Papaya Global vs Paylocity: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Papaya Global 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Papaya Global
Global payroll platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need payroll features specifically
- • Global payroll and HR platform
- • Hire and pay in 160+ countries
Paylocity
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
Best for you if:
- • You need hris 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 |  Paylocity | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payroll | HRIS |
Rating | 80/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Papaya Global | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | PayrollHRIS | HRISPayroll |
Understanding the Differences
Both Papaya Global and Paylocity solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Papaya Global positions itself as "global payroll platform" while Paylocityfocuses on "unify hr, finance, & it for simplified operations and empowered teams.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Papaya Global
Papaya Global makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 80/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Paylocity
Paylocity is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Paylocity
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Papaya Global handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Papaya Global
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Papaya Global is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Papaya Global
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Papaya Global—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Papaya Global higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Paylocity more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Papaya Global Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Paylocity If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Papaya Global (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Papaya Global scores higher in our analysis, but Paylocity might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papaya Global or Paylocity better?
Based on our analysis, Papaya Global scores higher with 80/100. Papaya Global ispaid while Paylocity is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Papaya Global to Paylocity easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Papaya Global and Paylocity offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Papaya Global is paid with potential trial.Paylocity is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.