Workday HCM vs ADP Workforce Now
Workday HCM and ADP Workforce Now are both popular options in this category. After extensive testing, Workday HCM leads with a 8.6/10 rating, though the best choice depends on your specific needs.
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Quick Answer
Workday HCM beats ADP Workforce Now for most users. It scores 8.6/10 vs 8.2/10 and comprehensive enterprise features. Choose ADP Workforce Now if you need industry-leading payroll.
Workday HCM
WinnerEnterprise HCM for large organizations
Starting from
Free
ADP Workforce Now
Comprehensive HCM from the payroll leader
Starting from
Free
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| User Reviews | ||
| Core HR | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Benefits Admin | ||
| Time Tracking | ||
| PTO Management | ||
| Talent | ||
| ATS/Recruiting | ||
| Onboarding | ||
| Performance Management | ||
| Features | ||
| Employee Self-Service | ||
| Compliance Tools | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Reporting | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Workday HCM
- Comprehensive enterprise features
- Powerful workforce analytics
- Continuous updates (no versions)
- Strong compliance tools
- Global capabilities
- AI-powered insights
- Very expensive
- Complex implementation
- Designed for large companies
ADP Workforce Now
- Industry-leading payroll
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong compliance tools
- Extensive integrations
- Global capabilities
- Reliable and stable
- Complex pricing
- Interface feels dated
- Customer service varies
Key Difference
The key difference: Workday HCM offers learning management while ADP Workforce Now provides compliance. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Workday HCM
Choose Workday HCM if you prioritize comprehensive enterprise features, want to start with a free tier, or value powerful workforce analytics.
ADP Workforce Now
Choose ADP Workforce Now if you prioritize industry-leading payroll, want to start with a free tier, or value comprehensive platform.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Workday HCM is our winner with a rating of 8.6/10 compared to ADP Workforce Now's 8.2/10. Workday HCM stands out for its comprehensive enterprise features and powerful workforce analytics. While ADP Workforce Now is more affordable, Workday HCM's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, ADP Workforce Now remains an excellent choice if industry-leading payroll is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Workday HCM better than ADP Workforce Now?
Workday HCM scores higher in our testing (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10). Workday HCM excels at comprehensive enterprise features, while ADP Workforce Now is better for industry-leading payroll.
Which is cheaper, Workday HCM or ADP Workforce Now?
ADP Workforce Now is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. ADP Workforce Now offers NaN% savings.
Workday HCM vs ADP Workforce Now: which should I choose?
Choose Workday HCM if you prioritize comprehensive enterprise features. Choose ADP Workforce Now if you need industry-leading payroll. Both are solid hr software options.
What's the main difference between Workday HCM and ADP Workforce Now?
The main difference is Workday HCM offers enterprise hcm for large organizations, while ADP Workforce Now focuses on comprehensive hcm from the payroll leader.