Workday vs Microsoft Project
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.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
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
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
Workday vs Microsoft Project: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday | Microsoft Project |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $34/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Large enterprises with 500+ employees | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Also Consider
If neither Workday nor Microsoft Project 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 Microsoft Project?
Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees. Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Which is better, Workday or Microsoft Project?
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration