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
Feature comparison
Grouped feature support from verified product research for Dayforce and Paylocity.
Hiring
| Feature | Dayforce | Paylocity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant tracking | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Career site & job boards | Strong | Moderate | Dayforce |
| Interview scheduling | Strong | Moderate | Dayforce |
Workforce
| Feature | Dayforce | Paylocity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workforce scheduling | Strong | Moderate | Dayforce |
| Frontline communications | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| Time & attendance | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| GPS / geofence clock-in | Strong | Moderate | Dayforce |
People & payroll
| Feature | Dayforce | Paylocity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core HRIS | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Payroll processing | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Benefits administration | Strong | Strong | Tie |
Training
| Feature | Dayforce | Paylocity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOP / knowledge base | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| Employee training paths | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| LMS / course commerce | Limited | Limited | Tie |
Platform
| Feature | Dayforce | Paylocity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRIS integrations | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Analytics & reporting | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| AI assistance | Strong | Strong | Tie |
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