Rippling Payroll vs Workday Recruiting
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling Payroll
Rippling Payroll is the payroll module within the Rippling platform, which combines HR, IT, and finance management in one system. It offers global payroll capabilities, automatic tax filing, and deep integrations with the rest of the Rippling suite. Rippling Payroll is ideal for companies that want payroll tightly connected to their broader HR and IT operations.
Workday Recruiting
Workday Recruiting is an enterprise-grade applicant tracking system built into the broader Workday HCM suite. It offers end-to-end recruiting from sourcing to offer management within a unified platform.
Pros
- ✓Deeply integrated with HR, IT, and finance in one platform
- ✓Global payroll available in 50+ countries
- ✓Automatic compliance updates for changing tax laws
- ✓Extremely powerful automation capabilities across all modules
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a custom quote and can be expensive for small teams
- ✗Requires buying into the full Rippling platform for best value
- ✗Can be complex to set up without dedicated HR resources
Pros
- ✓Seamlessly integrated with Workday HR and Payroll
- ✓Strong reporting and analytics
- ✓Excellent for large enterprises
- ✓Unified candidate and employee data
- ✓Configurable workflows
Cons
- ✗Very expensive for small businesses
- ✗Complex implementation process
- ✗Requires dedicated admin
- ✗Overkill for teams under 500 employees
Rippling Payroll vs Workday Recruiting: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling Payroll | Workday Recruiting |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management | Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓PEO services
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓expense management
Workday Recruiting Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓interview management
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓onboarding
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data.
Best For
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Best For
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Also Consider
If neither Rippling Payroll nor Workday Recruiting 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 Rippling Payroll and Workday Recruiting?
Rippling Payroll is best for mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Workday Recruiting is best for large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data.
Which is better, Rippling Payroll or Workday Recruiting?
Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data.
How much does Rippling Payroll cost?
Rippling Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Workday Recruiting cost?
Visit Workday Recruiting website for current pricing.
Who should use Rippling Payroll?
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Who should use Workday Recruiting?
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data