Workday Recruiting vs Patriot Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is one of the most affordable full-service payroll solutions for small businesses. It offers basic payroll and full-service payroll tiers, with the full-service option handling all federal, state, and local tax filings. Patriot is popular with very small businesses and solo operators who want simple, reliable payroll without complex features.
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
Pros
- ✓One of the most affordable payroll solutions available
- ✓Simple and easy to use with minimal learning curve
- ✓US-based customer support available by phone
- ✓Free trial available before committing
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to full HR platforms
- ✗No mobile app for running payroll
- ✗Benefits administration not included
- ✗Less suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs
Workday Recruiting vs Patriot Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday Recruiting | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $17/mo + $4/person |
| Best For | Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data | Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Recruiting Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓interview management
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓onboarding
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance
Patriot Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing options
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓time and attendance add-on
- ✓HR software add-on
- ✓contractor payments
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Best For
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Best For
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution
Also Consider
If neither Workday Recruiting nor Patriot Payroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workday Recruiting and Patriot Payroll?
Workday Recruiting is best for large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Patriot Payroll is best for very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
Which is better, Workday Recruiting or Patriot Payroll?
Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Patriot Payroll if very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution.
How much does Workday Recruiting cost?
Visit Workday Recruiting website for current pricing.
How much does Patriot Payroll cost?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday Recruiting?
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Who should use Patriot Payroll?
Very small businesses and solo operators wanting the most affordable payroll solution