18 Best Paylocity Competitors Reviewed in 2026
10 Best Paylocity Competitors Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
Managing a church's payroll can be challenging, especially if you're using a tool that doesn't quite fit your needs. You might find yourself frustrated with Paylocity, whether it's due to its complexity, cost, or lack of specific features that cater to church management.
In my experience, the right software can make a world of difference. That's why I've independently reviewed and tested various competitors to Paylocity.
In this article, I'll share my top picks. I'll help you find a solution that meets your unique needs, whether you're focused on ease of use, affordability, or specific church-related features. Let's explore the options that can make your payroll process smoother and more efficient.
What is Paylocity?
Paylocity is a church payroll software designed to help manage payroll tasks efficiently. It's commonly used by HR professionals and financial administrators in churches and other organizations for its ability to simplify payroll management.
Features like automated tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service help reduce manual workload and improve accuracy. Overall, Paylocity provides value by making payroll processing more manageable for your team.
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Best Paylocity Competitors Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Paylocity competitor selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global payroll compliance | Free demo available | From $5/employee/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for extensive benefits administration | No free trial available | From $8/employee/month + $50/month base fee | Website | |
| 3 | Best for accounting and invoicing | 30-day free trial available | From $3.75/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for digital giving solutions | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $72/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small and medium businesses | Free demo available | From $49/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for free invoicing and payments | Free plan available | From $16/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for comprehensive church management | 30-day free trial | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for church administration | Download free demo | costs from $395 | Website | |
| 9 | Best for nonprofit management | Free demo available | From $50/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for church financial management | You can access a demo and request a free trial. | From $279/month | Website |
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ChMeetings
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Gracely
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Text In Church
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Paylocity Competitors Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Paylocity competitors that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Deel is a payroll and compliance platform designed for businesses with a global workforce. HR professionals and finance teams primarily use it to manage international payroll and compliance efficiently.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Deel offers unique advantages for teams needing global payroll solutions. Its compliance capabilities ensure that you stay aligned with international labor laws.
The platform's automated tax calculations and localized contracts help with managing a diverse workforce. Deel's focus on global compliance makes it a strong alternative to Paylocity for companies operating across borders.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated tax calculations, localized contracts, and a global compliance dashboard. These features enable your team to handle payroll tasks with ease. Deel also offers a centralized platform for managing international contractors and employees.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Workday, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Personio, and Bob.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Centralized international management
- Localized contracts
- Automated tax calculations
Cons:
- May need third-party tools for analytics
- Requires internet access
New Product Updates from Deel HR
Deel HR Introduces AI-Powered ATS for Hiring
Deel HR introduces an AI-powered ATS built into its platform. This update enhances hiring efficiency by automating sourcing, screening, and workflows across the recruitment process. For more information, visit Deel HR’s official site.
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For businesses seeking a reliable HR and payroll solution, Justworks offers a platform tailored to meet the diverse needs of small to medium-sized enterprises, with extensive benefits administration as a key strength. With its ability to streamline payroll processing, benefits administration, and time tracking, Justworks appeals to companies aiming to enhance their HR operations while maintaining compliance. It addresses challenges such as managing employee benefits, facilitating international payroll, and supporting employee onboarding, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve their human resources functions.
Why I Picked Justworks
I picked Justworks for its extensive benefits administration, which is a key need for teams comparing Paylocity alternatives. It supports benefits enrollment and ongoing administration, with access to medical, dental, and vision plans through major carriers. Beyond benefits, Justworks also includes payroll with time tracking support to reduce manual entry and keep pay runs consistent. It can operate as a PEO, and it also offers EOR services for companies that need help hiring in other locations.
Justworks Key Features
In addition to extensive benefits administration, Justworks offers:
- Time Off Management: Allows you to create custom leave policies and track employee leave balances, although it requires manual setup.
- Compliance Solutions: Offers PEO and EOR services to help manage payroll and compliance, especially for international business expansion.
- Employee Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the company.
- Reporting Capabilities: Provides pre-built and customizable payroll reports, though integration with other data types is limited.
Justworks Integrations
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, JazzHR, Guideline, and Mineral. An API is also available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clear employee dashboard for benefits and pay information
- Centralizes payroll, HR, and health insurance administration
- Transparent pricing options for Payroll or PEO plans, add-ons available
Cons:
- Fewer advanced HR features than larger enterprise platforms
- Limited customization for workflows, approvals, and complex org structures
Xero is an accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing tools for managing finances and invoicing. Its main users include accountants and business owners who need efficient financial management and reporting.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Xero offers a range of accounting features that make it suitable for businesses looking for more than just payroll services. You can manage invoicing, bank reconciliation, and expense tracking all in one place.
Xero's real-time financial reporting helps you keep track of your business's financial health. Its focus on accounting and invoicing makes it a solid alternative to Paylocity for those who need comprehensive financial management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and real-time financial reporting. You can also manage fixed assets and multi-currency accounting. Xero's dashboard provides an overview of your financial performance at a glance.
Integrations include HubSpot, Stripe, Square, Shopify, PayPal, Gusto, Expensify, Deputy, Vend, and Squarespace.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible invoicing options
- Fixed asset management
- Comprehensive financial management
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited payroll features
New Product Updates from Xero
Xero Unveils New Analytics Features
Xero introduces new analytics dashboards and reporting features. These updates help small businesses better understand performance, trends, and financial health at a glance. For more information, visit Xero's official site.
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Tithe.ly is a church management software focused on providing digital giving solutions for churches and religious organizations. Its main users are church leaders and administrators who need to manage online donations and member engagement efficiently.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Tithe.ly offers specialized digital giving tools that make it a strong alternative to Paylocity for churches. You can manage online donations, track giving trends, and engage with your congregation through mobile apps.
The platform's focus on digital giving includes features like text and app giving. These tools help your team enhance donation management and communication with members, addressing needs beyond payroll.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include text giving, mobile app donations, and giving trend analysis. You can also access tools for event registration and member communication. Tithe.ly provides a user-friendly dashboard to help manage donations and engagement.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Planning Center, Elvanto, CCB, Rock RMS, Church Community Builder, Breeze, Faithlife, Shepherd's Staff, and ACS Technologies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Giving trend analysis
- Mobile app donations
- Specialized digital giving tools
Cons:
- Requires internet access
- Limited payroll capabilities
Gusto is a payroll and HR software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR management. Its main users are business owners and HR teams who need an all-in-one platform for managing payroll and employee benefits.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Gusto provides a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of HR tools, making it ideal for small and medium businesses. You can manage payroll, benefits, and compliance effortlessly.
The software's automated payroll filings and benefits management help your team save time. Gusto’s focus on simplifying HR processes makes it a valuable alternative to Paylocity for businesses looking for ease of use and efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll filings, benefits administration, and compliance management. You can also access employee self-service tools for managing personal information. Gusto provides detailed payroll reports to help you track financial data.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Clover, FreshBooks, Trainual, Deputy, TSheets, When I Work, Homebase, and Shopify.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Employee self-service options
- Easy payroll management
- Comprehensive HR tools
Cons:
- Basic analytics
- Limited customization options
WAVE is a financial management software aimed at small businesses and freelancers, offering tools for accounting, invoicing, and payment processing. Its main users are small business owners and independent professionals who need cost-effective financial solutions.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: WAVE provides free invoicing and payment features, making it an attractive option for businesses on a budget. You can manage your business accounting and cash flow without incurring additional costs.
The software's intuitive interface helps your team easily navigate financial tasks. WAVE's focus on providing essential financial tools for free makes it a strong alternative to Paylocity for those prioritizing cost-efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoicing, receipt scanning, and expense tracking. You can also manage your cash flow with real-time financial dashboards. WAVE's accounting tools help you keep track of your business finances in one place.
Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shopify, Shoeboxed, Zapier, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Slack, Mailchimp, and Stripe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy expense tracking
- Real-time financial dashboards
- Free invoicing and payments
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- No phone support
Fellowship One is a church management software designed to support church operations, including member engagement and administration. Its main users are church leaders and staff who need to manage various aspects of church life efficiently.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Fellowship One offers comprehensive management tools that are specifically tailored for churches, making it an ideal alternative to Paylocity. You can manage membership data, track attendance, and coordinate events effortlessly.
The software's focus on church-specific needs provides tools like volunteer management and contribution tracking. FellowshipOne helps your team streamline church operations, offering a suite of features beyond payroll.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include volunteer management, contribution tracking, and attendance reporting. You can also manage small groups and events with ease. Fellowship One provides a centralized platform for all your church management needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Vanco, Pushpay, Church Community Builder, WorshipPlanning, Planning Center, Servant Keeper, Tithe.ly, and Rock RMS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Centralized platform for church operations
- Detailed contribution tracking
- Effective volunteer management
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- May not suit small churches
PowerChurch Plus is a church management software designed to assist churches in handling administrative tasks, including membership and contribution management. Its main users are church administrators who need tools to manage their church's operations effectively.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: PowerChurch Plus offers specialized features for church administration, making it a strong alternative to Paylocity for religious organizations. You can manage membership records, track contributions, and organize events.
The software’s focus on church-specific needs provides tools like attendance tracking and fund accounting. PowerChurch Plus’s tailored functionalities help your team manage church operations efficiently, which is ideal for churches looking for dedicated administrative support.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include fund accounting, contribution tracking, and event scheduling. You can also manage volunteer activities and generate detailed reports. PowerChurch Plus provides tools for managing communication with your congregation.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Google Calendar, PayPal, Constant Contact, Vanco, Stripe, DonorPerfect, and Planning Center.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Event management tools
- Effective fund accounting
- Tailored for church administration
Cons:
- May not suit small churches
- Requires technical knowledge
CDM+ is a church management software designed for nonprofits and churches, offering tools for membership management, contributions, and event planning. Its main users are church administrators and nonprofit managers who need to manage their organization's operations efficiently.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: CDM+ provides specialized tools for managing church and nonprofit operations, making it suitable for organizations beyond payroll needs. You can track contributions, manage membership data, and organize events seamlessly.
The software's focus on nonprofit management offers you features like attendance tracking and custom reporting. CDM+'s tailored solutions for churches and nonprofits make it a strong alternative to Paylocity for those seeking comprehensive management tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contributions tracking, membership management, and event planning. You can also use the software for attendance tracking and custom reporting. CDM+ offers tools for managing communication with your congregation or members.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Vanco, PayPal, Stripe, Tithe.ly, Planning Center, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Efficient contributions tracking
- Event planning tools
- Tailored for nonprofits
Cons:
- Complex for small teams
- Learning curve for new users
Church Windows is a church management software designed for churches to handle financial and administrative tasks, including accounting and membership management. Its main users are church administrators and financial officers who need tools to manage church finances effectively.
Why it's a good Paylocity alternative: Church Windows offers specialized financial management tools tailored for churches, making it a valuable alternative to Paylocity. You can manage church accounting, track donations, and handle payroll.
The software's focus on church-specific financial needs provides you with tools like fund accounting and detailed financial reporting. Church Windows helps your team manage church finances efficiently, which is ideal for churches looking for dedicated financial management support.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include fund accounting, donation tracking, and payroll management. You can also manage membership records and generate detailed financial reports. Church Windows provides tools for managing communication with your congregation.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Vanco, PayPal, Stripe, Tithe.ly, Planning Center, Servant Keeper, and FellowshipOne.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive payroll features
- Effective donation tracking
- Detailed financial reporting
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Limited customization options
Other Paylocity Competitors
Here are some additional Paylocity competitors that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- OnPay
For small business HR integration
- Patriot Payroll
For small business affordability
- SteepleMate
For church engagement tools
- One Church Software
For integrated church management
- BambooHR®
For small to medium HR teams
- Wagepoint
For simple payroll processing
- MinistryWorks
For church-specific payroll needs
- iChurch
For church website integration
Paylocity Competitors Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Paylocity competitors to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to church payroll software products, like the need for specialized church financial management and ease of use for non-technical staff. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Process payroll accurately
- Manage employee benefits
- Handle tax filings
- Track attendance
- Generate financial reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integrated church management
- Mobile app access
- Donation tracking
- Volunteer coordination
- Customizable reporting
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Simple navigation
- Intuitive interface
- Clear instructions
- Fast performance
- Accessibility options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Ready-to-use templates
- Access to webinars
- Helpful chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple contact options
- Knowledgeable staff
- Response time
- Comprehensive help center
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent fees
- Flexible plans
- Cost-benefit ratio
- Discounts for nonprofits
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency in feedback
- Mention of reliable features
- Highlighted areas for improvement
- User-reported issues
- Overall satisfaction rating
Why Look For a Paylocity Alternative?
While Paylocity is a good choice of church payroll software, there are a number of reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Paylocity alternative because…
- You need more church-specific features
- Your team struggles with complex interfaces
- You're looking for more affordable options
- You require better customer support
- You need software that scales with growth
- You're seeking better integration capabilities
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several church payroll software options that are better suited for teams facing these challenges with Paylocity and looking for alternative solutions.
Paylocity Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Paylocity, to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Automated payroll processing: Handles payroll calculations and distributions efficiently, reducing manual errors for your team.
- Employee self-service portal: Allows your employees to access their payroll information, pay stubs, and tax documents independently.
- Time and attendance tracking: Helps you monitor employee hours and manage time-off requests seamlessly.
- Tax compliance management: Automates tax calculations and filings, ensuring your business stays compliant with regulations.
- Reporting and analytics tools: Provide detailed insights into payroll data and workforce metrics to aid in decision-making.
- Mobile access: Enables your team to manage payroll tasks on the go with a mobile-friendly interface.
- Integration with other HR systems: Ensures smooth data flow between payroll and HR functions, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Benefits administration: Simplifies the management of employee benefits, including enrollment and tracking.
- Direct deposit options: Offers secure and timely deposit of employee wages directly into their bank accounts.
- Customizable workflows: Allow you to tailor payroll processes to meet specific organizational needs.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching church payroll software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.