SoftwareGlimpse

ADP Workforce Now vs Workday

Compare ADP Workforce Now and Workday on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.

Independently recommendedLast updated Aug 18, 20264 evidence sources5 screenshotsHow we compare
Compare another
ADP Workforce Now logo

ADP Workforce Now

7.3/10

Mid-market payroll + HR (Select / Plus / Premium packaging) — custom PEPM quote; no published seat $. Landscape vs Gusto.

Best for

  • Mid-market US employers that need payroll tax compliance depth beyond Gusto
  • Teams comparing ADP WFN vs Paylocity as the payroll+HR shortlist
  • Orgs that may add time/benefits later on Plus/Premium

No free plan

VS

Our verdict

Our verdict

No universal winner

There is no universal winner between ADP Workforce Now and Workday. Choose ADP Workforce Now when Mid-market US employers that need payroll tax compliance depth beyond Gusto. Choose Workday when Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.

Workday is better for

  • Integrations

Choose ADP Workforce Now if: Mid-market US employers that need payroll tax compliance depth beyond Gusto

Choose Workday if: Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record

See detailed comparison ↓
Workday logo

Workday

8.2/10

Enterprise HCM default — custom PEPM quote (no published seat $); implementation-led. Landscape only vs SMB HRIS/payroll.

Best for

  • Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record
  • Global HR + payroll programmes comparing Workday as the default shortlist
  • Orgs that will fund a multi-month SI implementation

No free plan

Pros & cons

A balanced look at where each product shines — and where it falls short.

ADP Workforce Now logo

ADP Workforce Now

Strengths in green

Cons

  • Trails on integrations

Best for

Mid-market US employers that need payroll tax compliance depth beyond Gusto

Workday logo

Workday

Trade-offs in red

Pros

  • Stronger on integrations

Best for

Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record

Choose if…

Choose ADP Workforce Now if

  • Mid-market US employers that need payroll tax compliance depth beyond Gusto
  • Teams comparing ADP WFN vs Paylocity as the payroll+HR shortlist
  • Orgs that may add time/benefits later on Plus/Premium

Choose Workday if

  • Enterprises (typically 1,000+ employees) that want one HCM system of record
  • Global HR + payroll programmes comparing Workday as the default shortlist
  • Orgs that will fund a multi-month SI implementation

Still unsure which fits?

Answer a few buyer questions and get a shortlist matched to your priorities.

Best HR software

Or compare another pair.

Some visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.

Affiliate disclosure: some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rankings and scores are never based on commission. Full disclosure

Methodology disclosure: scores and recommendations follow SoftwareGlimpse evaluation criteria (version 1.0.0). Affiliate relationships do not determine rankings.

How we recommend: product claims are tied to recorded research where available.

AI-assisted disclosure: drafts may be AI-assisted from approved facts and assessments. Humans approve publishable editorial judgments. AI does not invent live prices or claim hands-on testing.