Paylocity vs Rippling: A detailed comparison of HRIS features

Two of the most popular HRIS & Payroll solutions for growing, mid-sized companies are: Paylocity and Rippling. These platforms share some similarities in their average customer size, openness to integrations and friendliness with benefit carriers, but let's dive in to how each differs"

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
July 4, 2023
user comparing HRIS systems

The modern workplace is becoming increasingly complex, and managing it can be challenging for any business. Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently by helping to manage payroll, employee data and more.

But with dozens of vendors offering different services at varying prices, how do you decide which one to choose? This article will compare two leading HRIS providers, Paylocity and Rippling, regarding features, payroll management, employee self-service, performance management, integrations, and global capabilities. Let's get started!

Paylocity

Paylocity is a leading provider of mid-sized companies' Human Resource Information System (HRIS) solutions. The company offers a complete suite of HR solutions covering various services, including payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and learning.

The platform is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and is ideal for mid-market companies. Paylocity is known for its strong integration capabilities, which enable it to support businesses with a global workforce.

Paylocity offers a personalized subscription based on the size of your company and the scope of modules included. You can expect to pay anywhere from $18-$25 PEPM for this incredible service.

Paylocity stands out from the crowd when it comes to integration capabilities. With open APIs, companies can create custom integrations and access a variety of partner integrations at no additional cost via their dynamic marketplace. This makes Paylocity an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline processes and maximize efficiency with integrated solutions.

Rippling

Rippling is a modern Human Resource Information System (HRIS) that provides a comprehensive range of HR services, including onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, timekeeping, and more. In addition to its built-in capabilities, Rippling has partnered with third-party providers to offer additional features like Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Learning Management System (LMS).

This solution is primarily designed for Small-to-Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) with under 250 employees and has garnered significant attention in the industry. Rippling's primary strength lies in its ability to integrate with various HR systems and manage employee onboarding and offboarding in a novel way, making it a popular choice among growing businesses.

Rippling charges companies on a monthly subscription based on the number of modules and features included in their solution. Their pricing is competitive within the industry, with costs ranging from $22 to $30 PEPM.

The Rippling partner marketplace is the most extensive in its sector, containing pre-built connections to a large selection of third-party applications. Moreover, with open APIs available through Rippling, custom integrations are an easy option for integrating other external apps.

Which HRIS is best for your company?

Both Paylocity and Rippling are excellent HRIS systems with robust features designed to meet the needs of businesses at all stages. Now, it's time to choose the right fit for your organization.

1) Payroll 

Payroll is essential to any Human Resources Information System (HRIS). It allows companies to track and manage employee wages, bonuses, deductions and other pay-related information. By automating payroll processes, businesses can save time and money while ensuring accuracy in their financial records.

Paylocity offers comprehensive payroll solutions that provide businesses with reliable, accurate and automated payroll processing. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use, while its integration capabilities provide access to various partner integrations at no additional cost.

If you are looking for an affordable, comprehensive and reliable payroll solution that can manage a global workforce, Paylocity is the best choice.

2) Employee Self-Service

Rippling's employee self-service features give businesses greater control over their HR system by allowing employees to access their information and change their records. This makes it easier for companies to manage employee information and comply with the latest regulations.

Rippling's partner marketplace is also superior in its sector, containing pre-built connections to a large selection of third-party applications. Its open APIs allow companies to create custom integrations as needed quickly.

3) Performance Management 

Paylocity's performance management tools give businesses an easy way to track and manage employee performance. This helps managers evaluate employees, set goals, and provide feedback regularly.

With its easy-to-use interface, Paylocity allows companies to maximize the efficiency of their performance management process. It also offers mobile access, allowing managers to monitor employee performance anywhere.

4) Integrations

Rippling's partner marketplace is the most extensive in its sector, containing pre-built connections to a large selection of third-party applications. Custom integrations are also an easy option for integrating other external apps through its open APIs.

Rippling also offers a comprehensive suite of HRIS integrations allowing businesses to manage payroll and employee data from a single platform. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and will enable companies to reap the benefits of automation with minimal effort.

5) Global Capabilities 

For businesses with a global workforce, Rippling provides an ideal solution. With its comprehensive suite of features and integrations, Rippling can manage different employee groups in multiple countries from a single platform.

The Rippling platform also supports multiple currencies, allowing companies to manage payroll and employee data accurately across the globe. This ensures accuracy in financial records and helps businesses comply with the latest regulations.

Final Verdict

When choosing the best HRIS for your business, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Both Paylocity and Rippling offer robust features designed to meet the needs of businesses at all stages.

Paylocity is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable, comprehensive and reliable payroll solution that can manage a global workforce.

Meanwhile, Rippling provides the best employee self-service and integration capabilities available on the market. Its open APIs allow companies to create custom integrations quickly, while its partner marketplace offers access to pre-built connections to third-party applications.

Rippling is a clear choice for businesses with a global workforce, providing comprehensive global capabilities and support for multiple currencies. Ultimately, each business must consider its specific needs when deciding which HRIS best suits them.

Check out our full article for more detailed product comparisons between Paylocity and Rippling. It provides an in-depth look at each HRIS's features, pricing, customer service and integrations. We hope you find it helpful in your decision-making process!

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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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