15Five vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
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
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
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
15Five vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | 15Five | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $4/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
How 15Five and Paylocity Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither 15Five nor Paylocity is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 15Five and Paylocity?
15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, 15Five or Paylocity?
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees