ActiveCampaign vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that combines email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM in one powerful tool. It is known for having the most advanced email automation capabilities in its price range. ActiveCampaign is used by over 180,000 businesses that want to deliver personalized customer experiences at scale.
Paylocity
Paylocity is a modern HR and payroll platform designed for mid-market businesses. It combines payroll processing with employee engagement tools, learning management, and workforce analytics. Paylocity stands out for its strong mobile experience and focus on building connected, engaged workplaces.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class email marketing automation at an affordable price
- ✓Powerful segmentation and personalization capabilities
- ✓Strong CRM features integrated with marketing tools
- ✓Excellent deliverability rates
Cons
- ✗Can be complex to set up advanced automations
- ✗CRM features are less robust than dedicated CRM tools
- ✗Interface has a learning curve for new users
Pros
- ✓Strong employee engagement and communication tools
- ✓Excellent mobile app for both managers and employees
- ✓Modern UI with good user adoption rates
- ✓Robust payroll with strong compliance features
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a sales call and is not published online
- ✗Implementation can be complex for larger organizations
- ✗Some advanced features require additional modules at extra cost
ActiveCampaign vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | ActiveCampaign | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ActiveCampaign Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓CRM
- ✓lead scoring
- ✓site tracking
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓landing pages
- ✓reporting
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Also Consider
If neither ActiveCampaign nor Paylocity is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ActiveCampaign and Paylocity?
ActiveCampaign is best for smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, ActiveCampaign or Paylocity?
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does ActiveCampaign cost?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ActiveCampaign?
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees