Dayforce vs Paylocity
Compare Dayforce and Paylocity on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Dayforce
AI-powered HCM (HR, pay, time, talent) with continuous payroll calculation — custom quote; formerly Ceridian.
Best for
- • Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc
- • Retail/manufacturing orgs comparing Dayforce vs UKG Pro
- • Buyers who will take a Gartner-HCM-leader shortlist quote
No free plan
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Dayforce and Paylocity. Choose Dayforce when Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc. Choose Paylocity when US mid-market companies (roughly 100–1,000 employees) that want payroll+HR in one modern platform. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Tie
- • Integrations
Choose Dayforce if: Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc
Choose Paylocity if: US mid-market companies (roughly 100–1,000 employees) that want payroll+HR in one modern platform
Paylocity
US mid-market HR + payroll (+ finance/IT) — custom quote (‘Explore Payroll Pricing’); Ignite AI. Landscape vs Gusto.
Best for
- • US mid-market companies (roughly 100–1,000 employees) that want payroll+HR in one modern platform
- • Teams comparing Paylocity vs ADP Workforce Now vs Paycor
- • Orgs that may add finance/IT and Ignite AI later
No free plan
Dayforce vs Paylocity at a glance
Criterion-level leaders from verified research.
Scorecard preview
Criterion leaders based on verified research — open the Scorecard tab for evidence detail.
- Starting pricingDepends
Dayforce
Paylocity
- Free planDepends
Dayforce
Paylocity
- User / licence minimumDepends
Dayforce
Paylocity
- IntegrationsTie
Dayforce
Paylocity
The biggest differences
Where the products diverge most clearly on verified criteria.
Starting pricing
DependsDayforce
Dayforce starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page; Paylocity starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page. Better value depends on plan rungs, currency, and add-ons.
Paylocity
Dayforce starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page; Paylocity starting price was not verified in current research — confirm on the vendor pricing page. Better value depends on plan rungs, currency, and add-ons.
Which should you choose?
Choose Dayforce if
- Mid-to-enterprise teams that want HR, pay, and time in one app with continuous payroll calc
- Retail/manufacturing orgs comparing Dayforce vs UKG Pro
- Buyers who will take a Gartner-HCM-leader shortlist quote
Choose Paylocity if
- US mid-market companies (roughly 100–1,000 employees) that want payroll+HR in one modern platform
- Teams comparing Paylocity vs ADP Workforce Now vs Paycor
- Orgs that may add finance/IT and Ignite AI later
Related comparisons
Alternatives to consider
UKG Pro
Enterprise HCM + WFM (Kronos heritage) — custom quote; Bryte AI. Distinct from UKG Ready (mid-market bundles).
Workday
Enterprise HCM default — custom PEPM quote (no published seat $); implementation-led. Landscape only vs SMB HRIS/payroll.
ADP Workforce Now
Mid-market payroll + HR (Select / Plus / Premium packaging) — custom PEPM quote; no published seat $. Landscape vs Gusto.
Gusto
US SMB payroll + benefits + light HR — Simple from $49/mo + $6/person; Plus $80 + $12; Premium $180 + $22.
How we compare
A short look at the comparison process. Full methodology
1
Collect
Collect official product information, pricing, and product evidence.
2
Normalize
Map evidence to the same category evaluation criteria for both products.
3
Compare
Evaluate both products against identical criteria — ties and depends are allowed.
4
Explain
Show why each product wins, loses, or ties, with evidence behind the outcome.
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- Independent criterion outcomes
- No invented scores or prices
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