The short answer
Both price by quote. FrankCrum names every invoice line, from payroll taxes and the workers' comp premium to its administrative fee, EPLI and cyber liability, and lists its paid add-ons. Its workers' comp is written by its affiliated carrier, pay-as-you-go with no down payment or year-end audit.
LeadChange Score: editorial assessment based on public information.
FrankCrum wins 1Paychex PEO wins 13 ties
| Dimension | FrankCrum | Paychex PEO |
|---|---|---|
| SecurityPaychex states SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. FrankCrum names no security certification on the pages we reviewed. Yes | None verified | SOC 2, ISO 27001 |
| IntegrationsFrankCrum offers a one-way API and connects UKG time, JazzHR and bswift. Paychex PEO names no API on the pages we reviewed. Yes | 3 documented | 0 documented |
| PricingBoth quote each client. FrankCrum lists every invoice line and its paid add-ons; Paychex lists separate W-2, delivery and late injury-report fees. Quote only | Quote only | Quote only |
| CapabilitiesBoth cover payroll and tax filing, benefits, workers' comp and HR compliance. FrankCrum adds retirement plans and HR technology; Paychex adds time, hiring and engagement as additional solutions. Payroll & Tax, HR Management, Workers' Compensation, Employee Benefits, Retirement Plans, HR Tech & Team | 9 of 10 core capabilities | 10 of 10 core capabilities |
| Fit and supportBoth serve small and midsize businesses. FrankCrum gives each client an account manager and a payroll coordinator; Paychex assigns a client advocate from 10 employees. Small businesses, mid-market companies | Small businesses, mid-market companies | Small businesses, mid-market companies |
| Attribute | FrankCrum | Paychex PEO |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile apps | FrankCrum (iOS) | Paychex Oasis Employee Connect |
| Support channels | Phone, dedicated account manager | Client advocate (10+ employees), HR business partner, Safety specialist (master workers' comp policy clients), Payroll specialist, Relationship manager (200+ employees) |
| Founded | 1981 | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Clearwater, Florida, US | Rochester, NY and Cincinnati, OH (dual headquarters) |
| Ownership | Private | Publicly traded |
| Attribute | FrankCrum | Paychex PEO |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Quote only | Quote only |
| Price transparency | Quote only | Quote only |
| Best for | Small businesses, mid-market companies | Small businesses, mid-market companies |
| Automatic tax filing |
Security. Paychex states SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. FrankCrum names no security certification on the pages we reviewed.
Integrations. FrankCrum offers a one-way API and connects UKG time, JazzHR and bswift. Paychex PEO names no API on the pages we reviewed.
Pricing. Both quote each client. FrankCrum lists every invoice line and its paid add-ons; Paychex lists separate W-2, delivery and late injury-report fees.
Capabilities. Both cover payroll and tax filing, benefits, workers' comp and HR compliance. FrankCrum adds retirement plans and HR technology; Paychex adds time, hiring and engagement as additional solutions.
Fit and support. Both serve small and midsize businesses. FrankCrum gives each client an account manager and a payroll coordinator; Paychex assigns a client advocate from 10 employees.
Justworks has the highest LeadChange Score in PEO Services after excluding these two (6.4/10).
From $79/employee/mo (PEO Basic plan)
Neither publishes PEO prices. FrankCrum quotes each business and lists what each invoice line covers; Paychex quotes its PEO and lists separate fees such as a W-2 fee. Compare full quotes for the same services.
No. FrankCrum does not appear on the IRS public list of certified PEOs, while Paychex PEO VI LLC has held that certification since January 1, 2017. Ask FrankCrum which of its entities files your payroll taxes.
Its affiliated AM Best-rated carrier, Frank Winston Crum Insurance, with pay-as-you-go premiums, no down payment and no year-end audit. Paychex PEO administers workers' comp coverage, claims and reporting.
Payroll taxes, the workers' comp premium, the administrative fee, FrankAdvice HR, EPLI, cyber liability and any benefits you select.
Other PEOs, including Paychex PEO, which is IRS-certified and holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. FrankCrum differs by its own workers' comp carrier and its listed invoice lines.
Paychex states SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certification. FrankCrum names no certification on the pages we reviewed; ask it for its audit reports.
Your team size, what matters most and your role: see which one fits more of your answers, from verified facts and list prices. Then, if you like, ask to hear from both.
LeadChange may earn a fee when you request pricing through our site or follow a sponsored link. Rankings never depend on whether a vendor pays us.We may earn a fee.
How we make money
LeadChange may earn a fee when you request pricing through our site or follow a sponsored link. Rankings never depend on whether a vendor pays us.
What the LeadChange Score means
A 0–10 editorial assessment built only from verified facts, across six weighted dimensions: capabilities, pricing, integrations, security, fit and support, and data confidence.
Payments, commissions and lead fees are never inputs.
