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.
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Paycom
Score 8.4 out of 10
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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.
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TriNet HR Plus
Score 5.0 out of 10
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HR Plus (formerly Zenefits) is TriNet’s administrative services organization (ASO) solution, combining expert support and administration with a technology platform for HR, payroll, and benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, …
Verified User
Vice-President
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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
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.
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 …
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 …
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.
We ended up selecting Paycom as we thought it was the best match for our organization. We were looking at a few factors: service, communication, technology, functions/capabilities, reporting and of course financials. While Paycom wasn't the cheapest option, in fact, one of the …
We used to have Paychex and the system is pretty reliable, but too outdated. My HR used to take 24 to 48 to enter time cards on that system, and switching to Paycom saved us a lot of work in this part. Another concern we used to have was that it was too complicated to train our …
Much less problems. When I was using Paychex at a previous company, every pay period there was a problem with my direct deposit. I was either over, or underpaid probably 6-7 times. While using Paycom, I have not had a single issue with anything related to payment or any …
Verified User
Supervisor
Chose Paycom
Paycom has some features that the others don't have. But we found that we couldn't rely on the data being correct so that required extra work to verify reports, etc. What I have appreciated about UltiPro is that they will tell you if something isn't going to work and then you …
Paycom blows the competition away. Price, technology, customer service - These were all points of consideration when we evaluated other solutions. We were not impressed with the likes of companies that tried to offer the breadth of solutions Paycom offers today. Whether …
I like Zenefits 2nd best only behind Paycom. Too many things in Zenefits are interconnected. As an example in Paycom I can assign different admins for different aspects of 1 employee profile (Manager A can approve their timecard, Manager B is responsible for approve …
Verified User
Employee
Chose TriNet HR Plus
Zenefits is no comparison to a previously used system (Paycom). Zenefits gives employees access to all necessary information in the platform, and without having to navigate to 3rd-party websites to get information related to their employment or the company. Not only can you …
Zenfits is far superior over Paycom. Zenfits is intuitive and user friendly, Paycom was clunky and didn't have a flow. Pages seemed to repeat and not lead anywhere. It also locks out employees if they enter their password incorrectly a few times leaving them to need to contact …
Verified User
Administrator
Chose TriNet HR Plus
Zenefits has been a better tool for our purposes than Paychex Flex. While Zenefits is a fairly rigid tool without a lot of options for customization, Paychex has even fewer options for customization and their customer services is even more difficult to deal with.
Paychex Flex is better and more robust and at a lower cost. They will actually respond to your emails as well.
Verified User
Director
Chose TriNet HR Plus
TriNet HR Platform offers more comprehensive features and functionality than Paycom. I believe TriNet has better-trained and informed representatives to assist its clients.
Zenefits beats both these products for my organization because Zenefits streamlines processes, offers state of the art functionality for my organization, and is user friendly for my employers. The other two products, although good, are archaic in design and difficult for …
Both Paychex and ADP are great payroll companies. However, its' bells and whistles are not always needed for a smaller company. Zenefits offers just the right amount of service and at a better value.
Verified User
Board Member
Chose TriNet HR Plus
Zenefits is my favorite payroll provider. I have used them all (ADP, Zenefits, Gusto, Intuit Payroll etc etc) and none compare in terms of features and price.
The programs I selected take to long to do a small task or a large task. I have to stay the competitor software too long to do anything. Zenefits is accurate, saves me time, and is efficient. The other companies take a long time to get back to me on requests, whereas Zenefits …
Zenefits low-cost all in one solution was an ideal option for our HR, benefits, and payroll needs. Rather than managing different vendors for these services, Zenefits made an easy to use interface, built around simplicity an easy choice. Our payroll and benefits administrators …
Verified User
C-Level Executive
Chose TriNet HR Plus
The original reasoning around moving to Zenefits - recommendation from a colleague, cost and the reduction of workforce, app availability, and integrations were the main reasons for the initial change. That said, the issues we have experienced are deal breakers.
Features
Paychex
Paycom
TriNet HR Plus
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.7
273 Ratings
5% below category average
Paycom
7.9
461 Ratings
3% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.6
136 Ratings
20% below category average
Employee demographic data
7.8220 Ratings
8.8418 Ratings
6.5112 Ratings
Employment history
8.0243 Ratings
7.7402 Ratings
7.5106 Ratings
Job profiles and administration
7.8178 Ratings
8.0405 Ratings
6.0106 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.
7.8173 Ratings
7.5405 Ratings
6.0111 Ratings
Organizational charting
8.02 Ratings
7.3318 Ratings
5.5120 Ratings
Organization and location management
7.5159 Ratings
7.6356 Ratings
7.0123 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)
6.7146 Ratings
8.4338 Ratings
7.5109 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.7
314 Ratings
5% below category average
Paycom
8.2
469 Ratings
1% above category average
TriNet HR Plus
7.2
121 Ratings
12% below category average
Pay calculation
7.9296 Ratings
8.7456 Ratings
8.0104 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors
8.01 Ratings
6.447 Ratings
6.052 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment
7.2154 Ratings
8.423 Ratings
7.066 Ratings
Benefit plan administration
6.9175 Ratings
8.2397 Ratings
7.5109 Ratings
Direct deposit files
8.3295 Ratings
9.3456 Ratings
7.5104 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management
7.9210 Ratings
8.2381 Ratings
7.597 Ratings
Reimbursement management
7.6119 Ratings
8.4260 Ratings
7.068 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
8.4
412 Ratings
3% above category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.5
119 Ratings
22% below category average
Approval workflow
7.3113 Ratings
8.6393 Ratings
6.5117 Ratings
Balance details
7.4151 Ratings
8.3392 Ratings
6.0115 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment
6.9119 Ratings
8.5327 Ratings
7.095 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
7.9
271 Ratings
4% below category average
Paycom
8.4
470 Ratings
3% above category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.9
135 Ratings
17% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information
7.8249 Ratings
9.0461 Ratings
7.5129 Ratings
Update personal information
7.9261 Ratings
8.8466 Ratings
8.0135 Ratings
View company policy documentation
7.8122 Ratings
7.9414 Ratings
7.0122 Ratings
View job history
7.9185 Ratings
7.8375 Ratings
7.5104 Ratings
Employee recognition
00 Ratings
8.8225 Ratings
4.566 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
4.9
43 Ratings
48% below category average
Paycom
4.9
26 Ratings
48% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
7.0
23 Ratings
13% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets
4.943 Ratings
4.926 Ratings
7.023 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
5.8
177 Ratings
26% below category average
Paycom
7.1
408 Ratings
6% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.3
108 Ratings
18% below category average
Report builder
6.2147 Ratings
7.8401 Ratings
6.0104 Ratings
Pre-built reports
6.2165 Ratings
7.8398 Ratings
7.5106 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data
5.191 Ratings
5.855 Ratings
5.567 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
6.6
174 Ratings
19% below category average
Paycom
8.1
405 Ratings
2% above category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.5
115 Ratings
20% below category average
New hire portal
6.9166 Ratings
8.1402 Ratings
7.5114 Ratings
Manager tracking tools
6.3110 Ratings
8.1350 Ratings
5.594 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
5.1
70 Ratings
42% below category average
Paycom
7.1
293 Ratings
9% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
5.5
29 Ratings
35% below category average
Job Requisition Management
5.536 Ratings
7.3262 Ratings
5.122 Ratings
Company Website Posting
5.234 Ratings
7.0257 Ratings
6.118 Ratings
Publish to Social Media
4.728 Ratings
6.4203 Ratings
5.116 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting
5.135 Ratings
6.9238 Ratings
5.118 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention
4.734 Ratings
6.8225 Ratings
5.621 Ratings
Applicant Tracking
4.739 Ratings
7.1267 Ratings
6.320 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts
5.964 Ratings
7.9276 Ratings
5.526 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
-
Ratings
Paycom
6.1
238 Ratings
27% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
2.9
44 Ratings
94% below category average
Corporate goal setting
00 Ratings
4.236 Ratings
3.140 Ratings
Individual goal setting
00 Ratings
7.8221 Ratings
3.143 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility
00 Ratings
4.835 Ratings
2.238 Ratings
Performance tracking
00 Ratings
7.7233 Ratings
3.140 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Paychex
-
Ratings
Paycom
7.6
295 Ratings
3% below category average
TriNet HR Plus
6.5
61 Ratings
19% below category average
Performance plans
00 Ratings
7.7274 Ratings
6.558 Ratings
Performance improvement plans
00 Ratings
7.4258 Ratings
6.054 Ratings
Review status tracking
00 Ratings
7.8266 Ratings
6.056 Ratings
Review reminders
00 Ratings
7.7272 Ratings
7.056 Ratings
Multiple review frequency
00 Ratings
7.4244 Ratings
7.052 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
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
I've implemented at least 7 HRMS and/or performance suites over the years. I have no true complaints about the platform. We have found that for one of our client codes, the scheduling functionality doesn't accommodate the constant scheduling adjustments our transportation company requires. That said, our routes can change more than once an hour and start/end times often change with routes. We have found that managing the full employee life cycle is even more streamlined with the recent Position Seat updates. We also value that the platform is a native build - so no lagging API integrations to navigate.
I think as a small business owner, this system gives peace of mind. When I'm onboarding an employee I can automatically integrate the process with Gmail and Quickbooks. I feel like they are always doing work in the background and I don't have to keep checking up on them or verifying the work that's been done
Before Paycom we were using Paylocity and in about six months of running payroll with Paylocity, we never once had 100% accuracy from a payroll standpoint. So we had disgruntled employees because either their time was off or their pay was off. With Paycom, we've never had a case where our payroll was not 100% accurate.
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.
I think that when we do need a response back, which is very unlikely from the contact about something that's happening or going on, it can take a little long to get back to us. Longer than we would like because obviously it's an emergency to us, but we understand they have tons of emergencies they have to solve. But I think that's the only aspect.
I know from a payroll standpoint, which I'm not really privy to because I don't work on the payroll side, there have been some little hiccups that about certain formulas used, certain credits being issued that we've already filed for tax credits that we filed for. So I know that my CFO's already on top of it and pay comes on top of it as well and it's getting resolved, but obviously that's a big issue that needs some work there.
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
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
We've already renewed after our first year with Zenefits due to the cost savings, ease of administration, reduction in overhead required to perform HR functions, and the employees happily embracing and liking the software. I've found employees generally hate anything new, but we've had no complaints about Zenefits outside the first few weeks of getting used to it.
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.
The interface is very intuitive, you can navigate it pretty well. Everything's pretty much spelled out and the features just flow really well. They make it easy for you to go back and forth with the UX/UI type of interface. So I think it was built pretty well.
It's extremely user friendly and customer service is super helpful. The app needed help a while back but it has greatly improved. There were issues with files being cut off, and when I was onboarded, it actually cut my offer letter off hiding important information. Since then, it's been fixed so they are continually improving.
We have not experienced any difficulties with unplanned outages. Notifications are always made for outages, and they do not effect normal business operations.
We have not experienced any application errors or unplanned outages in the two years I have been using this app. Sometimes there is a lag in the time keeping/ confirming your location, however, it quickly resolves itself within seconds and more often than not is an internet connection error
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.
This app always loads extremely quickly and in a reasonable time frame. Like I said, when we do experience lags from this app, it is more often than not an internet connection error
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.
Have been bounced around alot in our 3 years of partnership. Wanted a dedicated rep but that did not provide us the care and attention we required. Work with a team first and then get to your representative. Sometimes an issue with time differences - representative working on different timebelt and not accessible, or we had to wait a day to move an issue along
Not good at all. Basically I typically feel like they can solve the issue at hand. However, they take forever and it never feels like they really care. It can be frustrating that the agent will never speak with you on the phone or just give you their direct contact info so that you can continue to follow up on the same issue. Once they "close" the issue - you have to go back to the main customer service email or line again, even though it may be related to something you've contacted them about in the past
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.
All the online training modules were short and straight to the point. Every module teach you how to use the system. If there is one thing they know how to do is training. We did implementation during the pandemic so all had to be done online or via zoom meetings.
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.
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
Unfortunately I do not have any insights on the implementation of Zenefits as I was not employed with this company when Zenefits was introduced. Based on how effortless it is to use Zenefits, I wouldn't image there would be many issues with the implementation of Zenefits
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.
We really only had Paychecks and that was our biggest problem is that with several different companies, it was very hard If you had a salary employee and didn't terminate them in the prior company, they get paid twice, so this has really been definitely a big help for us.
Zenefits has been a better tool for our purposes than Paychex Flex. While Zenefits is a fairly rigid tool without a lot of options for customization, Paychex has even fewer options for customization and their customer services is even more difficult to deal with
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
I would think the most time would come from applicant tracking and I don't think that's a Paycom issue necessarily. I think it was a training issue during implementation. I would say that that has improved now that we had onsite training. But initially the applicant tracking piece can be difficult when you're used to just using an ATS. That's specifically for talent acquisition because there's a lot of nuances that goes into the system that Paycom bills.
California Meal Break Violations cost a full hour of each employees pay rate. If an employee clocks in 1 minute early it costs us at least 10.50 (minimum wage Ca, 15.00 in Los Angeles) which adds up quickly. We had 37 meal break violations when we first rolled it out. They need to add a feature that disallows them to clock in ahead of 30 minutes, or add a feature that shows them how long they've been on break.