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Hive Payroll vs EPAY HCM vs Paychex Flex vs Paycor Comparison

Last updated:

Hive Payroll

5.0(1 reviews)

Starting at $17 /month

  • Free Trial
  • Medium Business
  • Small Business

Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for each function. It consolidates p…

EPAY HCM

4.7(123 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

EPAY Handheld payroll software is the easiest way to view, manage and produce paychecks on the go. EPAY was developed with you in mind by people who believe convenience is number one. Every feature of EPAY payroll has be…

Paychex Flex

4.5(730 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll software for mid- to large-sized employers, delivering the tools you need to run your business and support your people. This payroll system provides everything you need in just one s…

Paycor

3.9(479 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Paycor is a human capital management platform for mid-size businesses and nonprofits that need payroll processing, time tracking, benefits administration, and employee onboarding managed in a single system. It eliminates…

Hive Payroll leads on user satisfaction with a 5.0-star rating across 1 reviews.

Spotsaas Analysis

Hive PayrollEPAY HCMPaychex Flex

The core difference between Hive Payroll and EPAY HCM lies in their target market; Hive Payroll lacks specific company size and industry focus, while EPAY HCM is tailored for larger organizations in various sectors. Ideal buyers for Hive Payroll are likely small to mid-sized businesses seeking straightforward payroll solutions, whereas EPAY HCM is best suited for medium to large enterprises in industries like manufacturing and healthcare needing comprehensive human capital management.

- Simple payroll processing - Affordable pricing at $17 - No specific industry focus - Suitable for small to mid-sized businesses - User-friendly interface - Limited features compared to larger systems

- Designed for 100–10,000+ employees - Focused on multiple industries including manufacturing and healthcare - Ideal for HR Directors and Payroll Managers - Comprehensive human capital management features - Scalable solution for growing companies - Strong compliance and reporting capabilities

Hive Payroll vs EPAY HCM vs Paychex Flex vs Paycor — at a glance

FeatureHive PayrollEPAY HCMPaychex FlexPaycor
Rating5.0 / 54.7 / 54.5 / 53.9 / 5
Reviews1123730479
Starting price$17 /monthContact for pricingContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial Yes No No Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forMedium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryPayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwarePayroll SoftwareHR Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailable
Support modesOnline24/7 (Live rep)24/7 (Live rep)24/7 (Live rep), Online
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyUSUSUSUS

Key differences between Hive Payroll and EPAY HCM

  • Pricing: Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month. EPAY HCM pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: Hive Payroll offers a free trial; EPAY HCM does not.
  • Target audience: Hive Payroll is built for Medium Business and Small Business, while EPAY HCM targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • User satisfaction: Hive Payroll scores higher with a 5.0-star average.
  • Deployment: Hive Payroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; EPAY HCM supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Hive Payroll vs EPAY HCM vs Paychex Flex vs Paycor — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Payroll Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Hive Payroll
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EPAY HCM - Payroll Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Hive Payroll

Best for

Medium Business, Small Business

EPAY HCM

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business

Paychex Flex

Best for mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll and HR compliance.

Choose if
  • You manage a company with 51-1000 employees requiring streamlined payroll and tax filing.
  • You want a cloud-based platform with employee self-service for paystubs and tax forms.
  • You value integrated payroll and HR management with strong customer support.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small business needing transparent, upfront pricing.
  • You require highly customizable payroll workflows to fit unique business processes.

Paycor

Best for mid-sized businesses needing an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.

Choose if
  • You require a comprehensive platform combining payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and benefits.
  • Your HR team values employee self-service via a mobile app for payroll and hours.
  • You want to automate hiring and performance reviews to save HR administrative time.
Consider alternatives if
  • You need rapid, error-free implementation due to critical compliance requirements.
  • You are a small nonprofit with a limited budget sensitive to high feature add-on costs.

Hive Payroll typically suits Medium Business and Small Business. EPAY HCM tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for ... Read More about Hive Payroll

EPAY Handheld payroll software is the easiest way to view, manage and produce paychecks on the go. EPAY was developed with you in mind by people who believe convenience is number one. Every ... Read More about EPAY HCM

Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll software for mid- to large-sized employers, delivering the tools you need to run your business and support your people. This payroll system provides ... Read More about Paychex Flex

Paycor is a human capital management platform for mid-size businesses and nonprofits that need payroll processing, time tracking, benefits administration, and employee onboarding managed in ... Read More about Paycor

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $17 , monthly
  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

7.8/10

8.5/10

9.2/10

9.6/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.72

(123)

Best Company Size

100–10,000+ employees
51-500 employees501-1000 employees
1-50 employees51-1000 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

EPAY HCM

  • Comprehensive Workforce Management: Combines payroll, time and attendance, HR, and benefits in a unified cloud platform designed for distributed workforces.
  • Mobile-Enabled Self-Service: Lets employees and managers access schedules, time tracking, and payroll information anytime, anywhere from their mobile devices.
  • Reliable Compliance & Reporting: Helps organizations stay compliant with labor laws while providing detailed, customizable reports to manage labor costs effectively.

Paychex Flex

  • Simplified HR Management: With Paychex Flex, managers can easily handle payroll, benefits, and compliance all in one platform. This saves time and reduces errors—letting you focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Employee Empowerment: Employees appreciate the self-service capabilities that let them access pay stubs, manage benefits, and request time off at their convenience. This improves engagement and builds a culture of responsibility and ownership.
  • Scalable Solutions: Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Paychex Flex grows with you. Its flexible architecture lets you customize features to fit your company's specific needs, so you stay prepared for future growth.

Paycor

  • Simplified Payroll Processing: With Paycor, you'll experience smooth payroll management that saves time and minimizes errors. Imagine having the ability to process payroll in just a few clicks—this lets your team focus on strategic initiatives instead of getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
  • Comprehensive HR Solutions: Paycor offers an integrated platform that combines HR management, recruiting, and employee benefits. Having all these functions in one place simplifies workflows and improves collaboration across departments, creating a more cohesive working environment.
  • Reliable Compliance Support: Managing labor laws and regulations requires constant attention. Paycor provides built-in compliance tools and resources that keep you current, reducing the risk of costly penalties and helping your organization stay in good standing.
Best fit

Best fit

EPAY HCM

  • 100–10,000+ employees
  • Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and field services
  • HR Directors, Payroll Managers, Workforce Coordinators, Compliance Officers, and Operations Managers

Paychex Flex

  • 1 to 1,000 employees
  • HR Services, Professional Services, Retail, Healthcare, and Nonprofit Organizations
  • HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Business Owners, and Operations Managers

Paycor

  • 1 to 1,000 employees
  • HR Tech, Fintech, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
  • HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Business Owners, and Operations Managers
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

EPAY HCM

  • Organizations needing global payroll capabilities might consider providers with broader multinational compliance.
  • Companies seeking full talent management suites including recruiting and learning management may prefer larger HCM platforms.
  • Businesses prioritizing modern, intuitive mobile-first experiences could explore cloud-native workforce solutions.

Paychex Flex

  • Users may seek alternatives to Paychex Flex due to its pricing structure, as smaller businesses or startups often find the costs prohibitive compared to other payroll solutions that offer similar services at lower rates.
  • Some businesses might require more customizable features than Paychex Flex provides, leading them to explore platforms that allow for tailored payroll configurations to better meet their unique operational needs.
  • Integration capabilities with existing accounting or HR systems can be a concern; users may prefer alternatives that offer seamless connectivity to their preferred software tools for streamlined operations and data management.

Paycor

  • Users may seek alternatives to Paycor if they find its pricing structure too complex or costly, especially for small businesses with tight budgets that require more straightforward payroll and HR solutions.
  • Some businesses might look for alternatives due to specific feature needs, such as advanced reporting or integration capabilities that Paycor may not fully support, impacting their operational efficiency.
  • Companies experiencing rapid growth might consider alternatives to ensure scalability, as they may need a solution that can adapt more quickly to their evolving workforce and compliance requirements.

Software Demo

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How do Hive Payroll, EPAY HCM, Paychex Flex and Paycor Compare on Features?

Total Features

6 Features

8 Features

29 Features

41 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Hive Payroll, EPAY HCM, Paychex Flex and Paycor on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • $17 , monthly
          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Plans

          • Standard

            $17

            /month

            • Payroll

            • Payroll Processing

            • Leave Management

            Show more +

          • Premium

            $29

            /month

            • Payroll

            • Payroll Processing

            • Leave Management

            Show more +

          • Ultimate

            $46

            /month

            • Payroll

            • Payroll Processing

            • Leave Management

            Show more +

          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Page

          Hive Payroll pricing

          Pricing information not available

          Paychex Flex pricingPaycor pricing

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)

          Modes of support

          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Not Available
          • Available
          Get help choosing
          Get help choosing

          Security & Compliance

          Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          Data Encryption

          Audit Logs

          Data Residency

          🇺🇸 US
          🇺🇸 US

          Hive Payroll vs EPAY HCM vs Paychex Flex User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          Rating Distribution

          1

          0

          0

          0

          0

          126

          13

          3

          1

          0

          569

          136

          25

          9

          33

          248

          170

          48

          17

          69

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyer sentiment is very strong across 1 reviews, with consistently positive feedback.

          What buyers like

          • Hive Payroll is intuitively laid out, allowing even non-tech-savvy users to process payroll without a steep learning curve.
          • Supports end-to-end payroll functions including payslip generation and compliance with legal obligations.
          • Efficiently manages payroll across multiple locations, ideal for businesses with distributed teams.

          Common complaints

          • The visual layout could use modernization to enhance the overall user experience.
          • May not fully accommodate complex pay scales or non-standard compensation models.
          • No dedicated mobile app or optimized mobile interface limits flexibility for on-the-go payroll tasks.

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyer sentiment is very strong across 143 reviews, with consistently positive feedback.

          What buyers like

          • Exceptional customer support, available 24/7, ensuring quick and effective troubleshooting.
          • User-friendly interface with simple navigation, both on the mobile app and website.
          • Efficient time tracking features allowing easy access, editing, and management of employee attendance and payroll.

          Common complaints

          • Occasional complexity with certain features, like adding mass PTO with different hour allocations for part-time vs. full-time employees, creating additional work.
          • Fingerprint mismatches causing errors in payroll, especially with certain employees, despite re-registering fingerprints.
          • Issues with login reliability, such as cases where users struggle to access accounts due to password or keyboard settings.

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and comprehensive features, tempered by concerns about pricing transparency and some feature inflexibility.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance
          • Employee self-service capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Pricing opacity
          • Limited payroll process flexibility

          Buyer sentiment

          Users appreciate Paycor's comprehensive features and modern interface but frequently criticize its customer service and implementation reliability.

          What buyers like

          • Comprehensive feature set
          • Ease of use
          • Employee self-service capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Customer service responsiveness
          • Implementation errors

          Pros and Cons

          • Efficient payroll processing for multiple sites.

          • Simplifies statutory obligations for businesses.

          • Quick and easy payslip generation.

          • Customization may be limited for specific needs.

          • Lacks a mobile application for on-the-go access.

          • Exceptional customer support, available 24/7, ensuring quick and effective troubleshooting.

          • User-friendly interface with simple navigation, both on the mobile app and website.

          • Efficient time tracking features allowing easy access, editing, and management of employee attendance and payroll.

          • Occasional complexity with certain features, like adding mass PTO with different hour allocations for part-time vs. full-time employees, creating additional work.

          • Fingerprint mismatches causing errors in payroll, especially with certain employees, despite re-registering fingerprints.

          • Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance support including federal and state regulations

          • Employee self-service portal for paystubs and tax forms

          • Accessible cloud-based platform allowing anytime, anywhere access

          • Pricing is quotation-based and not publicly disclosed, complicating budgeting

          • Some users report a learning curve requiring training to use all features effectively

          • Comprehensive all-in-one HR platform including payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and benefits

          • User-friendly modern platform with integrations and self-service mobile app

          • Automation of hiring and performance reviews saving HR time

          • Poor customer service with slow response and case mismanagement

          • Error-prone implementation causing payroll and tax filing mistakes

          Positive Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Used Hive Payroll, EPAY HCM, Paychex Flex, or Paycor? Tell buyers what actually differs.

          List of Customers

          Customers

          No Customers information available.

          EPAY HCM_customers_0

          EPAY HCM_customers_0

          EPAY HCM_customers_1

          EPAY HCM_customers_1

          EPAY HCM_customers_2

          EPAY HCM_customers_2

          Wells Fargo

          Wells Fargo

          First Citizens Bank

          First Citizens Bank

          Huntington National Bank

          Huntington National Bank

          K

          K

          Boys and Girls Club

          Boys and Girls Club

          Tobacco Tech

          Tobacco Tech

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          Hive Payroll

          4 Screenshots

          EPAY HCM Demo - HR Management

          10 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

          video-0

          3 Videos

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          Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

          Frequently asked questions

          Which is better, Hive Payroll or EPAY HCM?
          Hive Payroll edges out the other on user ratings (5.0 vs 4.7). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Hive Payroll and EPAY HCM offer a free trial?
          Hive Payroll offers a free trial. EPAY HCM does not.
          What is the starting price of Hive Payroll vs EPAY HCM?
          Hive Payroll starts at $17 /month. EPAY HCM starts at Contact for pricing.
          What are the top alternatives to Hive Payroll?
          Top alternatives to Hive Payroll include Paychex Flex, Paycor, Payroo, CheckMark Payroll, KeyPay.
          What are the top alternatives to EPAY HCM?
          Top alternatives to EPAY HCM include Paychex Flex, Paycor, BambooHR, UrHRM, Paycom.