Paylocity vs Ashby
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Ashby
Ashby is a modern all-in-one recruiting platform built for high-growth companies. It combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple recruiting tools. Ashby is loved by tech startups and scale-ups for its powerful analytics and modern interface that helps recruiting teams make data-driven hiring decisions.
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
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform eliminates need for separate recruiting CRM and scheduling tools
- ✓Exceptional analytics — best-in-class reporting for recruiting teams
- ✓Modern and fast interface loved by recruiting ops teams
- ✓Strong integrations with developer tools
Cons
- ✗Expensive — pricing requires custom quote and targets growth-stage companies
- ✗Overkill for small teams making fewer than 20 hires per year
- ✗Requires dedicated recruiting ops resources to get full value
- ✗Less widely known than Greenhouse or Lever
Paylocity vs Ashby: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Ashby |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Ashby Features
- ✓ATS
- ✓CRM
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓analytics and reporting
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor Ashby 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 Paylocity and Ashby?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Ashby is best for high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Which is better, Paylocity or Ashby?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Ashby cost?
Ashby starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Ashby?
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics