Workday vs ADP Run
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
ADP Run
ADP Run is a payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses with 1-49 employees. It is powered by ADP, the world's largest payroll provider, giving small businesses access to enterprise-grade payroll processing and compliance tools. ADP Run offers multiple plan tiers from basic payroll to full HR suite depending on the business needs.
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
Pros
- ✓Backed by ADP's decades of payroll expertise and compliance knowledge
- ✓Scalable — can grow with your business to ADP Workforce Now
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem
Cons
- ✗Pricing is not transparent and can be expensive compared to competitors
- ✗Customer service quality can be inconsistent
- ✗Upselling of additional services reported by customers
- ✗Interface is less modern than newer payroll tools
Workday vs ADP Run: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $34/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Large enterprises with 500+ employees | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Also Consider
If neither Workday nor ADP Run is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workday and ADP Run?
Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees. ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Which is better, Workday or ADP Run?
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand