ADP Run vs Workday: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
ADP Run
Small business payroll from ADP, the world's largest payroll provider. Automatic tax filing and compliance built on decades of expertise.
Workday
4.3(1,523 reviews)
Enterprise cloud platform for HR, finance, and planning with AI-powered insights.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | ADP Run | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance | Large enterprises (1,000+ employees) |
| Pricing Model | Contact Sales | Contact Sales |
| Starting Price | $59/mo | Contact Sales |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.8/10 | 4.3/10 |
Pros & Cons
ADP Run
Pros
- Tax compliance engine covers all 50 states and 12,000+ local jurisdictions — the most thorough in the industry
- 75+ years of payroll expertise means edge cases that break other tools are routine for ADP
- Strong integration ecosystem with 300+ apps including QuickBooks, Xero, and major time clocks
- Dedicated 500+ compliance team updates your system proactively when tax laws change
- Scalable path to ADP Workforce Now when you outgrow 50 employees
Cons
- Pricing requires a sales call — no transparent pricing on the website
- Interface feels dated compared to Gusto and Rippling, needs more clicks for basic tasks
- Add-ons for time tracking, HR support, and retirement drive up costs quickly
- Phone support quality varies — some reps are excellent, others read from scripts
- Contract terms can lock you in for a year with early termination fees
Workday
Pros
- Unified platform for HR, finance, and planning
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Powerful analytics with machine learning
- Regular updates without disruptive upgrades
- Strong ecosystem of consulting partners
Cons
- Expensive—typically $100-200+ per employee annually
- Complex implementation taking 6-18 months
- Requires dedicated administrators to manage
- Overkill for companies under 1,000 employees
- Steep learning curve for all users
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADP Run | contact sales | $59/mo |
| Workday | contact sales | Contact Sales |
Our Verdict
Choose ADP Run if...
Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance
Choose Workday if...
Large enterprises (1,000+ employees)
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.