Paylocity Alternatives: 6 Better HR & Payroll Platforms
Paylocity serves the US mid-market well, but companies often find its pricing complex and interface dated. These 6 alternatives offer modern experiences, better automation, or more transparent costs.
Watch: Top Paylocity Alternatives
Why Companies Switch from Paylocity
Complex Pricing
Paylocity's per-employee pricing with add-on modules makes it hard to predict costs. Companies want the transparency of Gusto or Rippling's base pricing.
Inconsistent Support
Support quality varies by region and account size. Smaller competitors like BambooHR are known for more consistent, responsive service.
US-Only Focus
Paylocity is exclusively US-focused. Companies with international employees or plans to expand globally need platforms like Rippling or Deel.
Implementation Challenges
Full Paylocity implementations can take 8-12 weeks. Modern platforms like Gusto and BambooHR get teams running in days.
Best Paylocity Alternatives
1. Rippling
Best for: Modern HR + IT + payroll automation
Strengths
- Far more modern interface
- Combines HR, IT, and payroll
- Superior automation capabilities
- Global payroll included
- App and device management
Considerations
- Module pricing adds up
- Less personal support at scale
- Annual contracts required
- Newer platform
2. ADP Workforce Now
Best for: Enterprise-scale payroll and compliance
Strengths
- Largest payroll provider globally
- Strongest compliance and tax engine
- Scales to 10,000+ employees
- Extensive integration marketplace
- Retirement and benefits expertise
Considerations
- Similarly dated interface
- Opaque pricing
- Sales-heavy experience
- Large company support challenges
3. BambooHR
Best for: User-friendly HRIS with simpler approach
Strengths
- Best-in-class ease of use
- Strong employee self-service
- Good performance management
- Faster implementation
- Excellent support reputation
Considerations
- US-only payroll
- Less powerful workforce management
- Fewer compliance features
- Not as scalable for large companies
4. Gusto
Best for: Simple, affordable payroll for small teams
Strengths
- Most intuitive payroll experience
- Transparent published pricing
- Self-service setup
- Strong benefits administration
- No sales calls required
Considerations
- US-only payroll
- Limited HRIS features
- Not suitable for 100+ employees
- No workforce management
5. Paychex Flex
Best for: Hands-on payroll support with dedicated specialist
Strengths
- Dedicated payroll specialist assigned
- Strong tax compliance
- Local offices nationwide
- Good retirement plan options
- Scalable across company sizes
Considerations
- Similarly dated interface
- Add-on pricing
- Contract commitments
- HR features are basic
6. UKG Pro (Ultimate Kronos Group)
Best for: Enterprise workforce management and HCM
Strengths
- Strongest workforce management features
- Excellent time and attendance
- Good for complex scheduling needs
- Strong compliance for large orgs
- AI-powered insights
Considerations
- Expensive for mid-market
- Complex implementation
- Better for hourly workforce
- Long contract terms
Quick Comparison: Paylocity vs Alternatives
| Feature | Paylocity | Rippling | BambooHR | Gusto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom | $8/user base | $12-22/user | $40 + $6/ee |
| UI/UX | Good | Modern | Excellent | Excellent |
| Global Payroll | No | Yes | No | No |
| Workforce Mgmt | Good | Good | Basic | None |
| Social Features | Good | None | Basic | None |
| Best For | 100-1,000 | 25-1,000 | 25-500 | 1-50 |
Switching from Paylocity?
Download our Payroll & HR Software Comparison Guide with feature matrices, pricing breakdowns, and migration checklists.
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