Paylocity vs Justworks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →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.
Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
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
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
Paylocity vs Justworks: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Justworks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $59/employee/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
How Paylocity and Justworks 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 Justworks is the right fit, Breezy HR is worth evaluating.
Breezy HR
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting
From $9/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paylocity and Justworks?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Which is better, Paylocity or Justworks?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits