Workday vs Bullhorn
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.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Workday vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $34/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Large enterprises with 500+ employees | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither Workday nor Bullhorn 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 Bullhorn?
Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, Workday or Bullhorn?
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform