Justworks vs Nextep
How the two PEOs compare on pricing, minimum employees and fit.
| Justworks | Nextep | |
|---|---|---|
| Company size | 1,165 employees | Being confirmed |
| Headquarters | New York, NY | Being confirmed |
| Founded | 2012 | Being confirmed |
| Pricing | PEO Basic $79 and PEO Plus $124 per employee per month. Some sources still list Plus at $109, so confirm on justworks.com/pricing. | Flat-fee, itemized billing by quote. Rates not published. |
| Pricing model | Published | Quote only |
| Best for | Small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform | Companies that want flat-fee, itemized PEO billing rather than a percentage of payroll |
| IRS certified (CPEO) | Yes, on the IRS list | Yes, on the IRS list |
| ESAC accreditation | Accredited | Not confirmed |
| Minimum employees | 2 employees | Not confirmed |
Carriers, 401(k) and workers' comp: side by side
| Justworks | Nextep | |
|---|---|---|
| Health carriers | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente (medical, dental, vision) and MetLife Justworks Help Center · Provider site | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. |
| 401(k) provider | Administered through a third-party partner, reported as Slavic401k Clicksgeek review (single source; not confirmed by the recordkeeper) · Third-party review | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. |
| Workers' comp | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. |
| Other named partners | Teladoc and One Medical (as available); EVERFI powers compliance training Fit Small Business review · Third-party review | Not publicly listed yet. We will get this for you: request a quote and we will include it. |
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 Many PEOs do not publish their carriers or recordkeepers, so "not publicly listed" means we could not find it, not that none exists.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 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
Choose Nextep if
Companies that want flat-fee, itemized PEO billing rather than a percentage of payroll.
- Flat fee that does not rise with raises or bonuses
- Itemized, transparent billing
- Elevate by Nextep app for payroll, benefits and HR on a phone
Ask Justworks about
- Health premiums are billed on top of the platform fee
- Per-employee cost does not shrink much as headcount grows
Ask Nextep about
- Rates are not published
- Minimum employees and client profile not stated on its pricing blog
Frequently asked questions
Is Justworks or Nextep cheaper?
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. Nextep: Flat-fee, itemized billing by quote. Rates not published. Published rates are not directly comparable to quote-only pricing, and health premiums are separate.
Which is better for a small company, Justworks or Nextep?
Justworks is best for small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform. Nextep is best for companies that want flat-fee, itemized peo billing rather than a percentage of payroll.
Last verified November 4, 2026. Based on third-party reviews and vendor pricing pages. See each provider page for sources.