As a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), picking the right Human Resources Information System (HRIS) is crucial to streamlining operations, enhancing employee experience, and driving organizational success. Two leading contenders in the HRIS market, BambooHR and Paylocity, offer robust solutions tailored to different organizational needs. In this BambooHR vs Paylocity comparison for 2025, we’ll deep dive into their features, strengths, and core differences to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re exploring BambooHR vs Paylocity features or seeking insights and software advice, this guide on various aspects of each HRIS software has you covered.
Why compare BambooHR and Paylocity in 2025?
It would be an understatement to say that 2025 isn’t the year of layoffs and automation. With employee morale dropping and compliance in the bargain bin again, the need for an HRIS software that meets future needs is hotter than ever. That’s where our BambooHR vs Paylocity review comes in. Today’s CHROs are looking for platforms that help them excel in distinct areas.
Choosing between BambooHR vs Paylocity in 2025? This BambooHR Paylocity comparison dives into features, pricing, and scalability to help CHROs decide.
BambooHR is known for its user-friendly interface and small-to-medium business focus, while Paylocity offers a broader, payroll-centric solution ideal for growing enterprises.
This Paylocity vs BambooHR comparison will break down what matters most to your business needs.
BambooHR: Simplifying HR needs for Small to Medium Business
BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS designed to centralize employee data, automate workflows, and enhance employee experience. It’s a favorite among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBS) due to its intuitive design and scalability.
BambooHR simplifies HR for SMBs with an intuitive, employee-focused HRIS. (Screengrab: BambooHR)
Key Features of BambooHR
- A centralized employee database to store and manage employee information securely in one place.
- An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to streamline hiring with automated tools for recruitment and onboarding.
- A time-off management system to automate employee requests, approvals, and tracking.
- A set of tools for performance management in order to set goals, track progress and gather feedback.
- Over 40 pre-build reports for better reporting and analytics along with custom reporting options.
There is no denying that BambooHR takes the trophy when it comes to simplicity and employee self-service capabilities. It also offers a free trial, allowing HR professionals to test its fit before committing to it.
Strengths of BambooHR
- A user-friendly interface that has been praised by users.
- An excellent customer support with a human-centered approach to cater to all your needs.
- A flexible pricing with volume discounts as your team grows.
Weaknesses of BambooHR
- The payroll feature is an add-on.
There is limited customization compared to larger platforms but we reckon it’ll change as more CHROs adopt it in the coming years.
Paylocity: A comprehensive payroll and HCM solution
Paylocity is a cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform that started its journey as a payroll-first solution. It has since expanded into a full suit of HRIS. Paylocity is well-suited for medium to large companies who need advanced payroll and workforce management tools.
Paylocity empowers growing businesses with robust payroll and HCM solutions.
Key features of Paylocity
- A payroll management system that offers robust automation for tax compliance, deductions and payments.
- A workforce management system for time tracking, scheduling and labor analytics.
- A robust talent management system for recruitment, onboarding and performance review tools.
- A slew of employee engagement tools for surveys, recognition programs and social portals.
- A self-service portal that helps employees manage benefits, time-off requests and personal data.
Paylocity’s depth of features is what makes it a strong contender in this Paylocity vs BambooHR review. It’s a go-to software particularly for organizations prioritizing payroll and compliance.
Strengths of Paylocity
- A comprehensive payroll and HCM integration
- Paylocity offers advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
- It’s scalable for larger organizations with complex needs.
Weaknesses of Paylocity
- As noted in plenty of BambooHR vs Paylocity reviews, it’s a steeper learning curve.
- Paylocity doesn’t offer a free trial. It requires a sales demo for access.
- Its customer service can be inconsistent, relying on a single account manager.
BambooHR vs Paylocity review: A head-to-head comparison
Let’s break down the BambooHR Paylocity comparison 2025 across key areas CHROs care about.
Ease of use
- BambooHR is known for its clean, intuitive interface, making it easy for HR teams and employees to adopt.
- Paylocity is feature-rich but requires more training, especially for new users.
Pricing
- BambooHR starts with a per-employee, per-month model, with payroll as an add-on. It offers transparency with a free trial.
- Paylocity has custom pricing based on employee count and features, but lacks upfront transparency or a trial.
Customer Support
- BambooHR provides an award-winning support via phone, email, or chat, and is a highly rated platform when it comes to prompt support and resolution
- Paylocity relies on account managers which has led to mixed reviews on responsiveness and resolution.
Scalability
- BambooHR is ideal for SMBs but may lack the depth for very large enterprises.
- Paylocity is built to scale with growing businesses, offering more customization.
Payroll and Compliance
- BambooHR’s payroll feature is options and integrates well, however it’s not as robust as Paylocity’s.
- Paylocity excels in payroll automation and compliance. It’s a key differentiator in Paylocity vs BambooHR comparison.
Insights from Software Advice and TrustRadius
- BambooHR vs Paylocity on Software Advice: BambooHR scores higher for ease of use (4.6/5) and customer service (4.5/5), while Paylocity leads in feature depth (4.2/5).
- BambooHR vs Paylocity on TrustRadius: BambooHR earns a 7.8/10 for usability, while Paylocity’s 8.0/10 reflects its broader functionality, though with a steeper learning curve.
Which Should CHROs Choose in 2025?
The BambooHR Paylocity comparison completely depends on your organization’s size, needs, and priorities:
- Choose BambooHR if you’re an SMB seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective HRIS with strong employee experience tools. It’s perfect for businesses under 200 employees looking to streamline HR without complexity.
- Choose Paylocity if you manage a medium to large workforce needing advanced payroll, compliance, and workforce management features. It’s ideal for organizations prioritizing scalability and detailed analytics.
What to takeaway from this BambooHR vs Paylocity review?
In the BambooHR vs Paylocity 2025 review, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. BambooHR offers simplicity and affordability, while Paylocity delivers depth and scalability. Evaluate your team size, budget, and strategic goals to decide. For hands-on testing, BambooHR’s free trial is a great starting point, while Paylocity’s demo can showcase its robust capabilities.
Which is the best HRIS? BambooHR vs Paylocity Comparison in 2025
What are the main differences in BambooHR vs Paylocity features?
BambooHR focuses on simplicity with tools like ATS and time-off management, while Paylocity offers advanced payroll, workforce management, and engagement features.
How does pricing compare in the Paylocity vs BambooHR comparison?
BambooHR uses a per-employee model with transparent add-ons, while Paylocity’s custom pricing requires a sales quote, often suiting larger budgets.
Which platform is easier to use according to BambooHR vs Paylocity reviews on TrustRadius?
BambooHR is praised for its intuitive design, while Paylocity’s richer features come with a steeper learning curve.
Can I try both platforms before buying in 2025?
BambooHR offers a free trial, but Paylocity requires a scheduled demo, as noted in Software Advice BambooHR Paylocity reviews.
Which is better for payroll in the BambooHR Paylocity comparison 2025?
Paylocity excels with its built-in payroll and compliance tools, while BambooHR’s payroll is an optional add-on.