QuickBooks Payroll vs Workday
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
Workday
Workday is an enterprise-grade HCM platform used by large organizations worldwide. It covers HR, payroll, finance, and planning in a deeply integrated suite. Workday is the gold standard for enterprise HR but requires significant implementation resources and budget.
Pros
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
Pros
- ✓Extremely powerful and configurable for complex enterprise needs
- ✓Best-in-class financial and workforce planning tools
- ✓Strong compliance and audit capabilities
- ✓Extensive global payroll coverage
Cons
- ✗Very expensive with long implementation timelines of 6-12 months
- ✗Overkill and unaffordable for companies under 500 employees
- ✗UI can feel dated and complex for everyday users
QuickBooks Payroll vs Workday: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks Payroll | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $34/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration | Large enterprises with 500+ employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks Payroll nor Workday is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between QuickBooks Payroll and Workday?
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees.
Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Workday?
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees