Justworks vs XcelHR
How the two PEOs compare on pricing, minimum employees and fit.
| Justworks | XcelHR | |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Custom priced per employee or as a percentage of gross payroll, depending on size. Not published. |
| Pricing model | Published | Quote only |
| Best for | Small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform | Very small employers, startups and manufacturers or government contractors that want broad benefits |
| IRS certified (CPEO) | Yes, on the IRS list | Not found by name on the IRS list |
| ESAC accreditation | Accredited | Reported not accredited |
| Minimum employees | 2 employees | 1 employees |
Carriers, 401(k) and workers' comp: side by side
| Justworks | XcelHR | |
|---|---|---|
| Health carriers | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente (medical, dental, vision) and MetLife | 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 | 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 | 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 Many PEOs do not publish their carriers or recordkeepers, so "not publicly listed" means we could not find it, not that none exists.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.
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 XcelHR if
Very small employers, startups and manufacturers or government contractors that want broad benefits.
- Can serve a one-employee business, as an administrative services arrangement under five employees
- Payroll and tax services in all 50 states
- Broad benefits including pet insurance and legal assistance
Ask Justworks about
- Health premiums are billed on top of the platform fee
- Per-employee cost does not shrink much as headcount grows
Ask XcelHR about
- Reported as not certified by ESAC or as an IRS-certified PEO
- Interface looks dated and there is no applicant tracking
- Some benefits such as COBRA administration need at least 20 employees
Frequently asked questions
Is Justworks or XcelHR 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. XcelHR: Custom priced per employee or as a percentage of gross payroll, depending on size. 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 XcelHR?
Justworks is best for small teams that want published pricing and a simple platform. XcelHR is best for very small employers, startups and manufacturers or government contractors that want broad benefits.
Last verified November 4, 2026. Based on third-party reviews and vendor pricing pages. See each provider page for sources.