Paylocity vs 15Five
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.
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
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
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
Paylocity vs 15Five: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $4/user/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
How Paylocity and 15Five Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor 15Five 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 15Five?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. 15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Which is better, Paylocity or 15Five?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance