OnPay vs Klaviyo
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Klaviyo is our recommended pick for most teams — b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Try Klaviyo →Read our full Klaviyo review →OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo is the AI-first CRM built for B2C brands. Powered by its built-in data platform and AI insights, Klaviyo combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service into one unified solution.
Pros
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Pros
- ✓AI-powered customer insights
- ✓Strong marketing automation
- ✓Built-in data platform
- ✓Unified marketing and customer service
- ✓Purpose-built for B2C brands
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for B2B sales teams
- ✗Can be expensive at scale
- ✗Learning curve for full platform
- ✗Overkill for very small businesses
OnPay vs Klaviyo: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $20/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform. |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Klaviyo Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓audience segmentation
- ✓automation flows
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓revenue attribution
Pricing Comparison
Klaviyo
PaidStarts at $20/mo
Free: $0 (250 contacts) · Email: from $20/mo · Email & SMS: from $35/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Klaviyo
- →Ecommerce businesses running email and SMS campaigns
- →Shopify stores wanting advanced customer segmentation
- →DTC brands automating abandoned cart and post-purchase flows
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Klaviyo is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Non-ecommerce businesses without a product catalog
- ✗B2B companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Small businesses that only need basic email newsletters
Integrations
Klaviyo
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Salesforce, Stripe, Recharge, Gorgias
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Klaviyo if b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Klaviyo is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OnPay and Klaviyo?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Klaviyo is best for b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Which is better, OnPay or Klaviyo?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Klaviyo if b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Klaviyo cost?
Klaviyo starts at $20/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Klaviyo?
B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
