Paylocity vs Bench
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.
Bench
Bench is a bookkeeping service that combines human bookkeepers with proprietary accounting software. Instead of doing your own bookkeeping, Bench assigns you a dedicated team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. Bench is designed for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without having to learn accounting software themselves.
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
- ✓Hands-off bookkeeping — a real human does your books every month
- ✓No accounting knowledge required from the business owner
- ✓Clean and simple software interface
- ✓Tax-ready financials delivered monthly
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY accounting software
- ✗Less control over your own books
- ✗Tax filing costs extra
- ✗Not suitable for businesses that want to manage their own accounting
Paylocity vs Bench: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Bench |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $299/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Bench Features
- ✓Dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓monthly bookkeeping
- ✓financial statements
- ✓tax-ready financials
- ✓catch-up bookkeeping
- ✓tax filing add-on
- ✓Bench platform access
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor Bench 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 Bench?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Bench is best for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
Which is better, Paylocity or Bench?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bench cost?
Bench starts at $299/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Bench?
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software