Workday vs OnPay
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.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
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
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Workday vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $34/user/mo | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Large enterprises with 500+ employees | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Workday nor OnPay 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 OnPay?
Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Workday or OnPay?
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees