Discover the Top 15 Employee Benefits Platforms

Manual employee benefits administration means paperwork. And lots of it. You’ll need to keep track of who’s enrolled in which programs, when their enrollment periods start and end, and how much you’re contributing to each employee’s accounts—all the while ensuring you’re keeping up with the red tape. 

This is why a cost effective benefits platform can be a game-changer for your business, reducing record-keeping risk, saving heaps of time, and providing more flexible benefits for your workers. 

But which platform is the right fit for your business? This guide tells all. 

Top 15 employee benefits platforms

We’ve done the legwork and crunched the numbers to present 15 of the best employee benefits software in the market. Each benefits solution could enhance the employee experience, boost employee satisfaction, and position you as an employer of choice.

1. Benepass

Benepass is a people-first benefits administration platform enabling companies to set up and distribute a wide assortment of employee benefits and perks. These include:

• Pre-tax benefits: Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Commuter programs 
• Post-tax perks: Lifestyle Spending Accounts, Rewards and Recognition programs, and various stipends for professional development, wellness, food, family care, and more

Benepass achieves an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from the G2 user community. Our platform also achieves the following category scores (out of 10): 

• Meets requirements = 9.7 
• Ease of use = 9.6 
• Ease of setup = 9.6 
• Quality of support = 9.7 
• Product direction = 9.3 

Core features

• Card-first technology: The employer-funded Benepass Visa card sits at the heart of the platform, enabling employees to access their benefits directly. It works anywhere that Visa is typically accepted, with no extra fees involved. 
• Easy navigation: Employees can use the user-friendly benefits dashboard to understand their benefit contributions, expenses, transactions, and enrollment status. 
• Key integrations: Benepass integrates with multiple HRIS and payroll systems to reduce manual data entry and keep accurate records. 
• Global accessibility: The global platform supports users in 200+ countries.
• Immediate insights: Real-time data is available to support benefits administration teams in optimizing their programs. 
• Watertight security: Enterprise-grade security ensures employees can access their benefits dashboard without worrying about data theft. 

2. Gusto

Gusto offers an integrated payroll, HR, and employee benefits platform that automates your key people processes. Its benefits administration function includes a range of health coverage options and financial planning resources. 

Pros 

• Fully licensed advisors are available to answer queries and provide package recommendations. 
• Enrollment is 100% online making it easy for employees to review and adjust plan details. 
• It’s easy to sync medical, dental, and vision insurance with your payroll. 

Cons 

• By focusing on core employee benefits, Gusto doesn’t offer the breadth of unique benefits and perks available with other platforms. 
• The G2 software community scores 4.5 out of 5, which is 0.4 lower than Benepass. 
• Some reviews mention that customer service can be a struggle, with priority support only available on the Plus and Premium plans. 

3. BambooHR

Bamboo HR is an all-in-one HR solution, including benefits administration functionality. Storing all your payroll, benefits, and people data in one place eliminates the need for multiple systems, ensuring tighter security and less admin. 

Pros

• The platform includes automatic carrier connections for medical, retirement, and life insurance, etc., to simplify open enrollment. 
• It’s easy to view employee enrollment status and make adjustments based on dependents, qualifying life events, or new hires. 
• A free trial is available. 

Cons 

• Open enrollment, employee elections, approvals, carrier connections, etc., are only available for U.S. employees. 
• Some features are available as an add-on benefits solution. 
• The G2 software community gives Bamboo HR a score of 4.4 out of 5, which is 0.5 lower than Benepass. 

4. Namely

Namely is an HR platform aimed at small and medium-sized companies. The software includes several components for Talent, Compliance, Payroll, Time, etc., and also includes a Benefits Administration Module. As an enhanced service, Managed Benefits are available, including Brokerage solutions. 

Pros 

• Employees receive contextual help to support their benefits decision-making.
• The platform offers a robust open enrollment dashboard to monitor statuses in real-time. 
• An intuitive enrollment wizard skips the paperwork and simplifies the process for employees.

Cons 

• Namely may not be the best fit for companies with 1,000+ employees. 
• The G2 software community gives Namely a 3.9 out of 5 score, which is 1.0 lower than Benepass. 
• The Benefits Admin Module is only available from the Namely Plus plan upwards, while Managed Benefits Service is available for those with the Plus People or Complete package. 

5. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is perhaps better known as a payroll and time tracking software. It serves organizations of any size, with solutions available for small to mid-sized businesses and medium to large enterprises. Its benefits arm covers group health insurance, retirement planning, workers’ compensation, and business insurance. 

Pros 

• ACA compliance is automated. 
• Data is shared automatically with third-party benefits carriers.
• Open enrollment includes personalized benefits support. 

Cons 

• Some users report issues with customer support and implementations. 
• The G2 software community gives ADP Workforce Now a score of 4.1 out of 5, which is 0.8 lower than Benepass. 
• Benefits administration is available from the Plus plan upwards. 

6. PerkUp

PerkUp is a type of rewards and recognition platform that enables employers to send gifts, company swag, or gift cards to employees and new hires. 

Pros 

• Automated new hire kits containing branded swag are a great way to welcome new hires to your organization. 
• PerkUp can distribute gifts to 130 countries. 
• The company offers bulk or personalized orders with 1-unit minimums. 

Cons 

• PerkUp scores 4.5 out of 5 from the G2 software community, which is 0.4 lower than Benepass. 
• PerkUp doesn’t offer key benefits like health coverage, commuter benefits, or retirement plans. 
• Some customer reviews point to a poor implementation experience. 

7. Rippling

Rippling is a comprehensive platform with integrated Finance, HR, and IT clouds. The workforce benefits feature allows employees and new hires to enroll in private medical, optical, and dental plans, commuter programs, and workplace pensions. 

Pros 

• Benefits teams can update deductions from a central location and administer COBRA. 
• Rippling provides real-time quoting, enabling you to compare and select relevant coverage in minutes.
• Pre-existing plans can be carried across to Rippling with no need to re-enroll. 

Cons 

• Rippling scores 4.8 out of 5 with the G2 software community, which is 0.1 lower than Benepass. 
• Some customers report a steep learning curve, requiring a time investment to maximize the platform’s value. 
• Other reviews mention issues with customer support.

8. TriNet

In 2022, TriNet, an HR solution provider, acquired Zenefits, a SaaS-based HCM company. Now, TriNet presents a comprehensive HR platform with integrated benefits administration. 

Pros

• It’s easy to sign up for a free demo before you commit. 
• TriNet’s mobile app allows employees to manage their benefits on the go. 
• Automated benefits elections eliminate manual reconciliation between payroll and HR systems. 

Cons 

• The G2 software community give Trinet a score of 4.0 out of 5, which is 0.9 lower than Benepass. 
• Some user reviews note a lack of support from the customer service representatives. 
• The platform is more expensive than other employee benefits solutions. 

9. Justworks

Justworks is a modern HR software with built-in benefits administration features that scales along with your business. The company offers both payroll benefits and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) support for small businesses and access to a variety of health insurance plans from several national carriers. 

Pros

• Built-in compliance resources makes it easy to adhere to HIPAA, ACA, and state-level regulations. 
• Justworks offers a broad range of perks and benefits, including fertility and family-building programs, mental health support, and telehealth benefits. 
• Through the PEO, Justworks offers access to well-known carriers like Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare. 

Cons 

• Justworks scores 4.6 out of 5 from the G2 software community, 0.3 lower than Benepass. 
• Justworks PEO offers more benefits and support than Justworks Payroll. 
• Some users report difficulties accessing customer service.

10. Wishlist

Wishlist is an employee recognition and rewards platform designed to make work feel like a community. The software includes a mix of automated rewards for calendar dates like birthdays and anniversaries and spot rewards delivered for exceptional behaviors and performance. 

Pros 

• Wishlist includes built-in AI functionality, which helps managers identify the activities and company values they want to reward.
• The Wishlist marketplace includes a range of 1,000+ different gifts and experiences which employees can choose as a personalized reward. 
• The platform integrates with core tools in your tech stack, like Slack, Teams, or email, enabling you to interact with your employees wherever they spend their time. 

Cons 

• Wishlist scores 4.2 out of 5 from the G2 software user community, 0.7 lower than Benepass. 
• Recognition is only one type of perk; Wishlist doesn’t provide access to core benefits like health coverage, 401(k)s, etc., for which you’ll require a separate plan and provider. 
• Wishlist doesn’t include an Employee Awards or Nominations program offered by other reward and recognition solutions. 

11. Virgin Pulse (now Personify Health) 

Virgin Pulse is a digital health and well-being solution used by companies like Visa, Bayer, and ExxonMobil that empowers employees to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, one day at a time. The company has now joined HealthComp to form Personify Health to provide a simpler, more human-centric solution. 

Pros

• Virgin Pulse offers global support with 21 languages available for members across the globe. 
• Built-in AI personalizes the employee experience with gamification and customized well-being content. 
• The platform integrates with a broad partner ecosystem, opening up support for mental health, chronic conditions, nutrition, family health, physical activity, and more.

Cons 

• Virgin Pulse scores 4.3 out of 5 from the G2 software community, which is 0.6 lower than Benepass. 
• Some users report issues with the platform responsiveness and stability. 
• There’s a significant five-figure pricing leap between the Kickstart and Go packages (and above), which provides access to dedicated customer support. 

12. Lively

Lively is a benefits provider specializing in delivering Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for employees. However, it has extended its offering to Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Commuter benefits, and Lifestyle Spending Accounts too. Lively sets up one-off or recurring contributions to its flagship product, the Individual HSA, to build tax-advantaged investments. 

Pros 

• Lively provides access to Schwab Health Savings Brokerage Account and HSA Guided Portfolio from Devenir. 
• Employees can use their Lively debit card to fund medical expenses at the point of purchase. 
• Individual employee dashboards deliver real-time insights about their health plan deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.

Cons 

• Although Lively scores an impressive 4.8 out of 5 with the G2 software community, this is still 0.1 lower than Benepass. 
• Several users report a lack of vendor training or education before using the platform. 
• Customer support is only available Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm PT. 

13. Joon

Joon offers a Lifestyle Spending Account, providing employees with access to a variety of eligible spending pillars, such as Continuing Education, Work from Home, Family Care, Health and Wellness, and more. 

Pros 

• Joon offers a card-connected solution, allowing employees to sync their personal cards and bank accounts for immediate reimbursement of pre-defined spending categories. 
• Joon integrates with core HR tools to simplify employee enrollment. 
• The company partners with a network of lifestyle and wellness brands. 

Cons 

• Joon scores 4.7 out of 5 from the G2 software community, which is 0.2 lower than Benepass. 
• Focusing solely on LSAs means you’ll need to choose a different provider or program for other benefits staples like health coverage and retirement planning. 
• Some extra features, like international coverage and SSO integrations, require a premium upgrade. 

14. Navia

Navia is a benefits administration platform for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and COBRA administration. 

Pros 

• Navia offers its own Benefits Academy which educates employers, brokers, and employees on the best-fit benefits. 
• New Plan Setup takes 20 to 30 minutes, working through an interactive checklist. 
• The company offers a vast array of benefits which employers can pick and choose from. 

Cons 

• Navia scores 4.0 out of 5 from the G2 software community, which is 0.9 lower than Benepass.
• Navia has very few customer reviews available, making it challenging for employers to conduct vendor research. 
• Transparent pricing is not available on the vendor’s website. 

15. Paycor

Paycor is a human capital management (HCM) software that includes benefits features. 40,000 companies, including Wendy’s, Detroit Zoo, and Petland rely on Paycor to support their people. The benefits feature includes automated workflows to drive efficiencies and support employees and new hires to choose their benefits online. 

Pros 

• Self-service features save time for benefits administrators and empower employees to take ownership of their benefits. 
• Built-in enrollment wizards guide employees through the design and setup of their plans. 
• Interactive dashboards provide insights into what benefits employees value most. 

Cons 

• The G2 community gives Paycor a score of 3.9 out of 5 which is 1.0 lower than Benepass. 
• Paycor customers report issues accessing support. 
• Paycor focuses on core benefits like medical insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and disability insurance, which may not meet your employees’ benefits requirements. 

FAQs: Employee benefits platforms

What is an employee benefits platform?

Employee benefits management software enables HR teams and benefits admin teams to manage, track, and automate aspects of their benefits programs. These solutions ease the administrative burden associated with tasks related to enrollment, payment management, employee elections, and more. Often, they also include features like self-service portals for employees, automated compliance tracking, benefit plan customizations, and integrations with other HR and payroll systems. 

How do employee benefits platforms work?

Setting up an employee benefits platform involves creating an account, configuring your benefits plans and pricing levels, and inviting employees to enroll in their preferred programs. 

Some vendors offer hands-on implementation support with a dedicated representative to assist with onboarding and managing employee benefits. Typically, these systems also integrate with payroll software to enroll employees in their benefits and handle automatic deductions from paychecks.

Why should businesses use an employee benefits platform?

The main reasons to invest in an employee benefits platform are: 

• Attracting and retaining top-tier talent: A competitive employee benefits package bolsters your employer brand and ensures you stand out against competitors. 
• Eliminating repetitive tasks: A quality platform will sync with your HRIS and payroll systems to automate administrative processes, streamline open enrollment, and generate reports. 
• Creating a positive workplace culture: A benefits platform empowers employees to take control of their health, wellness, and financial well-being. 
• Simplifying compliance management: Benefits systems typically support employers in staying compliant by integrating with the necessary regulatory authorities.
• Enhancing employee engagement: A platform that seamlessly distributes the right mix of benefits to your workers can improve their motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. 

What features should I look for in an employee benefits platform?

The specific features you need will depend on company size, existing HR solutions, and the breadth of benefits you wish to offer your employees. As a bare minimum, you should expect your platform of choice to include: 

• Benefits enrollment and administration: Enabling employees to enroll in benefits plans, make changes, and select their preferred carrier or plan. 
• Reporting and analytics: Tracking benefits enrollment metrics, monitoring coverage levels, generating reports for compliance purposes, and reviewing employee feedback. 
• Integration capabilities: Connecting with other HR software systems like HRIS and payroll tools. 
• Employee self-service portal: Empowering employees to access their benefits information 24/7 through a secure portal.
• Mobile access: Providing access to the platform via mobile devices for on-the-go employees.

Is an employee benefits program expensive?

The cost of your employee benefits program will depend on your headcount, the types of benefits you offer, and your vendor selection. Some solutions charge per employee, while others may have monthly or yearly subscription fees. Always consider your budget and weigh up the cost against the value provided by the platform before making a purchasing decision. 

Remember: Even though the cost of a benefits platform may seem expensive, it could offer an extraordinary return on investment if employees fully participate in their plans to become healthier and gain the support they need. 

Invest in a streamlined employee benefits platform

Benepass is a versatile solution offering an array of pre-tax benefits and perks programs that can be personalized according to your employees’ individual needs. 

Here’s why payroll manager Susan gives our platform five stars: 

“Benepass is super easy and friendly for employees to use. The app gives you a notification when funds, and how much, have been deposited into your account. All transactions are easily accessible on the app so you always know what your balance is and where you have spent money. Benepass gives you a virtual card to use or you can request a physical card; either way it is easy to pay for medical services easily, and if you by chance do not have your card and have to pay out of pocket, you can easily take a picture of your valid receipt and submit to Benepass and get reimbursed within days for those out-of-pocket funds.”

Ready to start creating irresistible benefits packages for your employees? Book a free Benepass demo today or contact sales@getbenepass.com to connect with a benefits specialist.