Workday Recruiting vs Zenefits (now TriNet)
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.
Zenefits (now TriNet)
Zenefits was a cloud-based HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. In 2022, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet, one of the largest PEO providers in the US. The Zenefits platform has been integrated into TriNet's product suite. Businesses previously using Zenefits are now served under the TriNet brand.
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
- ✓Strong benefits administration with a wide carrier network
- ✓Easy employee self-service for benefits enrollment and changes
- ✓Affordable base pricing for small teams
- ✓Good compliance tools for ACA and other regulations
Cons
- ✗Payroll processing costs extra as an add-on
- ✗Customer support quality has been inconsistent historically
- ✗Less suitable for companies that need advanced HR or payroll features
Workday Recruiting vs Zenefits (now TriNet): Side by Side
| Factor | Workday Recruiting | Zenefits (now TriNet) |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $8/employee/mo |
| Best For | Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data | Small businesses focused on benefits administration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Recruiting Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓interview management
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓onboarding
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Best For
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Also Consider
If neither Workday Recruiting nor Zenefits (now TriNet) 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 Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Workday Recruiting is best for large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Which is better, Workday Recruiting or Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Choose Workday Recruiting if large enterprises already using workday hcm wanting unified recruiting and hr data. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
How much does Workday Recruiting cost?
Visit Workday Recruiting website for current pricing.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday Recruiting?
Large enterprises already using Workday HCM wanting unified recruiting and HR data
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration