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Paylocity’s listed starting price is not available, so a switch starts with getting a detailed quote and clear service commitments. Reddit users describe difficult implementation, workarounds and inconsistent support, though others say their experience was successful. Those accounts are warnings, not a verdict on every customer’s experience. For employers replacing an HR and payroll system, Paycom and isolved are closer fits; smaller teams or businesses with specific payroll needs may find a better match elsewhere.
01Why people leave Paylocity
Implementation can mean extra work
One employer said its team largely self-taught the software; another described reviewing more than 300 employee records to check data accuracy.
Support experiences vary
Reddit users report turnover and difficulty finding a helpful representative. One described an unresolved pay-deposit issue after a 2.5-hour call.
Routine tasks feel complicated
One commenter said an acquisition onboarding involved too many steps; another described workarounds and multiple accounts for one employee.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- HR/payroll consolidation
PaycomPaycomPaycom is the closest listed fit if you want to keep HR and payroll in one system while seeking employee self-service and automated payroll workflows. Its listed starting price is not available, so ask for a detailed quote and compare implementation and service commitments with Paylocity’s. The fit is not a guarantee of a better experience: one Reddit commenter also criticized Paycom.
Trade-off: Pricing is quote-only, and one Reddit commenter reported a poor experience.
6.5/10from
Custom - Guided benefits enrollment
isolvedisolvedConsider isolved if you still want HR and payroll together but want to compare another broad suite. The listing also identifies guided benefits enrollment as a fit. Pricing is not listed, so request a quote that spells out the services and costs you need before treating it as a cheaper replacement for Paylocity.
Trade-off: Custom pricing and thin user feedback leave buying questions open.
5.8/10from
Custom - HR advisory services
PaychexPaychexPaychex is worth comparing if you want payroll and HR together, with HR advisory services or PEO services among your priorities. Its price is not listed, so request a detailed quote and check what the proposed package includes. A Reddit commenter compared Paychex unfavorably with Paylocity, but one account is not a product verdict.
Trade-off: Pricing is opaque, and the available Reddit feedback is a caution.
6.2/10from
Custom - Small-team HR/payroll
JustworksJustworksJustworks may suit a small US team that wants payroll, HR and bundled benefits administration, rather than a broad system for a larger employer. The listing gives a starting price of $8, but it does not establish your total cost. Ask how benefits costs apply to your team before switching from Paylocity.
Trade-off: The listed starting price may not reflect benefits costs.
7.2/10from
$8/mo - Small-team payroll
GustoGustoGusto is a closer match if you run payroll in one state and want payroll and HR tools together, with time tracking as an added use case. Its listed starting price is $49. The listing flags per-person pricing and support complaints, so compare the total quote and service expectations with Paylocity before moving.
Trade-off: Per-person pricing and reported support complaints temper the case.
6.3/10from
$49/mo - QuickBooks users
QuickBooks Online PayrollQuickBooks Online PayrollIf your business already uses QuickBooks accounting, QuickBooks Online Payroll is a focused alternative to consider instead of replacing more of your stack. The listing highlights payroll tax filing and contractor-only payroll for up to 20. Its listed starting price is $25; check the per-employee cost and reported issues before switching.
Trade-off: Per-employee pricing and reported issues need checking.
5.8/10from
$25/mo - Healthcare payroll
ViventiumViventiumViventium is the most specific fit here for post-acute care providers and healthcare teams managing shift schedules. If those needs are central to why Paylocity no longer fits, request a detailed quote and compare it against your actual payroll requirements. Its listed starting price is not available, so costs need to be confirmed directly.
Trade-off: Pricing is not listed; get a detailed quote.
5.8/10from
Custom
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Paylocity Paylocity (current) | 5.9 | Custom | No | Employers consolidating HR and payroll workflows |
| Paycom Paycom | 6.5 | Custom | No | Organizations consolidating HR and payroll |
| isolved isolved | 5.8 | Custom | No | Buyers seeking HR and payroll together |
| Paychex Paychex | 6.2 | Custom | No | Businesses wanting payroll and HR together |
| Justworks Justworks | 7.2 | $8/mo | No | Small US teams needing payroll and HR |
| Gusto Gusto | 6.3 | $49/mo | No | Small teams running payroll in one state |
| QuickBooks Online Payroll QuickBooks Online Payroll | 5.8 | $25/mo | No | Businesses already using QuickBooks accounting |
| Viventium Viventium | 5.8 | Custom | No | Post-acute care providers |
Questions people ask
Who is Paylocity's biggest competitor?
The available information does not establish one biggest competitor. Paycom and isolved are listed as options for organizations seeking HR and payroll together; Paychex also offers a payroll and HR bundle. Compare quotes, workflows and service commitments against your needs rather than assuming one vendor is the default replacement.
Why is ADP better than Paylocity?
We can’t establish that ADP is better from the available information: it does not provide ADP pricing, features or a direct comparison with Paylocity. One Reddit thread includes a question about ADP, Paycor and Paylocity, but the Reddit threads we read do not answer it. Compare quotes and service terms directly.
Is Gusto or Paylocity better?
They suit different buying cases in the available listings. Gusto is positioned for small teams running payroll in one state and lists a $49 starting price; Paylocity is positioned for employers consolidating HR and payroll, but its starting price is not available. Compare total pricing and support needs before choosing.