Paychex vs. Paycom

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Paychex
Score 6.8 out of 10
N/A
Paychex Flex, of Paychex' Online Payroll Services, is a cloud-based human resource management and payroll platform. Paychex offers core and specialized services, and scales to meet the needs of small businesses, SMBs, and large enterprises.N/A
Paycom
Score 8.4 out of 10
N/A
Paycom is an automated HCM platform, built on a single database that eliminates redundant data entry through automation. A payroll and HR software solution, Paycom is used by organizations of all sizes to access employee data without navigating multiple systems.N/A
Pricing
PaychexPaycom
Editions & Modules
Paychex Flex Pro
Custom Pricing
per month/+$4 per employee
HR Pro
Custom Pricing
HR PEO
Custom Pricing
Paychex Flex Select
Custom Pricing
Paychex Flex Enterprise
Custom Pricing
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
PaychexPaycom
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
PaychexPaycom
Considered Both Products
Paychex
Chose Paychex
Gusto is more intuitive than Paychex and easier for smaller companies. Paychex has better customer support than Paylocity. Paychex is easier to navigate than Paycom.
Chose Paychex
All solutions we have reviewed offer the same solutions, and all have pros/cons. Price is a factor, and we have found slightly less costly solutions, though any cost savings are negated in transition costs.
Chose Paychex
Paychex has been around for a long time and have used it at other organizations. The payroll functionality is the best out of the other systems I have used. They all are great with handling the HR needs of our organization but Paychex is the most streamlined.
Chose Paychex
Most of the reporting is a little easier to find and create in Paychex Flex. Most of the web interfaces for submitting payroll are fairly easy just like Paychex Flex.
Chose Paychex
They both have their pros and cons. Paychex Flex is much easier to use when processing payroll.
Paycom
Chose Paycom
Paycom seems to be more robust than Paylocity and offers more of the features we need and could use. Paychex Flex didn't offer all the areas we were looking for and doesn't have the features we want. We were looking for a system that could perform well in several areas of HR, …
Chose Paycom
I mean I've used Paychex before. I've used ADP before. Paychex was nothing like this, not comparable in terms of the version I was using. I think I was using Paychex Flex, but this was much more comprehensive, much more coherent, and it did a lot more on the ADP side. I don't …
Chose Paycom
Payroll. Unfortunately, with ADP, we're in the 21st century, and they still make me upload a spreadsheet when we do payroll. So a lot of room for mistakes, a lot of back and forth. None of that happens with Paycom. And Paychex, when I used, they were just coming out to the …
Chose Paycom
Nothing really compares. I've used StaffConnect before to check in, but they don't necessarily have an app, and it's only web-based. I haven't been able to find an app or anything. And again, it's just not my favorite because it also does it by GPS location. And I'll be at work …
Chose Paycom
I appreciate the single database platform. Some of the other programs I have used in the past are not as intuitive or user-friendly. The reporting is accurate and timely. There isn't any confusion between the modules trying to communicate with one another. We also have …
Chose Paycom
When evaluating competitors, one of the decision points has been how seamless the experience is from login to each of the different modules. Many legacy providers have the same modules, but they are not seamless. They are "connected" behind the scenes and skinned to appear to …
Chose Paycom
Hands down, you guys beat them clearly out of the water. And I think one of the biggest things that you guys do better than the rest of them is owning all the platforms. So if I have a problem with applicant tracking, I can come to you instead of going to a different vendor and …
Chose Paycom
Paycom is faster, more efficient, and more proactive. Paycom is more hands on, I appreciate that I have a customer service rep for day to day questions, and we have a rep who checks in quarterly to ensure we are getting the most from the system. They never feel pushy and are …
Chose Paycom
Paycom has a much wider range of functionality and the site is user friendly. The app is also better organized and easier to use with the self service portal and manager access in one place. The reviews and goal tracking is much more efficient than the other competitors I’ve …
Chose Paycom
We selected Paycom due to their system being one totally organic system. We have worked with systems who purchase other modules and they do not communicate well with each other. When changes are made in Paycom they flow to all the different sections needed to ensure the …
Chose Paycom
Much more user friendly.
Easier and more responsive web time clock.
If I had a problem with Paychex I waited days for a response and was rerouted through 6 different departments, now with Paycom I wait minutes for a helpful answer to my questions.
Chose Paycom
Paycom is my first choice from working with other services like Peoplesoft, Paychex and ADP.
Chose Paycom
Paycom is very user-friendly. Managers can review and approve employee timecards easily. The entire HRIS system allows information to flow together seamlessly. Your general ledger is tailored to your payroll and reporting needs. You no longer need multiple systems, you can do …
Chose Paycom
No comparison. Using Paycom has been the exact opposite of Paychex in the best way possible. I feel more in control and in the know about what's happening in my business.
Chose Paycom
By far, comparable to Workday, but built for smaller-sized organizations; however, capabilities are on par.
Chose Paycom
Paycom is much more user friendly, reports are easier to work through and build, and Time & Attendance/Employee Self Service is much more user friendly for our employees
Chose Paycom
We have used Paycheck and ADP products before. Paycom by far has been the one that is easier to use.
Chose Paycom
Paycom is head and shoulders above the above mentioned products. Other products over promise and under deliver, are not as user friendly or do not have as many modules as Paycom.
Chose Paycom
Paychex was very poor in the way they handled taxes. In addition, we went through 7 client support representatives in less than a year. We would not be told when someone left or was transferred. If the representative was off for any reason you may have to wait days until you …
Chose Paycom
Paycom has far exceeded our expectations. Its ease of use and the overall cost is mind blowing. They have thought of almost everything a company might encounter and have built a system around it. All of their staff is readily available and will do what they can when they can …
Chose Paycom
Did not like Paychex system, the whole program seemed like it was separate programs that did not work that well together. The system was not user friendly.
Features
PaychexPaycom
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.1
274 Ratings
13% below category average
Paycom
8.0
556 Ratings
2% below category average
Employee demographic data7.7221 Ratings8.7510 Ratings
Employment history7.9244 Ratings7.7490 Ratings
Job profiles and administration7.7179 Ratings8.0490 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.7.8174 Ratings7.9492 Ratings
Organizational charting5.03 Ratings7.3396 Ratings
Organization and location management7.1160 Ratings7.8435 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)6.2147 Ratings8.3407 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.4
315 Ratings
9% below category average
Paycom
8.2
556 Ratings
1% above category average
Pay calculation7.8297 Ratings8.8540 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors6.52 Ratings6.447 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment7.2155 Ratings8.789 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.0176 Ratings8.2474 Ratings
Direct deposit files8.3296 Ratings9.2537 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management7.9211 Ratings8.3449 Ratings
Reimbursement management7.2120 Ratings8.1311 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.2
159 Ratings
12% below category average
Paycom
8.3
488 Ratings
2% above category average
Approval workflow7.3113 Ratings8.6462 Ratings
Balance details7.4151 Ratings8.0463 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment6.9119 Ratings8.4388 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.1
272 Ratings
29% below category average
Paycom
8.6
558 Ratings
5% above category average
View and generate pay and benefit information7.9250 Ratings8.9548 Ratings
Update personal information7.4262 Ratings9.2554 Ratings
View company policy documentation7.1123 Ratings8.4494 Ratings
Employee recognition1.01 Ratings8.2271 Ratings
View job history7.2186 Ratings8.4455 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
4.8
43 Ratings
50% below category average
Paycom
4.9
26 Ratings
48% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets4.843 Ratings4.926 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
5.7
178 Ratings
27% below category average
Paycom
7.1
493 Ratings
6% below category average
Report builder6.2148 Ratings7.7486 Ratings
Pre-built reports6.5166 Ratings7.9481 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data4.592 Ratings5.855 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.6
174 Ratings
19% below category average
Paycom
8.2
486 Ratings
3% above category average
New hire portal6.8166 Ratings8.3480 Ratings
Manager tracking tools6.4110 Ratings8.1419 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.0
1 Ratings
11% below category average
Paycom
7.8
90 Ratings
0% below category average
Candidate search7.01 Ratings8.185 Ratings
Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings7.650 Ratings
Candidate ranking00 Ratings7.768 Ratings
Candidate development00 Ratings8.071 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
5.3
71 Ratings
39% below category average
Paycom
7.4
364 Ratings
6% below category average
Job Requisition Management5.137 Ratings7.4327 Ratings
Company Website Posting5.234 Ratings7.7322 Ratings
Publish to Social Media5.629 Ratings7.1254 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting5.936 Ratings7.5298 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention4.634 Ratings6.6277 Ratings
Applicant Tracking4.740 Ratings7.6334 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts6.165 Ratings8.0345 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
-
Ratings
Paycom
6.2
288 Ratings
26% below category average
Corporate goal setting00 Ratings4.236 Ratings
Individual goal setting00 Ratings7.9266 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility00 Ratings4.835 Ratings
Performance tracking00 Ratings8.0283 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
-
Ratings
Paycom
7.7
365 Ratings
2% below category average
Performance plans00 Ratings7.6337 Ratings
Performance improvement plans00 Ratings7.7320 Ratings
Review status tracking00 Ratings7.9325 Ratings
Review reminders00 Ratings8.0333 Ratings
Multiple review frequency00 Ratings7.3297 Ratings
Best Alternatives
PaychexPaycom
Small Businesses
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.2 out of 10
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Enterprises
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
PaychexPaycom
Likelihood to Recommend
6.5
(330 ratings)
8.5
(728 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.1
(48 ratings)
9.0
(31 ratings)
Usability
7.0
(271 ratings)
9.0
(124 ratings)
Availability
5.4
(12 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Performance
7.1
(12 ratings)
8.7
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
6.3
(271 ratings)
9.0
(59 ratings)
In-Person Training
4.5
(1 ratings)
10.0
(2 ratings)
Online Training
8.3
(4 ratings)
7.4
(5 ratings)
Implementation Rating
5.2
(13 ratings)
5.8
(9 ratings)
Configurability
5.0
(9 ratings)
7.7
(4 ratings)
Ease of integration
9.1
(3 ratings)
8.1
(3 ratings)
Product Scalability
5.7
(12 ratings)
7.6
(4 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
5.6
(34 ratings)
8.8
(6 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
6.1
(35 ratings)
8.8
(6 ratings)
User Testimonials
PaychexPaycom
Likelihood to Recommend
Paychex Inc.
Overall we have had a good experience. The unfortunate part of being with them for over 10 years is the change-over in support specialists and sometimes the lack of transparency when that occurs or the lack of personalized communication. However, the ease of use and streamlined services for reporting and recording payroll and onboarding employees is definitely a benefit to the service. Being able to pull reports and review past employees information can be invaluable at times. Knowing I have peace of mind when it comes to tax documentation because someone else is ensuring it is handled and handled correctly is very important
Read full review
Paycom
As I mentioned, the onboarding process is incredibly easy. We have around 300 employees and are constantly hiring, so Paycom has been a huge help. In fact, the ATS functionality was a major factor in our decision to switch to Paycom.
Read full review
Pros
Paychex Inc.
  • It provides a well account of Retirement Plan Account Information.
  • Alerts are sent to email when there is new information to access.
  • Employee access both online and thru app.
  • Paperless options.
  • Easy and quick access to paystubs and tax forms.
  • Easy employee retirement management.
Read full review
Paycom
  • I like the employee self-service feature. It's very straightforward and easy to use. I also like my representative, Mikey. He's been very helpful—every time I call him, I get the assistance I need. I also appreciate how quickly I can get someone on the phone and get help when needed.
Read full review
Cons
Paychex Inc.
  • I understand logging you out is a security function, but I'd prefer it not to log you out so soon.
  • The training we received for the team's meeting was subpar, in my opinion. Probably better geared for people with little to no computer experience. Very slow pace; we could have easily received all of this from some tutorials in a few minutes.
Read full review
Paycom
  • I am not a fan of the most recent update. I wasn't prepared for the change especially given it came right before payroll was processed. I'm told given time, I will get used to it and I'm always open to change for the better.
  • IWant™ feature isn't what I hoped it would be. I haven't used it much given the information I need in Paycom I can find quickly on my own. I have heard however that several employees utilize and appreciate the IWant™ feature.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Paychex Inc.
Overall I like the features that Paychex Flex offers. I am sure that there are other features that I am unaware of, so I am excited to see if there is more that Flex is capable of to make my job easier. The basic features are really user friendly and easy to access. If there ever is an issue customer service is great
Read full review
Paycom
we are having no problems with how the system works and our support system at paycom is the best - we are learning more and using the system in more ways all the time the only thing that could be better is pricing on some things
Read full review
Usability
Paychex Inc.
I think as both a payroll administrator and an employee who is paid from Paychex, the site is user friendly and easy to find the items I need. The support is knowledgeable and quick to assist as is not always the case with other payroll platforms. The payroll options for checks and templates, gross-up, etc is easy to use and makes changes easy to do.
Read full review
Paycom
I'm probably going to have to go seven and three-quarter to eight, and that may be user error to me because I know Paycom has got it figured out, but there's times I just can't figure it out, even with some of the tutorials, the university, the show-mes, and calling Alex, our representative. He can hold my hand and walk me through that process, and it just may be I didn't get it, but that's why I gave that score. I'd give it a solid nine.
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Reliability and Availability
Paychex Inc.
We have not experienced any difficulties with unplanned outages. Notifications are always made for outages, and they do not effect normal business operations.
Read full review
Paycom
They are very dependable and I have never experience any outages
Read full review
Performance
Paychex Inc.
Unless there is lag time within the internet, the Paychex Flex website loads exceptional fast, pages load quickly and reports that I need to print or download load quickly. If I need to create a specialized report, once I complete it I receive an e-mail telling me my report is ready to be downloaded. Changing between web pages is fast as well.
Read full review
Paycom
Yes load quickly
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Support Rating
Paychex Inc.
In our experience, Support is slow to respond. They always eventually resolve issues and answer questions, but it almost always takes time. This has occasionally been a problem for us. However, in the instances where it was a problem, they made it right by processing a payroll overnight (instead of the usual 2 day requirement) in one case, and in another, they processed a separate payroll at no charge.
Read full review
Paycom
In 6 years, we've never had a bad experience with client support. We implemented during COVID, and I was the only person in HR at the time. I was also having to homeschool our children, which meant bizarre work hours and limited time to focus on platform build at times. There were nights that I was literally on calls at 11 pm and the implementation team was unbelievably supportive. Recently, a Position Seat specialist came on site to help us set up for our 5 client codes - the experience was transformative for how we use the platform and an absolute game changer. I trust Paycom because I trust our representatives. They truly are strategic partners for us, and work to ensure we're maximizing the platform and that our needs are being met
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In-Person Training
Paychex Inc.
We did online training only
Read full review
Paycom
Tadd and Ellie have been great! They have show us many aspects that implementation did not. They are very personable and action oriented as well. Anytime we need them they offer to swing in.
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Online Training
Paychex Inc.
It was easy to understand and follow along. I do like the informational videos that we can utilize before we opt to call in for customer service support. It has made a difference since sometimes that resolves the issue I may have had and saved myself a phone call to Paychex support.
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Paycom
It was good, but hard to know what questions you need to ask until you actually get in there and start working with a live product. But Paycom is also very helpful every time I call and can't figure something out. Nathan has been very friendly and helpful no matter what I call him about. He is always eager to help out.
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Implementation Rating
Paychex Inc.
Implementation was very smooth. The most cumbersome task was entering the current employees into the system during initial set up, but Paychex staff handled most of that and verified against prior system reports as well as internal reports provided to ensure 100% accuracy.
Read full review
Paycom
Not at all satisfied it was a nightmare we spent over 8 months with the implementation team having issues after issues all related to the Puerto Rico regulations (half my employees are in Puerto Rico) and at the end we were moved over from the implementation team to the production team without all the issues being resolved
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Alternatives Considered
Paychex Inc.
We still use QB Desktop Pro to maintain a Check Register / Overall Balance for the company, but once having tried QB Payroll Online for about 3 months prior to finding Paychex Flex I can tell you that there's just no comparison. QB online is VERY EXPENSIVE and not so user-friendly. I hated every minute of those 6 payrolls we ran through QB online.
Read full review
Paycom
I have not currently used any other products. I'm still kind of new to the HR industry. The only other thing that I really have to compare it to is Vonmar's system, which they created themselves, and it was not user-friendly.
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Scalability
Paychex Inc.
I generally do payroll at the office, however I have had to go remote due to internet issues and also had to take payroll on vacation with me. Very easy to log in wherever you are and manage your TAA and payroll
Read full review
Paycom
They are not able to meet our current needs
Read full review
Return on Investment
Paychex Inc.
  • With Paychex Flex we have been able to improve our compliance with required documentation for new/rehires
  • Moving everyone to direct deposit and mobile clock in/out eliminated lines at punching stations and paycheck pickup stations
  • Lost checks is a thing of the past
Read full review
Paycom
  • It's helped us save time. We've been able to automate a number of payroll and accounting functions. It's also enabled our employees to use the ask gear feature. So it's really saved time, and also we've not gotten hacked, which is always a plus.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Paychex Screenshots

Screenshot of Paychex Payroll DashboardScreenshot of Employee Background ChecksScreenshot of Paychex HR DashboardScreenshot of Paychex Flex Perks

Paycom Screenshots

Screenshot of a new study that reveals that for a composite organization representative of interviewed clients, unifying HR and payroll in a single-database software with automation and streamlined workflows achieved a three-year 362% ROI and resulted in: $1.4M net present value*; over 45% total time saved by HR; 80% time saved on compliance work.Screenshot of IWant, which is a command-driven AI engine in a single database, for instant access to employee data.Screenshot of Direct Data Exchange®, which takes a detailed pulse of how employees interact with Paycom. It automatically assigns a dollar value of savings based on Ernst & Young research.