Paylocity vs Klaviyo
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Klaviyo is our recommended pick for most teams — b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Try Klaviyo →Read our full Klaviyo 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.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo is the AI-first CRM built for B2C brands. Powered by its built-in data platform and AI insights, Klaviyo combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service into one unified solution.
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
- ✓AI-powered customer insights
- ✓Strong marketing automation
- ✓Built-in data platform
- ✓Unified marketing and customer service
- ✓Purpose-built for B2C brands
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for B2B sales teams
- ✗Can be expensive at scale
- ✗Learning curve for full platform
- ✗Overkill for very small businesses
Paylocity vs Klaviyo: Side by Side
| Factor | Paylocity | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $20/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees | B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform. |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Klaviyo Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓audience segmentation
- ✓automation flows
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓revenue attribution
Pricing Comparison
Klaviyo
PaidStarts at $20/mo
Free: $0 (250 contacts) · Email: from $20/mo · Email & SMS: from $35/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Klaviyo
- →Ecommerce businesses running email and SMS campaigns
- →Shopify stores wanting advanced customer segmentation
- →DTC brands automating abandoned cart and post-purchase flows
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Klaviyo is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Non-ecommerce businesses without a product catalog
- ✗B2B companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Small businesses that only need basic email newsletters
Integrations
Klaviyo
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Salesforce, Stripe, Recharge, Gorgias
Our Take
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Klaviyo if b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Best For
B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Also Consider
If neither Paylocity nor Klaviyo 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 Klaviyo?
Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Klaviyo is best for b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
Which is better, Paylocity or Klaviyo?
Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees. Choose Klaviyo if b2c brands wanting an ai-powered crm that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Klaviyo cost?
Klaviyo starts at $20/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Who should use Klaviyo?
B2C brands wanting an AI-powered CRM that combines marketing automation, analytics, and customer service in one platform.