Paylocity vs Bullhorn
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.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Paylocity vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor Bullhorn 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 Bullhorn?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, Paylocity or Bullhorn?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform