Certn 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
Certn vs Paylocity, in 15 seconds
Choose Certn if…
- You prefer Certn's approach and ecosystem
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 Certn and Paylocity score
Paylocity leads on 5 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
CertnNo reviewsPaylocityNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Certn0Paylocity0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
CertnCustomPaylocityCustom - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
CertnPaid onlyPaylocityPaid only - Paylocity
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Certn6Paylocity10 - Paylocity
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Certn6Paylocity12 - Paylocity
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Certn—Paylocity1 - Paylocity
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Certn3Paylocity4 - Paylocity
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Certn4Paylocity5
Feature Comparison
Certn vs Paylocity feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Certn
PaylocityPricing Comparison
Certn vs Paylocity pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Certn
Custom to start- Per check
- Base fee + pass-through
- Criminal from ~$4.99
- Identity & verification
- Volume pricing
- ATS integrations
- International screening
- Dedicated support
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
Certn vs Paylocity: strengths and trade-offs
Certn
Pros
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, FCRA
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
- 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 Certn vs Paylocity?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either 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
Only in Certn (6)
Only in Paylocity (10)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar hr software products buyers compare alongside Certn and Paylocity.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Certn 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 recommendationCertn vs Paylocity — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Certn and Paylocity?
Certn and Paylocity are both HR Software solutions. Certn 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, Certn or Paylocity?
Based on user ratings, Certn scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Certn or Paylocity?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does Certn or Paylocity have a free plan?
Neither Certn nor Paylocity currently offers a free plan, but both offer paid plans with various tiers.
Can I switch from Certn to Paylocity?
Switching between Certn 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 Certn vs Paylocity?
Certn is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Paylocity works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Certn vs Paylocity
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Paylocity
Paylocity leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie 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.