface.
- + Highly automated workflows.
- + Flexible modular pricing (can be a con too).
Cons
- - Pricing can become expensive as modules are added.
- - Newer player compared to ADP/Workday, features still evolving.
- - Customer support feedback is mixed.
Verdict
"Ideal for tech-savvy companies, especially startups, that value automation and the integration of HR and IT functions."
#3
Gusto
By Gusto, Inc.
An intuitive, all-in-one platform focused on small businesses, combining payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tools.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Small Businesses (SMBs), Startups, Companies prioritizing ease of use
Key Features
- ✓Simplified Enrollment: User-friendly interface for employees to easily enroll in or change benefits. (High Usability)
- ✓Integrated Payroll: Automatic deduction sync between benefits and payroll. (Seamless)
- ✓Licensed Advisor Access: Provides access to licensed brokers for benefits advice (depending on plan).
- ✓Wide Range of Benefits: Supports health insurance, 401(k), commuter benefits, HSAs, FSAs, and more.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Simple
$40.00 / Monthly Base + Per Employee
- Payroll
- Basic Benefits Admin (Health, Dental, Vision)
- Employee Self-Service
- Limited HR Tools
Limitations: Single state payroll only, Limited benefit types
Plus
$80.00 / Monthly Base + Per Employee
- All Simple Features
- Multi-state Payroll
- Next-day Direct Deposit
- Advanced HR Tools
- Time Tracking
- Full Benefits Admin (401k, HSA, FSA, etc.)
Pros
- + Extremely user-friendly interface for admins and employees.
- + Transparent and competitive pricing for SMBs.
- + Excellent integration between payroll and benefits.
- + Good customer support.
Cons
- - Primarily designed for US-based small businesses.
- - Less configurable for complex benefit structures.
- - Limited depth in advanced HR features compared to enterprise systems.
Verdict
"Best for small businesses seeking an easy-to-use, integrated payroll and benefits solution with transparent pricing."
#2
ADP Workforce Now
By ADP, LLC
A widely used HCM platform providing integrated payroll, HR, talent, time, and benefits administration for mid-sized to large businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-sized Businesses, Large Businesses, Companies seeking integrated payroll and benefits
Key Features
- ✓Integrated Payroll & Benefits: Streamlines deductions and contributions by tightly coupling benefits administration with payroll processing.
- ✓Decision Support Tools: Helps employees compare plans and make informed benefit selections during enrollment.
- ✓ACA Compliance: Robust tools for Affordable Care Act reporting and compliance management.
- ✓Carrier Connections: Extensive network of insurance carrier connections for data transmission.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Select
Contact Vendor
- Payroll
- Benefits Admin
- HR Tools
- Compliance
- Mobile Access
Plus
Contact Vendor
- All Select Features
- Enhanced Benefits
- HR Assist
- Analytics
Pros
- + Strong payroll integration.
- + Comprehensive compliance features, especially ACA.
- + Scalable for growing businesses.
- + Established vendor with extensive resources.
Cons
- - User interface can be dated in some modules.
- - Customer support experiences can vary.
- - Pricing can be complex and require negotiation.
Verdict
"A reliable choice for mid-to-large businesses needing robust, integrated payroll, HR, and benefits with strong compliance support."
View Top Ranked Software
Watch a short ad to unlock the details for the #1 ranked software.
#1
Workday Human Capital Management
By Workday, Inc.
A comprehensive, cloud-based HCM suite offering robust benefits administration features integrated with payroll, HR, and finance.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Large Enterprises, Global Organizations, Companies needing unified HCM
Key Features
- ✓Unified Benefits and HCM: Seamless integration of benefits with core HR, payroll, talent management, and finance. (High Integration)
- ✓Configurable Benefit Plans: Supports complex and diverse benefit plan designs across different employee groups and geographies. (High Flexibility)
- ✓Global Capabilities: Manages benefits across multiple countries with localization features.
- ✓Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Provides deep insights into benefits costs, enrollment trends, and compliance.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Full HCM Suite
- Benefits Administration
- Payroll
- Talent Management
- Analytics
- Global Support
Pros
- + All-in-one platform eliminates data silos.
- + Highly configurable for complex needs.
- + Powerful reporting and analytics.
- + Strong global capabilities.
Cons
- - Can be expensive, primarily targeting large enterprises.
- - User interface can feel complex.
- - Implementation can be lengthy and resource-intensive.
Verdict
"Best for large, global enterprises seeking a powerful, unified HCM and benefits solution, despite higher cost and complexity."
Final Thoughts
The benefits administration software market offers diverse solutions, from comprehensive HCM suites for large enterprises (Workday, ADP, UKG Pro) to user-friendly platforms for SMBs (Gusto, Zenefits, BambooHR) and modern integrated systems (Rippling, Paylocity, Namely). Key differentiators include the depth of benefits features, integration with payroll and other HR modules, usability for admins and employees, compliance support, and pricing models. Selection depends heavily on company size, complexity of benefit plans, budget, and the need for integrated HR and IT functions.