SmartRecruiters vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is an enterprise talent acquisition platform that offers a genuinely free plan alongside paid enterprise tiers. Its free plan includes unlimited job postings, candidate tracking, and team collaboration — making it one of the most generous free ATS options available. SmartRecruiters is used by global enterprises including Visa, Bosch, and LinkedIn.
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.
Pros
- ✓Genuinely useful free plan with unlimited jobs and users
- ✓Enterprise-grade features available as you scale
- ✓Strong AI candidate screening on paid plans
- ✓Used by large global enterprises giving it credibility with candidates
Cons
- ✗Free plan has limited analytics and automation
- ✗Enterprise pricing can be expensive
- ✗Interface can feel complex for small teams
- ✗Implementation requires dedicated time for enterprise features
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
SmartRecruiters vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | SmartRecruiters | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
SmartRecruiters Features
- ✓Unlimited job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓AI screening
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓analytics
- ✓career page
- ✓mobile app
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
Also Consider
If neither SmartRecruiters nor Paylocity is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SmartRecruiters and Paylocity?
SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, SmartRecruiters or Paylocity?
Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does SmartRecruiters cost?
SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use SmartRecruiters?
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees