Microsoft Project vs ADP Workforce Now
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform trusted by over 900,000 businesses worldwide. It covers payroll, benefits, talent management, time tracking, and compliance in one integrated suite. ADP is the industry standard for mid to large businesses that need enterprise-grade reliability.
Pros
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading reliability and compliance expertise
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ third-party apps
- ✓Strong reporting and workforce analytics
- ✓Dedicated support and implementation resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- ✗User interface is complex and can require significant training
- ✗Long-term contracts with early termination fees
Microsoft Project vs ADP Workforce Now: Side by Side
| Factor | Microsoft Project | ADP Workforce Now |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $62/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Also Consider
If neither Microsoft Project nor ADP Workforce Now is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microsoft Project and ADP Workforce Now?
Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
Which is better, Microsoft Project or ADP Workforce Now?
Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR