Central vs Paylocity: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Central and Paylocity comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Central
AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.
Best for you if:
- • You need payroll features specifically
- • Automates payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance using AI and human experts.
- • Offers comprehensive back-office management for US employees and global contractors.
Paylocity
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need expense management features specifically
- • Unifies HR, Finance, and IT functions on a single platform.
- • Automates tasks, provides real-time data, and improves decision-making.
| At a Glance |  Central |  Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payroll | Expense Management |
Rating | —/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Central | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | PayrollHRIS | Expense ManagementPayroll |
How Central and Paylocity Compare
Central
AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.
Paid
Paylocity
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
Paid · 74/100 score
Central is a payroll tool. Paylocity is in expense management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Paylocity
Want the highest-rated option?
Paylocity scores 74/100. Central is unrated.
Go with: Paylocity
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Paylocity
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Central is a payroll tool. Paylocity is in expense management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Paylocity
- Higher score: 74/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Central
- Better fit for payroll
The Bottom Line
Paylocity (74/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central or Paylocity better?
Paylocity scores 74/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Central and Paylocity used for?
Central: AI-native platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for startups.. Paylocity: Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams..
What does Central cost vs Paylocity?
Central is a paid tool. Paylocity is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.