AlphaStaff vs Justworks
How the two PEOs compare on pricing, minimum employees and fit.
| AlphaStaff | Justworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Company size | Being confirmed | 1,165 employees |
| Headquarters | Fort Lauderdale, FL | New York, NY |
| Founded | 1997 | 2012 |
| Pricing | Not published. Custom quote. | PEO Basic $79 and PEO Plus $124 per employee per month. Some sources still list Plus at $109, so confirm on justworks.com/pricing. |
| Pricing model | Quote only | Published |
| Best for | Small businesses and franchises that need strong recruiting tools | Small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform |
| IRS certified (CPEO) | Not found by name on the IRS list | Yes, on the IRS list |
| ESAC accreditation | Accredited | Accredited |
| Minimum employees | Not confirmed | 2 employees |
Carriers, 401(k) and workers' comp: side by side
| AlphaStaff | Justworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Health carriers | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente (medical, dental, vision) and MetLife Justworks Help Center · Provider site |
| 401(k) provider | AlphaStaff administers its own 401(k) plan RemotePad review · Third-party review | Administered through a third-party partner, reported as Slavic401k Clicksgeek review (single source; not confirmed by the recordkeeper) · Third-party review |
| Workers' comp | Described as an A-rated carrier; not named RemotePad review · Third-party review | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. |
| Other named partners | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. | Teladoc and One Medical (as available); EVERFI powers compliance training Fit Small Business review · Third-party review |
Due diligence checked November 4, 2026. We only list carriers and partners that a filing, the provider or a named review states. Many PEOs do not publish their carriers or recordkeepers, so "not publicly listed" means we could not find it, not that none exists. If something is missing, request a quote and we will get it from the PEO for you. Lineups vary by state and change at renewal. Source types: SEC filing (strongest), provider site, third-party review.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Which medical carriers and networks are available in my state and zip code?
- Are the health plans fully insured or partially self-funded, and who bears claims risk?
- Who is the 401(k) recordkeeper, and what are the total plan fees and match options?
- Who is the workers' comp carrier, how are rates set, and what happens to my experience rating if I leave?
- Is the entity that will employ my staff on the IRS CPEO list, and is it ESAC accredited?
- What renewal increase did your plans see in each of the last 3 years?
Choose AlphaStaff if
Small businesses and franchises that need strong recruiting tools.
- Built-in applicant tracking system (AlphaStaff Hiring) and recruiting experts
- ESAC accredited
- Custom report library and performance management support
Choose Justworks if
Small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform.
- Public price list with no base fee
- Payroll, HR support and compliance in one fee
- International Employer of Record add-on at $599 per employee per month
Ask AlphaStaff about
- Pricing is not published
- Interface appears outdated and the mobile app is limited
- Support is by phone and email on weekdays, with no live chat
- Minimum employees not stated in the source reviewed
Ask Justworks about
- Health premiums are billed on top of the platform fee
- Per-employee cost does not shrink much as headcount grows
Frequently asked questions
Is AlphaStaff or Justworks cheaper?
AlphaStaff: Not published. Custom quote. Justworks: PEO Basic $79 and PEO Plus $124 per employee per month. Some sources still list Plus at $109, so confirm on justworks.com/pricing. Published rates are not directly comparable to quote-only pricing, and health premiums are separate.
Which is better for a small company, AlphaStaff or Justworks?
AlphaStaff is best for small businesses and franchises that need strong recruiting tools. Justworks is best for small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform.
Last verified November 4, 2026. Based on third-party reviews and vendor pricing pages. See each provider page for sources.