Paylocity vs Keka: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Paylocity and Keka 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.
Bottom line: Paylocity wins this matchup. Our overall HRIS pick is BambooHR. Our free HRIS pick is Paycom. Pick Keka if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Paylocity
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
Best for you if:
- • You want good payroll platform
- • You want hR features
Keka
The HR and Payroll software loved by businesses for building great companies.
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive suite covering a wide range of HR functions
- • You want automates payroll and ensures statutory compliance
| At a Glance | Paylocity | Keka |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/moBase HR | $108/moFoundation |
Best For | HRIS | HRIS |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Paylocity or Keka?
Choose Paylocity if
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
- You want good payroll platform
- You want hR features
Choose Keka if
The HR and Payroll software loved by businesses for building great companies.
- You want comprehensive suite covering a wide range of HR functions
- You want automates payroll and ensures statutory compliance
| Feature | Paylocity | Keka |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 8,205 reviews | ★4.4/5 2,391 reviews |
| Categories | HRISPayroll | HRISPayroll |
In-Depth Analysis
Paylocity
Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.
Paylocity's pricing, particularly for the "Full Suite" at $22-32/user/month plus significant implementation fees, appears expensive compared to many market alternatives.
Watch out
Implementation fees (10-20% of annual)
Strengths
- +Good payroll platform
- +HR features
- +Good UI
- +Fair pricing
- +Good support
Weaknesses
- -Per-employee pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Implementation time
- -Feature gaps
- -Contract commitment
Key features
Keka
The HR and Payroll software loved by businesses for building great companies.
Keka's pricing, starting at $108/month for the Foundation tier, appears fair for businesses needing comprehensive HR and payroll.
Watch out
Base price for 50 employees, then ~$1.20 per additional employee.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite covering a wide range of HR functions.
- +Automates payroll and ensures statutory compliance.
- +Offers tailored solutions for specific industries.
- +Includes employee self-service and mobile app for convenience.
- +Focuses on building an engaged and high-performance culture.
Weaknesses
- -No free tier available, only a free trial.
- -Pricing details are not fully transparent on the main page (starts from ₹99 per employee, but full cost is hidden).
- -Some advanced features like e-signatures and advanced analytics are only available in higher-tier plans.
Key features
Pricing: Paylocity vs Keka
| Plan | Paylocity | Keka |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 Base HR | $108/month Foundation |
| Tier 2 | 22-32 Full Suite | $156/month Strength |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $192/month Growth |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Paylocity pricing and Keka pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Paylocity
Want the highest-rated option?
Paylocity: 4.4/5 (8,205 reviews). Keka: 4.4/5 (2,391 reviews).
Go with: Paylocity
Value user reviews?
Paylocity: 8,205 reviews (4.4/5). Keka: 2,391 reviews (4.4/5).
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?
Both are hris tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Paylocity
- Larger review base (8,205 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Keka
- Choose if you want the HR and Payroll software loved by businesses for building great companies
The Bottom Line
Paylocity wins this matchup. Our overall HRIS pick is BambooHR. Our free HRIS pick is Paycom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paylocity or Keka better?
Paylocity is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Paylocity and Keka used for?
Paylocity: Unify HR, Finance, & IT for simplified operations and empowered teams.. Keka: The HR and Payroll software loved by businesses for building great companies..
What does Paylocity cost vs Keka?
Paylocity is a paid tool. Keka is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.