Providing employee benefits is no longer just a “nice to have”—it’s a necessity for attracting and retaining top talent. But for small businesses, managing benefits can be a logistical and financial challenge. Fortunately, modern employee benefits platforms have leveled the playing field, giving small businesses access to tools and services once reserved for larger companies.
Whether you’re offering health insurance, stipends, retirement plans, or wellness programs, the right platform can streamline your operations, ensure compliance, and deliver a better experience for your team. Here’s a breakdown of the top five options for an employee benefits platform tailored specifically for small businesses, each offering a unique set of features to fit different needs and budgets.
Gusto
Best for: All-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits
Gusto has built a strong reputation as a user-friendly, all-in-one HR solution for small businesses. In addition to running payroll, Gusto offers full-service benefits administration, including health insurance, FSAs, HSAs, 401(k) plans, commuter benefits, and more.
What makes Gusto stand out is how seamlessly it integrates payroll with benefits. When an employee updates their health plan or starts contributing to a 401(k), everything is automatically reflected in their paychecks and tax documents—saving HR teams hours of manual work.
Key Features:
- Access to thousands of health plans across all 50 states
- Full integration with payroll and time tracking
- Employee self-service portal
- Onboarding and compliance tools
Why small businesses love it: Gusto is ideal for companies looking for a single platform that handles everything from hiring to retirement planning, all wrapped in a sleek interface with excellent customer support.
Benepass
Best for: Lifestyle benefits, perks, and employee stipends
Benepass takes a modern approach to employee benefits by allowing employers to offer customizable, non-traditional perks through pre-tax and post-tax stipends. These stipends can cover anything from wellness programs and professional development to childcare, commuting, remote work costs, and even lunch allowances.
The platform consolidates all your lifestyle benefits into a single, user-friendly card and mobile app, simplifying access and improving utilization. For small businesses that want to offer unique and personalized benefits, Benepass is an especially attractive option.
Key Features:
- Configurable pre-tax and post-tax stipends
- Spend categories for wellness, learning, family, food, and more
- Unified card and mobile experience
- Real-time tracking and reporting
Why small businesses love it: Benepass helps small teams create a culture of care by supporting the full spectrum of employee needs—without the administrative headache of managing reimbursements manually.
Justworks
Best for: Simplified access to big-company benefits via a PEO model
Justworks operates as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which means it can legally co-employ your workers—giving your small business access to the same benefits and insurance rates typically reserved for larger companies.
This model allows employers to offer premium health insurance, 401(k) plans, life and disability insurance, and wellness perks without managing each piece separately. Justworks handles compliance, onboarding, benefits administration, and payroll, making it a powerful solution for fast-growing companies.
Key Features:
- Group health, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) and commuter benefits
- HR compliance support and built-in training
- Automated payroll and tax filings
Why small businesses love it: Justworks provides a plug-and-play solution that levels the playing field for startups and small teams by giving them access to Fortune 500-level benefits without the usual administrative headaches.
Zenefits
Best for: Companies seeking flexibility and robust HR tools
Zenefits is a favorite among small businesses that want more control over their benefits setup without diving into full PEO territory. It offers a cloud-based HR platform that includes benefits administration, onboarding, time tracking, and performance management.
Zenefits partners with insurance brokers and carriers, so you can either bring your own broker or use theirs to find the right health plans. It’s particularly useful for companies that already have some systems in place but need a central hub to tie everything together.
Key Features:
- Health, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA integrations
- Built-in ACA compliance tools
- Customizable employee onboarding workflows
- Open enrollment support
Why small businesses love it: Zenefits offers flexibility—giving you the freedom to work with your preferred broker or explore new options, all while streamlining HR workflows and employee data management.
Namely
Best for: Growing businesses ready to scale their HR and benefits
Namely is designed for small to mid-sized businesses with more complex HR needs. It provides a robust HRIS (Human Resources Information System) with integrated benefits administration, payroll, and performance tracking.
Namely stands out by offering personalized service through dedicated benefits advisors who help guide plan selection, renewal, and employee education. This hands-on approach is great for companies that want expert guidance without hiring a full-time HR manager.
Key Features:
- Health and ancillary benefits management
- Compliance dashboards and alerts
- Performance and goal tracking tools
- Customized employee portals
Why small businesses love it: Namely’s scalability makes it a great fit for companies preparing for growth. It offers a professional, full-featured experience with the ability to customize as your team expands.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
When selecting an employee benefits platform, small business owners should consider:
- Company size and growth plans
- Desired benefits (health, retirement, lifestyle perks)
- Integration needs (payroll, HR tools, etc.)
- Budget and available administrative support
- Employee preferences and demographics
Most platforms offer tiered pricing, demos, or free trials, so take the time to compare options. The right partner can elevate your HR strategy, improve employee satisfaction, and save your business both time and money.
Final Thoughts
Small businesses no longer need to settle for limited or outdated benefit offerings. With platforms like Gusto, Benepass, Justworks, Zenefits, and Namely, it’s easier than ever to build a benefits package that’s competitive, scalable, and tailored to your workforce.
Whether your priority is healthcare, stipends, or simplified administration, there’s a platform designed to meet your needs and grow with your team. In today’s hiring environment, that kind of flexibility isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.