Paylocity vs Freshsales
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.
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation 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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
Paylocity vs Freshsales: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor Freshsales 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 Freshsales?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Which is better, Paylocity or Freshsales?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools