Freshsales vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation 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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
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
Freshsales vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | Freshsales | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Also Consider
If neither Freshsales 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 Freshsales and Paylocity?
Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, Freshsales or Paylocity?
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees