BambooHR vs Paylocity: Which HR Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
BambooHR vs Paylocity, in 15 seconds
Choose BambooHR if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You want to trial before paying
Choose Paylocity if…
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You want deeper AI and automation features
- You have strict security & compliance needs
- You need the broader feature set
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How BambooHR and Paylocity score
Paylocity leads on 5 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
BambooHRNo reviewsPaylocityNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
BambooHR0Paylocity0 - BambooHR
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
BambooHR$10/moPaylocityCustom - BambooHR
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
BambooHRFree trialPaylocityPaid only - Paylocity
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
BambooHR8Paylocity10 - Paylocity
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
BambooHR11Paylocity12 - Paylocity
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
BambooHR—Paylocity1 - Paylocity
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
BambooHR2Paylocity4 - Paylocity
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
BambooHR4Paylocity5
Feature Comparison
BambooHR vs Paylocity feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
BambooHR
PaylocityPricing Comparison
BambooHR vs Paylocity pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
BambooHR
$10/mo to start- Employee records
- Time-off tracking
- Standard reporting
- Mobile app
- Everything in Core
- Applicant tracking (ATS)
- Onboarding & e-signatures
- Performance management
- Everything in Pro
- Advanced analytics
- Multiple approval workflows
- Priority support
- Flat monthly pricing
- For teams of 25 or fewer
- Core HR features
- Predictable cost
Paylocity
Custom to start- Full-service payroll
- Tax filing and compliance
- Core HR (HRIS)
- Employee self-service
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance
- Talent management
- Learning
- Recruiting (~$3–$5 PEPM)
- Advanced analytics
- Surveys and recognition
- Expense management
- Advanced HR analytics
- Dedicated support
- Advanced integrations
- Custom configuration
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
BambooHR vs Paylocity: strengths and trade-offs
BambooHR
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Paylocity
Pros
- Broad integration ecosystem (10)
- Compliance: SOC 1, SOC 2, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Buyer Fit
Who should use BambooHR vs Paylocity?
Startups
BambooHR
BambooHR keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
BambooHR
BambooHR offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Paylocity
Paylocity connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Paylocity
Paylocity integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Paylocity
Paylocity is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (4)
Only in BambooHR (4)
Only in Paylocity (6)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar hr software products buyers compare alongside BambooHR and Paylocity.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs BambooHR and Paylocity against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationBambooHR vs Paylocity — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BambooHR and Paylocity?
BambooHR and Paylocity are both HR Software solutions. BambooHR is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Paylocity is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, BambooHR or Paylocity?
Based on user ratings, BambooHR scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, BambooHR or Paylocity?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does BambooHR or Paylocity have a free plan?
Neither BambooHR nor Paylocity currently offers a free plan, but BambooHR provides a free trial.
Can I switch from BambooHR to Paylocity?
Switching between BambooHR and Paylocity is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use BambooHR vs Paylocity?
BambooHR is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Paylocity works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on BambooHR vs Paylocity
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
BambooHR
BambooHR has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
BambooHR
BambooHR delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Paylocity
Paylocity ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.