Paylocity vs. ADP vs. Checkwriters: Which Payroll Platform Wins? [Our Detailed Comparison]

Quick Summary 

Choosing the right payroll and HR platform is critical for efficiency, compliance, and support. While Paylocity and ADP offer broad features, they often come with complexity, hidden costs, and inconsistent service. At Checkwriters, we provide a seamless, customer-focused alternative with dedicated support, intuitive payroll automation, and built-in compliance tools. In this article, we break down these key differences to help you decide which platform best fits your needs.

Paylocity, ADP or Checkwriters— Which One is Best for Your Needs?

The HR payroll software market is projected to grow from $35.27 billion in 2024 to $40.03 billion in 2025. This underscores the increasing demand for efficient payroll and HR solutions.

Among these, Paylocity, ADP, and Checkwriters offer distinct solutions, but not all fit every organization’s needs.

In this Checkwriters article, we’ll break down their key differences so you can make the right choice. But before you choose our platform for your payroll and HR management…

Why Listen to Us?

At Checkwriters, we prioritize a seamless, customer-centric experience with dedicated support and HR automation. Our features include applicant tracking, attendance, HR compliance, reporting, and beyond, with a focus on customer-centric service and dedicated support. 

For instance, Benhaven, a nonprofit organization, enhanced its operational efficiency and dedicated more time to its mission by using our features. This partnership allowed Benhaven to streamline administrative tasks, highlighting our role in supporting their success. 

Paylocity vs. ADP vs. Checkwriters: Key Differences 

Paylocity, ADP, and Checkwriters provide payroll and HR solutions, but they serve different audiences with distinct priorities. Understanding their core differences helps businesses choose the right fit.

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR and payroll software designed for mid-sized businesses. It offers payroll processing, benefits administration, talent management, and engagement features like its “Community” tool for chat, video, and recognition. Its focus is on providing self-service and automation, but customer support can be inconsistent, and customization is limited.

ADP, on the other hand, has significantly more experience up-market than Paylocity, making it a strong choice for large enterprises. It offers extensive payroll and HR solutions, including tax compliance, benefits management, and workforce analytics. But although ADP provides a broad range of services, including ADP Workforce Now, it is known for high costs, complex pricing, and a less personalized customer experience.

Checkwriters prioritizes a customer-centric approach with an all-in-one HR and payroll platform. Designed for businesses that need seamless payroll processing with compliance notifications that help keep them aware of regulatory changes, our platform ensures accuracy while simplifying HR tasks. Unlike ADP and Paylocity, our features offer a high-touch, personalized experience with direct support and a focus on compliance-driven tools that empower organizations to make informed decisions.

Core Differences:

• Paylocity excels in self-service and automation for efficient HR management.
• ADP offers extensive HR capabilities, making it ideal for large enterprises.
• Checkwriters delivers a streamlined, compliance-focused platform with dedicated customer support.

Primary Goals:

Paylocity focuses on automation and ease of use for mid-sized companies. ADP aims for comprehensive, scalable solutions but at a premium price.

Compared to ADP and Paylocity, Checkwriters prioritizes accuracy and dedicated support, ensuring organizations get an efficient and hassle-free payroll and HR experience.

What Is Paylocity?

Paylocity is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform designed for mid-sized businesses. It automates payroll processing, benefits management, compliance, and workforce engagement.

While it offers a broad set of features, its inconsistent customer support and complex pricing can be challenging.

Key Features 

• Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits.
• Time & Attendance: Tracks employee hours with real-time reporting and scheduling.
• Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits, including enrollment and compliance.
• HR & Compliance: Provides document management, compliance tools, and policy tracking.
• Performance Management: Streamlines goal setting, performance reviews, and feedback collection.
• Employee Engagement: Offers surveys, peer recognition, and communication tools.
• Learning Management: Provides training modules and compliance-based learning.
• Mobile Access: Enables employees to check pay, update info, and clock in via mobile.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with third-party HR, accounting, and benefits platforms.
• AI-Driven Insights: Uses analytics to optimize workforce decisions and cost management.

Pros 

• Reduces manual work with built-in payroll and HR tools.
• Includes peer recognition and survey capabilities.
• Provides detailed workforce analytics and compliance insights.
• Offers built-in training and compliance courses.
• Connects with various third-party applications for customization.

Cons 

• Users report delays and lack of responsiveness.
• Costs can be unclear and vary by feature usage.
• Some HR workflows lack flexibility for unique organizational needs.
• Certain features require extensive training to use effectively.
• Some users experience issues with functionality and navigation.
• Offers fewer opportunities for advanced customization

What Is ADP?

ADP is a global payroll and human capital management (HCM) provider serving organizations  of all sizes. It offers payroll, HR, benefits, compliance, and workforce management solutions.

ADP also provides 401(k) and retirement plans, insurance services, extensive benchmarking data, and a robust global payroll network (Celergo), making it a strong choice for enterprises with international needs.

ADP’s vast features and integrations make it powerful but at the same time complex and often costly.

Key Features

• Payroll Processing: Automates payroll with tax filing, compliance, and direct deposit.
• Global Payroll: Supports multi-country payroll with local compliance handling.
• HR & Benefits Management: Administers benefits, employee records, and compliance reporting.
• Time & Attendance: Tracks employee hours, overtime, and schedules with automation.
• Talent Management: Provides recruiting, onboarding, and performance tracking tools.
• Advanced Analytics: Delivers workforce insights through AI-driven reporting.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with various HR, accounting, and business platforms.
• Mobile Access: Enables employees to manage payroll, benefits, and schedules via an app.

Pros

• Serves startups to large enterprises globally.
• Covers compliance, benefits, and workforce management.
• Manages payroll across multiple countries seamlessly.
• Connects with various third-party software solutions.

Cons

• Setup and onboarding require time and training.
• Support quality depends on business size and plan.
• Some features lack flexibility for unique organizational needs.

Best Alternative to Paylocity and ADP: Checkwriters

Paylocity and ADP offer broad payroll and HR solutions, but many organizations need a more personalized, service-focused approach. Checkwriters delivers a streamlined, customer-centric payroll and HR platform that emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and hands-on support.

Unlike Paylocity, which prioritizes automation and employee engagement tools, our platform focuses on simplifying payroll and HR for organizations needing dedicated service.

On the other hand, while ADP offers enterprise-grade solutions, it often comes with complexity and high costs that don’t suit smaller organizations or those requiring more tailored assistance. At Checkwriters, we provide an intuitive, full-service payroll and HR platform that balances automation with expert support.

Organizations gain efficiency without sacrificing personalized service, making it a strong alternative for those looking to streamline operations.

Key Features

• Payroll Processing: Automates payroll with direct deposit and compliance tracking.
• Applicant Tracking: Streamlines hiring with a centralized system for job postings and candidate tracking.

• Onboarding: Digitizes employee onboarding, ensuring compliance and document management.
• Time & Attendance: Tracks employee hours, PTO, and scheduling with real-time visibility.

• HR Compliance & Reporting: Helps organizations manage compliance with labor laws and generates detailed reports.

• Mobile Access: Enables employees and managers to access payroll and HR tools from anywhere.
• Customer Support & Training: Provides expert  support with live assistance and tailored training.

Pros

• Offers personalized service and direct assistance.
• Simplifies payroll and HR tasks for all users.
• Ensures accuracy in tax filings and labor laws.
• Streamlines hiring and employee management.

Cons

• Not as widely known as ADP or Paylocity.

All in all, Checkwriters stands out by offering a balance between automation and expert support, making our platform an ideal choice for organizations that value both efficiency and dedicated service.

Paylocity vs. ADP vs. Checkwriters: Feature Comparison 

Payroll Processing

Feature	Paylocity	ADP	Checkwriters
Payroll Automation	Automates payroll with tax compliance tools, but may require manual adjustments.	Processes payroll globally with tax filing, but is complex for small businesses.	Automates payroll with dedicated support and reduces payroll processing time significantly.
Direct Deposit & Paycards	Supports multiple payment methods.	Offers flexible pay options.	Provides seamless payroll delivery with expert oversight.
Tax Compliance	Automates federal and state filings, but support can be inconsistent.	Covers multi-state tax filings, but can be costly.	Helps ensure high accuracy with expert-led tax compliance.
Garnishment Processing	Supports automated wage garnishments.	Manages deductions and garnishments.	Handles wage garnishments with built-in compliance safeguards.
Payroll Reporting	Generates standard payroll reports.	Offers advanced custom payroll reports.	Delivers customized, easy-to-use reporting with expert guidance.
Global Payroll Capabilities	Limited international payroll options.	Owns Celergo, a global payroll network, and supports payroll in multiple countries.	Primarily U.S.-focused, but supports organizations with multi-state compliance.

HR Management & Compliance

Feature	Paylocity	ADP	Checkwriters
HR Database	Stores employee records digitally.	Centralizes workforce data globally.	Simplifies HR tracking with intuitive tools and expert support.
Compliance Tracking	Automates compliance updates but lacks direct HR guidance.	Provides legal and compliance tools but requires separate add-ons.	Ensures accuracy with hands-on compliance assistance.
Employee Document Management	Organizes and stores HR documents but has limited customization.	Offers digital HR file storage.	Automates document tracking with secure cloud storage.
Onboarding	Digital onboarding with self-service.	Supports e-signatures and document uploads.	Provides structured, customizable onboarding
Employee Self-Service	Enables employees to update personal details.	Offers mobile access for HR requests.	Combines self-service with dedicated HR support.

Time & Attendance Tracking

Feature	Paylocity	ADP	Checkwriters
Time Tracking	Tracks employee hours with online timesheets.	Monitors hours with advanced scheduling.	Tracks hours with real-time accuracy.
Overtime Calculation	Calculates overtime based on hours worked.	Includes overtime and PTO tracking.	Automates and ensures accurate overtime payments.
PTO & Leave Management	Manages time-off requests online.	Tracks PTO and FMLA compliance.	Manages time-off requests through convenient tools like time-off calendar.
Mobile Punch-In	Allows employees to clock in via app.	Offers geo-tracking for remote work.	Provides secure, error-free mobile clock-ins.

Customer Support & User Experience

Feature	Paylocity	ADP	Checkwriters
Customer Support	Provides only consulting services. Users may need third-party assistance.	Provides global support with tiered pricing.	Delivers personalized, dedicated support with direct access to experts.
User Interface	Modern and user-friendly.	Robust but complex.	Intuitive and streamlined for easy HR management.
Mobile App	Provides mobile payroll and HR tools.	Offers a feature-rich mobile app.	Includes an accessible, simple-to-use mobile platform.
Employee Engagement	Includes surveys and “Community” social features.	Provides engagement tracking but is not user-friendly.	Ensures employees stay engaged with an intuitive, streamlined experience.
Scalability & Business Size Fit	Best for 50-350 employees (small to mid-market).	Best for 100-1,000+ employees with strong workflow automation.	Ideal for mid-sized organizations needing easy-to-use payroll & HR.

Why Do People Choose Checkwriters?

Dedicated Customer Support 

At Checkwriters, we deliver personalized, expert-driven customer support, ensuring that businesses receive fast, knowledgeable assistance when managing payroll and HR. Unlike Paylocity and ADP, which often rely on chatbots and tiered service, we provide direct access to real specialists.

Many payroll providers prioritize automation over service, leaving users stuck with slow response times and generic answers. We eliminate these frustrations by offering:

• Dedicated Account Managers – Each client works with our dedicated team of experts who understand their specific payroll and HR needs. 
• Fast Response Times – Clients get direct, real-time assistance instead of extended waits in a support queue. This prevents payroll delays and helps businesses stay aware of compliance changes.
• Compliance Notifications – We provide timely updates on changing labor laws and regulations, helping businesses remain proactive in their compliance strategies.

Most providers force companies into standardized workflows, making it difficult to get tailored solutions. Instead, at Checkwriters, we customize payroll and HR support to match each business’s structure, industry, and compliance requirements.

By prioritizing expert, hands-on service, we help you get rid of the frustration of slow, impersonal payroll support, making our platform the best choice for businesses that value reliability and compliance.

Simplified Payroll & HR Management

Most payroll and HR platforms add complexity with cluttered interfaces, redundant steps, and fragmented tools. Here at Checkwriters, we solve these inefficiencies with our intuitive, all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates payroll, HR, and compliance tracking tools. 

Many businesses struggle with time-consuming payroll tasks and disjointed HR workflows. We remove these pain points by offering:

• Automated Payroll Processing – Automates payroll with built-in compliance and accuracy, working to ensure accurate calculations and direct deposits.
• Unified HR and Payroll System – Eliminates the need for multiple platforms, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
• Seamless Time & Attendance Integration – Syncs employee hours, PTO, and overtime directly into payroll, preventing discrepancies.
• Paperless Onboarding & Benefits Management – Digitizes new hire paperwork and benefits enrollment, making HR administration effortless.

For instance, the Diocese of Baker, under CFO Hope Burke, successfully transformed its payroll and HR operations by partnering with us. This collaboration streamlined their processes, enabling the diocese to focus more effectively on its core mission. 

Unlike providers that force businesses into rigid, standardized workflows, we offer flexible payroll and HR management that adapts to different industries and company structures.

With an intuitive design, built-in automation, and real-time payroll accuracy, we enable businesses to manage payroll and HR without unnecessary steps or system frustrations.

The result? Faster payroll runs, fewer compliance risks, and a more efficient HR process.

Compliance & Accuracy 

Payroll errors and compliance failures expose businesses to audits, penalties, and employee dissatisfaction. Many providers, including ADP and Paylocity, rely on automated systems with limited oversight, leading to potential inaccuracies. 

At Checkwriters, we take a different approach by combining automation with compliance tracking features that notify employers of key labor law changes.

One of our clients—Professional Medical Services, a home health group, effectively manages reporting and compliance requirements, ensuring high-quality patient care. With our automation and support, they reduced administrative burdens, ensuring seamless operations and allowing their team to focus on patient well-being. 

Unlike generic payroll platforms, we manage such accuracy by:

• Providing Real-Time Payroll Insights – Working to identify potential errors before payroll runs, reducing costly mistakes.
• Offering Direct Compliance Notifications – Keeps businesses updated on labor laws and tax regulations.

Many platforms lack transparency in tax processing, leading to unexpected fines. We prioritise accuracy, ensuring organizations remain compliant without additional oversight.

For industries with strict labor laws, such as nonprofits and education, we provide industry-specific compliance tools. This removed the need for manual tracking and ensures that payroll meets regulatory standards.

By combining automation with proactive compliance notifications, we reduce errors, prevent fines, and ensure payroll accuracy.

Apart from these, people also choose Checkwriters for its:

• Easy-to-Use HR Management – Simplifies employee tracking, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Advanced Employee Engagement Tools – Offers an intuitive, modern approach to workforce engagement.
• Product Innovation – Continuous software updates to enhance payroll and HR efficiency.
• Technology-Driven Efficiency – Invests in payroll automation and software improvements, ensuring long-term efficiency.
• Scalability for Mid-Sized Organizations – Designed for companies needing flexible HR solutions without enterprise complexity.

Checkwriters— Your All-In-One HR and Payroll Solution 

Choosing the right payroll and HR platform impacts efficiency, compliance, and support. And while Paylocity and ADP offer broad features, they may come with complexity, inconsistent service, or high costs.

Checkwriters, on the other hand, provides a streamlined, customer-focused alternative that simplifies payroll while ensuring employers have access to compliance insights and tools.

We deliver dedicated support and intuitive payroll processing—all within an easy-to-use platform. Unlike larger providers, we prioritise hands-on assistance, ensuring organizations stay compliant and efficient without unnecessary complications.

Contact Checkwriters today for a seamless, expert-supported payroll and HR experience.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.