Skip to main content
HomeComparePaylocity vs Workday

Paylocity vs Workday

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Paylocity logo

Paylocity

HR & Recruiting

Try Paylocity
VS
Workday logo

Workday

HR & Recruiting

Try Workday

A
About Paylocity

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform that serves small to enterprise-level businesses with a broad suite of workforce management tools. It covers payroll processing, benefits administration, talent management, time and attendance tracking, and HR compliance in a single unified system. The platform stands out for its emphasis on employee experience, offering social collaboration tools, surveys, and a modern mobile app that keeps workers engaged. Its reporting and analytics capabilities give HR teams meaningful insights into workforce trends. Paylocity is particularly well-suited for mid-market companies that want a comprehensive HCM solution without the complexity of larger enterprise systems.

B
About Workday

Workday is a cloud-based enterprise platform that combines human capital management, financial management, and workforce planning into a single system. It serves mid-size to large enterprises that need to manage complex HR operations including payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, and people analytics. The platform is built on a single codebase with in-memory computing, which means all users run on the same version and get updates simultaneously. Workday stands out for its strong reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing HR leaders and executives to make data-driven workforce decisions. It's widely adopted across industries like healthcare, financial services, education, and technology.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Paylocity
Workday
Price
Custom pricing
Custom pricing
Category
HR & Recruiting
HR & Recruiting
Rating
3.8 (46)
4.2 (21)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
1997
2005

Feature Comparison

Feature
Paylocity
Workday
Automated payroll processing
Employee self-service portal
Performance management tools
Recruitment tracking system
Time and attendance tracking
Benefits administration management
Real-time workforce analytics
Integrated talent management
Advanced payroll processing
Customizable reporting tools
Mobile access for employees
Recruitment campaign management

Choose Paylocity

Paylocity offers a comprehensive HR and recruiting solution for modern businesses.

Try Paylocity Free

Read full review

Choose Workday

Workday is a comprehensive HR and recruiting tool designed for modern businesses.

Try Workday Free

Read full review

Not sure which to pick?

Get a personalized recommendation in 10 seconds.

Score Comparison

Ease of Use
6.0
6.0
Features
8.0
9.0
Pricing
5.0
5.0
Support
7.0
8.0
Integrations
8.0
8.0
Overall
6.8
7.2
PaylocityWorkday

Our Verdict

Paylocity

Your modern business requires robust HR and recruiting tools with a focus on user experience.

WorkdayWinner

Managing a large, modern workforce is essential and you're open to custom pricing solutions.

More features
Better support

Paylocity vs Workday: The Bottom Line

Both Paylocity and Workday are strong hr & recruiting tools, but they serve different needs. Workday has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 3.8).

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Paylocity and Workday, explore Paylocity alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paylocity or Workday better?

It depends on your needs. Paylocity (3.8★) is free to start, while Workday (4.2★) is free to start. Workday has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Paylocity to Workday?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Workday has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Paylocity users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Paylocity or Workday?

Both Paylocity and Workday start at $0/mo.

What are the main differences between Paylocity and Workday?

Paylocity focuses on automated payroll processing and employee self-service portal, while Workday emphasizes real-time workforce analytics and employee self-service portal. Both are in the HR & Recruiting category but serve slightly different use cases.