Nutshell vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Nutshell is our recommended pick for most teams — small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Try Nutshell →Read our full Nutshell review →Nutshell
Nutshell is a simple and affordable CRM designed for small and mid-size B2B sales teams. It combines contact management, pipeline automation, and email marketing in one easy-to-use platform. Nutshell is known for its exceptional customer support and quick setup time, making it a favorite for teams switching from spreadsheets.
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
- ✓Outstanding customer support included with every plan
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Built-in email marketing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Transparent and affordable pricing
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than HubSpot or Salesforce
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to enterprise CRMs
- ✗Limited native integrations compared to larger platforms
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
Nutshell vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | Nutshell | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $16/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Nutshell Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Nutshell
PaidStarts at $16/user/mo
Foundation: $16/user/mo · Pro: $42/user/mo · Business: $52/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Nutshell
- →B2B sales teams wanting a simple and affordable CRM
- →Small businesses replacing spreadsheets with a proper pipeline
- →Companies wanting built-in email marketing with their CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Nutshell is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex CRM customization
- ✗Teams requiring advanced AI-powered sales features
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Nutshell
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, QuickBooks, Zapier, Intercom, HubSpot, Mailchimp
Our Take
Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Also Consider
If neither Nutshell 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 Nutshell and Paylocity?
Nutshell is best for small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, Nutshell or Paylocity?
Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does Nutshell cost?
Nutshell starts at $16/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Nutshell?
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees