Paylocity vs Paycom: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Paylocity and Paycom 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:
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)
- • Unifies HR, Finance, and IT functions on a single platform.
- • Automates tasks, provides real-time data, and improves decision-making.
Paycom
One powerful HR and payroll software that puts employee data at your command.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Single database for all HR and payroll functions.
- • AI-powered tools for instant data access and automated payroll.
| At a Glance |  Paylocity |  Paycom |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | HRIS | HRIS |
Rating | 74/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Paylocity | Paycom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 74 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | HRISPayroll | HRISPayroll |
Understanding the Differences
Both Paylocity and Paycom solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Paylocity positions itself as "unify hr, finance, & it for simplified operations and empowered teams." while Paycomfocuses on "one powerful hr and payroll software that puts employee data at your command.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Paylocity
Paylocity makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 74/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Paycom
Paycom is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Paycom won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Paycom
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Paylocity handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Paylocity
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Paylocity is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Paylocity
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Paycom won't cost you anything.
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 Paylocity higher (74/100). But the community has upvoted Paycom more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Paylocity Does Better
- Higher overall score (74/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Paycom If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Paylocity (74/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Paylocity scores higher in our analysis, but Paycom 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 Paylocity or Paycom better?
Based on our analysis, Paylocity scores higher with 74/100. Paylocity ispaid while Paycom is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Paylocity to Paycom 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 Paylocity and Paycom offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Paylocity is paid with potential trial.Paycom is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.