I Asked ChatGPT Which PEO Is Best—Here’s What It Said (and Why It Surprised Me)

As someone who works with small to mid-sized businesses every day—and works for a PEO myself—I’ve had countless conversations about the value of outsourcing HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance.

But I wanted to take a step back. What if I asked an unbiased tool—like ChatGPT—the very question so many business owners are trying to figure out:

“Which PEO is the best?”

I expected a generic answer, maybe even outdated or inaccurate. But what I got instead surprised me—and honestly, it impressed me.

What I Asked ChatGPT

Here’s the exact question I typed into ChatGPT:

“What is the best PEO?”

And here’s what it responded with:

The “best” PEO (Professional Employer Organization) depends on your specific business needs—such as size, industry, budget, geographic location, and the level of service you’re seeking. However, here are the top-rated PEOs in the U.S., along with who they are best for: Top PEOs for Businesses (2025)

1. Insperity

Best for: Comprehensive HR services and mid-sized businesses (20–500 employees)

Strengths: Strong customer support, full-service HR, compliance, training, and excellent benefits options, longest tenure in the industry.

Downside: Higher cost, but often worth it for the depth of services.

2. ADP TotalSource

Best for: Businesses wanting top-notch payroll with a robust tech platform

Strengths: Seamless payroll integration, strong compliance tools, nationwide presence.

Downside: Can be less personalized than smaller PEOs.

3. Justworks

Best for: Startups and small businesses (under 100 employees)

Strengths: Transparent pricing, modern tech platform, strong benefits offerings.

Downside: Less customizable for larger businesses.

4. TriNet

Best for: Industry-specific support (tech, finance, nonprofits, etc.)

Strengths: Industry-tailored HR solutions, strong compliance support, good healthcare options.

Downside: Service experience can vary by account manager.

5. Paychex PEO

Best for: Businesses that already use Paychex payroll or want flexible service bundles

Strengths: Integrated services, strong payroll and benefits management.

Downside: Can feel modular and not fully integrated compared to others.

My Reaction (as a PEO Industry Insider)

I’ve have dozens of clients—ranging from 20 to 500 employees—and I’ve seen firsthand how a great PEO relationship can streamline operations, reduce risk, and create serious cost efficiencies.

That said, I didn’t expect ChatGPT to get so much right. Its response included:

• Key players in the industry (yes, including Insperity and accurately ranked in my humble opinion)

• The importance of tailoring a solution based on the business’s size, industry, and growth goals

• Mention of service quality, which is often overlooked in price-focused conversations

What stood out most was the accuracy despite the fact that there’s not a ton of public content comparing PEOs side by side. ChatGPT pulled together information from available data, customer sentiment, and service differentiators in a way that mirrors what I’ve seen on the ground.

The Truth: Not All PEOs Are the Same

While price and features matter, the most important question is:
“Which PEO is right for your business?”

Here are a few things I encourage every business owner to consider:

1. Service model – Will you have a dedicated contact or a call center experience?

2. Compliance support – How proactive is the PEO about changing labor laws?

3. Technology – Is the platform user-friendly for both employees and admins?

4. Scalability – Will this solution grow with your business?

5. Cost transparency – Are fees clear and value-backed?

Full Disclosure: I Work at Insperity

Yes—I work for Insperity. And no, this isn’t a sales pitch.

I wrote this post because I believe in the power of informed decision-making. Whether you go with Insperity, another PEO, or decide to keep HR in-house, I want business owners to feel confident and educated in their choices.

Want Honest Input? Let’s Talk.

If you're evaluating PEOs and want someone to break things down clearly (no pressure, no hard pitch), I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

📅 [Book a quick call with me here]

It’s free, no strings attached—and could save you months of research and uncertainty.

Thanks for reading. I hope this gave you a fresh way to approach an important business decision. And hey—if ChatGPT can help you choose a PEO, imagine what else it can do.