Is Paylocity falling short of your expectations? Whether it's the platform's complexity, rising costs, or features that no longer align with your growing team, you're not alone in feeling it's time for a change.
As someone who independently tests and reviews HR software, I’ve helped countless HR professionals—just like you—find tools that actually support their workflows, simplify day-to-day tasks, and adapt to their unique business needs. From hiring and onboarding to performance reviews and payroll, the right solution can make all the difference.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best Paylocity alternatives available today—platforms that stand out for their ease of use, scalability, and industry-specific features. Let’s find an HR tool that does more than check boxes—one that actually helps your team thrive.
What is Paylocity?
Paylocity is an HR software platform that helps businesses manage payroll and human resources tasks. It's commonly used by HR professionals and payroll specialists who need to handle employee data and payroll efficiently.
It offers features like time tracking, benefits administration, and compliance management to help organize HR processes, reduce errors, and stay up-to-date with regulations. Paylocity's overall value lies in its ability to simplify HR tasks, making it easier for HR teams to focus on what matters most.
Why Look for a Paylocity Alternative?
Paylocity can take a while to set up, and its reports and support can slow you down, especially if you run lean HR or need quick answers. Here’s when another tool might fit better:
- You pull HR and payroll reports often. Some users find Paylocity’s reports inconsistent and hard to navigate, which means extra time building what you need. Tools like PrimePay provide flexible dashboards with real-time payroll, attendance, and benefits insights.
- You need fast help when something breaks. Some customers report slow support responses or trouble reaching someone when needed. Platforms such as Paycom offer dedicated support, while Patriot Software is known for reliable customer support.
- You want payroll running quickly. Some teams find implementation takes longer than expected and needs significant time and resources. Options like Patriot Software offer guided, easy payroll setup, so a small team can start paying people sooner.
- Your hourly staff log time every pay period. Some users find timesheets involve extra steps, such as time off not filling in its time codes automatically. Apps like Justworks sync time data directly with payroll, with timesheet approval before each run.
Paylocity is still the right choice if you want payroll and HR paired with a built-in space for company updates, peer recognition and team discussions. For mid-sized employers focused on engagement, that can outweigh a longer setup and extra time spent on reports.
Why Trust Our Software Recommendations
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Our team has been testing and reviewing software since 2012. As HR experts ourselves, we know how difficult—and important—it is to choose the right software.
For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria. We also draw on insights from industry thought leaders and practicing HR experts.
Our reviews reflect our human editorial judgment, not a sales pitch.
Expert reviewers:
- Phil GrayCOO
Kim BehnkeHR Tech Editor & Analyst
Josh BarkerPeople Ops Manager
Paylocity Alternatives Comparison Table
This comparison table summarizes pricing details for my top Paylocity alternative selections:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for offering pay on demand | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for global teams outgrowing US payroll | Free demo available | From $29/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for integrated time tracking tools | Free demo available | From $8/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for managing AI agents alongside staff | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small and mid-sized businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for tying field hours to job costs | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for unifying HR and payroll data | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for customizable dashboards | Up to 6 months free | Flat user pricing, upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for affordability for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $17/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for contractor-friendly payroll | Free demo available | From $49/month + $6/user/month | Website |
Best Paylocity Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Paylocity alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Best for offering pay on demand- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.3/5
Paycom offers modern payroll capabilities like pay on-demand and “Beti,” an employee-managed payroll data feature. Paycom is a comprehensive HR and payroll software solution for businesses of all sizes. It serves HR managers, CEOs, and finance executives by offering tools for payroll management, talent acquisition, and time and labor management.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Paycom emphasizes payroll accuracy through its automated payroll system, Beti, which allows employees to manage their own data. This feature reduces administrative burdens and enhances payroll precision.
Paycom also offers a pay on-demand feature through their Everyday feature, which grants employees early access to their wages through a Vault Visa Payroll Card.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee self-service options, empowering your team to handle their own payroll and benefit inquiries. Plus, the platform’s user-friendly mobile app also contribute to improved decision-making and organizational productivity.
Outside of payroll functions, Paycom offers applicant tracking tools to simplify your hiring process, and performance management tools help you track employee progress and set goals.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Oracle, SAP, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Workday, NetSuite, and Google Workspace.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dedicated customer support
- Comprehensive security measures
- Transparent payroll processing for employees
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Complex initial setup re: Beti feature
Best for global teams outgrowing US payroll- Free demo available
- From $29/user/month
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.9/5
Deel's powerful interface makes it easy to manage employee and contractor data. Deel is a global payroll and HR platform built to help businesses manage hiring, compliance, and payments for international teams. Supporting operations in over 150 countries, it’s a strong choice for companies with distributed workforces.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Deel is a strong alternative to Paylocity thanks to its focus on cross-border compliance. It simplifies the complexities of local labor laws, minimizing legal risks when hiring globally. Its payroll management system supports payments in over 120 currencies, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
Beyond payroll, Deel helps companies offer country-specific benefits, deliver work equipment internationally, and manage immigration with in-house visa support—making it easier to hire, retain, and support a global workforce without the administrative burden.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contract management to generate compliant agreements, expense reimbursement tools, off-cycle payroll adjustments, and self-service access where employees can update personal data and view pay information independently. Deel also integrates with ATS platforms like Ashby and Greenhouse, streamlining hiring and onboarding globally.
Integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, NetSuite, Okta, OneLogin, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, Workable, and Open API support for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ensures timely payments
- Ability to handle compliance with local labor laws and regulations
- Intuitive design and ease of navigation
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Onboarding process can be lengthy
Learn more about Deel Payroll:
Best for integrated time tracking tools- Free demo available
- From $8/user/month
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.6/5
Combined payroll, benefits, PTO requests, company directory, and employee self-service features displayed across desktop and mobile app interfaces. Justworks is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform designed for small and midsize businesses that want to simplify people management. It brings together payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR tools to help teams handle complex workforce needs with less hassle.
Who Is Justworks Best For?
Small and midsize businesses that need integrated payroll, HR, and time tracking in one platform.
Why Justworks Is a Good paylocity alternatives
I picked Justworks because it lets my team track hours and sync time data directly with payroll, all in one place. I like that employees can clock in and out from the platform, making it easy to manage attendance and overtime. My team is able to review timesheets and approve hours before running payroll, which cuts down on errors. This integrated approach saves us from juggling separate time tracking and payroll systems.
Justworks Key Services
- Automated payroll processing: Run payroll automatically for salaried and hourly employees.
- Employee self-service portal: Employees can access pay stubs, benefits, and tax documents online.
- Compliance support: Get built-in tools for managing federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Benefits administration: Offer and manage health, dental, vision, and retirement plans from the platform.
Justworks Integrations
Native integrations are not clearly documented. Justworks offers an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers access to large-group health benefits
- Handles multi-state compliance requirements
- Integrated time tracking with payroll
Cons:
- Benefits options may vary by location
- No applicant tracking system included
Learn more about Justworks:
Best for managing AI agents alongside staff- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
isolved centralizes payroll, scheduling, and HR tasks in one dashboard. isolved People Cloud is a unified HCM platform that brings payroll, HR, benefits, and talent management together, making it a strong fit for HR teams and small business owners who want to consolidate people operations into one system.
Who Is isolved Best For?
isolved People Cloud is a strong fit for HR teams and payroll administrators who want a single platform that handles payroll, benefits, compliance, and talent management without stitching together separate tools.
Why I Picked isolved
I picked isolved as one of the best Paylocity competitors because of how it handles AI agents as actual members of your workforce. Its Agent View feature places AI agents directly in the People Cloud org chart, each with a named human manager and a clear escalation path. Its Guardian AI agent monitors payroll runs in real time to catch errors before a run closes, so your payroll team isn't left scrambling after the fact.
isolved Key Features
- Managed tax filing service: Covers federal, state, and local tax filings, deposits, amendments, and zero reporting across jurisdictions.
- Talent acquisition platform: Combines job distribution, applicant screening, AI candidate matching, interview scheduling, and offer management in one workflow.
- Employee mobile app: Gives employees mobile access to pay stubs, time cards, PTO requests, and benefits enrollment with biometric sign-in.
- Performance and learning management: Supports goal setting, employee feedback, performance reviews, and access to a library of more than 95,000 learning courses.
isolved Integrations
isolved offers marketplace integrations with Instant Pay, Idelic, and SkillSurvey, plus a REST API and Employee Data Beacon for custom connectivity. Its documented integration set is smaller than Paylocity alternatives with broad app ecosystems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Employees can access pay and PTO details
- Payroll, HR, and benefits share workflows
- Best for managing AI agents alongside staff
Cons:
- Navigation and support can feel inconsistent
- Report customization takes extra steps
Learn more about isolved:
5Best for small and mid-sized businessesGoCo
- Not available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.6/5
GoCo streamlines HR with customizable workflows and automated compliance. GoCo is an all-in-one HR platform for small to mid-sized businesses looking to streamline their HR operations. It serves HR managers and small business owners by offering tools for onboarding, benefits administration, time off, payroll, and compliance management.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: GoCo provides a flexible and customizable HR solution perfect for small and mid-sized teams. Its intuitive interface simplifies the onboarding process, making it easy for your team to manage new hires. You can also use GoCo to digitize your onboarding document collection process, including requesting I-9 and W-4 forms.
Another standout feature is GoCo's time tracking and PTO management system. Employees can easily clock in and out, submit timesheets, and request time off through the platform. Managers receive notifications for approval, and the system automatically updates PTO balances and accruals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows that allow your team to tailor HR processes to fit your business needs, and automated benefits administration and compliance tracking, which helps you save time and reduce the risk of errors in HR tasks.
The platform's document management system ensures all employee files are stored securely and easily accessed. GoCo also offers a self-service portal where employees can manage their own information, reducing the administrative burden on HR.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, BambooHR, Gusto, Xero, ADP, and Paylocity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy employee self-service
- Effective document management
- Highly customizable workflows
Cons:
- Not ideal for large enterprises
- No mobile app support
Learn more about GoCo:
Best for tying field hours to job costs- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.4/5
Miter centralizes payroll approvals and workforce tracking in one dashboard. Built for construction businesses, Miter is an HR and payroll platform that helps contractors manage employee records, payroll, and time tracking across field and office teams.
Who Is Miter Best For?
Construction payroll and operations teams that need to connect field crews’ hours with labor costs by job.
Why I Picked Miter
I picked Miter as a Paylocity competitor because it fits “Best for tying field hours to job costs.” Its construction HRIS pairs field time tracking with real-time job costing, so I can connect crew hours to project labor costs and review fully burdened labor alongside equipment and materials. Miter also supports certified payroll reporting and union fringes.
Miter Key Features
- Digital onboarding: Collect onboarding forms and employee information online.
- Document storage: Store employee forms, licenses, and safety documents in searchable profiles.
- Certification tracking: Track credentials and get alerts when certifications are expiring.
- Benefits enrollment: Let employees review and enroll in benefit plans online or by mobile.
Miter Integrations
Miter offers native integrations with Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Acumatica, Procore, ServiceTitan, HCSS, BambooHR, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Sage 300 CRE, and Viewpoint Vista. It also offers a REST API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Geofenced clock-ins help verify jobsite attendance
- Certified payroll handles union and prevailing-wage rules
- Connects crew hours directly to job costs
Cons:
- Users report tax-filing errors and slow support
- Reports can fail to load or export
Learn more about Miter:
Best for unifying HR and payroll data- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
Dayforce simplifies global payroll with compliance, integration, and analytics. Dayforce is a global HCM software designed for organizations operating on a global scale. It offers solutions for HR, payroll, workforce management, and talent management, catering to complex international business needs.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Dayforce provides robust global payroll capabilities, ensuring compliance with local regulations and accurate payroll processing worldwide. Its unified platform allows seamless HR and payroll data integration, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing data accuracy.
In addition, Dayforce offers real-time analytics and reporting tools, helping you make informed decisions based on up-to-date information.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time continuous pay calculations, which help you process payroll more efficiently and accurately. The platform also offers comprehensive workforce management tools, allowing your team to manage scheduling, time tracking, and labor costs effectively.
Dayforce's talent management suite also supports recruitment, onboarding, and performance management, helping you attract and retain top talent.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources, Guru, Sterling, Merge, Workato, Salesforce, Workday, SuccessFactors, NetSuite and Celigo.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unified platform for HR and payroll
- Scalable for growing enterprises
- Real-time data analytics and reporting
Cons:
- Limited customization options after implementation
- Implementation can be time-consuming
Learn more about Dayforce:
Best for customizable dashboards- Up to 6 months free
- Flat user pricing, upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4/5
PrimePay offers customizable dashboards with real-time payroll insights. PrimePay is a human capital management (HCM) platform designed for businesses that need flexibility in managing workforce data. It supports payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance tracking, catering to companies that require adaptable solutions.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: PrimePay provides customizable dashboards that allow you to tailor your workspace to your specific needs. These dashboards offer real-time insights into payroll metrics, employee attendance, and benefits enrollment, enabling you to monitor key performance indicators at a glance.
The flexibility to configure your dashboard ensures that you have immediate access to the most relevant information, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll processing with tax compliance ensuring accurate and timely payments to your employees. The platform also offers an employee self-service portal, empowering your team to access pay stubs, manage personal information, and request time off independently.
PrimePay's benefits administration feature also simplifies enrollment, connecting with major carriers and adapting to life events seamlessly.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, ADP, Paychex, Gusto, BambooHR, and Workday.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly benefits administration
- Employee self-service capabilities
- Flexible, customizable dashboards
Cons:
- Limited customization in specific areas
- Additional fees for certain modules
Learn more about PrimePay:
Best for affordability for small businesses- 30-day free trial
- From $17/month
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:5/5
Patriot Software offers affordable payroll with tax filing and accounting. Patriot Software is an online accounting and payroll software designed for small businesses. It supports small business owners and accountants by providing easy-to-use tools for payroll processing and accounting management.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Patriot Software offers an affordable pricing model, making it ideal for small businesses looking to manage payroll with a cost-effective HR solution.
Its user-friendly setup simplifies payroll management by guiding users through tax filing and direct deposits. The platform's accounting features also help users track expenses and generate financial reports effortlessly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a simple payroll setup that guides you through the entire process, ensuring you don't miss any steps. The software also tracks time and attendance, helping you accurately monitor your team's work hours.
Its accounting features allow you to manage expenses and generate insightful financial reports easily. Plus, Patriot offers additional bookkeeping services as an add-on if you need more support.
Integrations include QuickBooks, TSheets, Gusto, Xero, FreshBooks, Square, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, and Shopify.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable customer support
- Simple expense tracking
- Easy payroll setup
Cons:
- No mobile app
- Limited advanced features
Learn more about Patriot Software:
Gusto streamlines contractor payments with automation and global support. Gusto is an online payroll and HR platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, offering tools for payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. It’s particularly well-suited for companies that work extensively with contractors.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Gusto offers a Contractor Only plan that allows unlimited payments to contractors across all 50 states, with features like four-day direct deposit and year-end 1099-NEC forms. This plan is tailored for businesses without W-2 employees, providing essential tools to handle contractor payments efficiently.
Additionally, Gusto supports global contractor payments through Gusto Global, making it easier to manage international teams. Furthermore, Gusto simplifies compliance by automating tax filings and benefits administration.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll tax filing, ensuring your federal, state, and local taxes are filed accurately and on time. Gusto also offers employee benefits administration, allowing you to manage health insurance, retirement plans, and more directly through the platform.
Their employee onboarding process is also streamlined with digital offer letters and easy document management, helping you get new hires up and running quickly.
Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, time-tracking tools such as TSheets and Homebase, expense management apps like Expensify, and point-of-sale systems including Shopify, Clover, and Square.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible benefits administration
- Automated tax filings
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Mobile app limited to employee use
- Limited advanced HR tools
Learn more about Gusto:
Other Paylocity Alternatives
Here are some additional Paylocity alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- 11RipplingBest for complex HR and IT needs
- 12Keka HRBest for unified payroll and performance reviews
- 13Papaya GlobalBest for global payroll management
- 14Paychex FlexBest for scalability across business sizes
- 15HomebaseBest for hourly team management
- 16PaycorBest for niche payroll needs
- 17ADP Workforce NowBest for automated compliance monitoring
- 18BambooHRBest for multi-state payroll simplicity
- 19Sage HRBest for small business HR needs
- 20ArcoroBest for construction industry compliance
How I Evaluate Paylocity Competitors
I split my evaluation into baseline must-haves—payroll, HRIS, and benefits admin—and the differentiators, like analytics depth and implementation support, that determine real-world fit.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 75% to be considered for inclusion.
- Payroll Processing: I evaluate whether each platform handles automated tax calculations and filings across multiple jurisdictions, plus direct deposit and garnishment support.
- Core HR & Employee Records: A centralized HRIS should store employee data, documents, and org charts so your team can pull records and run reports without digging through spreadsheets.
- Benefits Administration: I check for open enrollment workflows, carrier integrations, and ACA tracking—areas where platforms like Gusto and Rippling take notably different approaches.
- Time & Attendance: Each tool should sync time tracking, PTO balances, and scheduling directly into payroll so managers aren't manually reconciling hours before every pay run.
- Onboarding & Offboarding: I look for automated workflows that handle e-signatures, tax form collection, and task assignments to get new hires set up before day one.
- Employee Self-Service: Your employees should be able to view pay stubs, update personal info, and submit PTO requests from a mobile app without filing a ticket to HR.
Once I have a list of tools that meet this criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
Built-in recruiting and applicant tracking is a big differentiator because it lets your team move a candidate from job posting to onboarded employee without switching systems. I also evaluate HR analytics and reporting depth—platforms that offer turnover predictions or DEI dashboards give people ops leaders data they can actually act on. Employee engagement tools like pulse surveys and peer recognition are worth weighing too, especially for teams trying to reduce attrition across distributed workforces.
Beyond Features
I look closely at implementation and onboarding support because migrating payroll data mid-year can derail a team if the vendor doesn't assign a dedicated specialist. Integration ecosystems matter just as much—your HCM platform needs to connect with your accounting software, 401(k) providers, and background check services without custom development. Pricing transparency is another factor I weigh heavily. Some vendors publish per-employee-per-month rates while others require custom quotes, which makes it harder to forecast total cost as your headcount grows.
Paylocity Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Paylocity to help you compare and contrast what alternative solutions offer:
- Payroll management: Automates payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate payments.
- Time tracking: Allows your team to clock in and out, track hours worked, and manage time-off requests.
- Benefits administration: Manages employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, in one platform.
- Employee self-service: Empowers employees to access and update their personal information and view pay stubs.
- Tax filing: Helps your team manage and file taxes accurately, reducing compliance risks.
- Expense management: Simplifies tracking and approving employee expenses for better financial oversight.
- Compensation management: Allows you to manage employee salaries and bonuses effectively.
- Performance management: Supports setting employee goals and conducting performance reviews to improve productivity.
- Onboarding: Streamlines the process of bringing new hires into your organization with digital forms and checklists.
- HR analytics: Provides insights into workforce data, helping you make informed HR decisions.
If you'd like to learn more about their payroll and HR features, read our detailed review of Paylocity next.