ADP vs. Workday: HR Comparison 2025

Payroll mistakes, clunky benefits administration, and inefficient processes cost both time and money while frustrating your team. Choosing the right HR software ranks among the most critical decisions your business will make.

ADP Workforce Now and Workday HCM are established players in the human capital management space, but they take distinctly different approaches. 

ADP delivers payroll-focused solutions with global reach, while Workday emphasizes advanced analytics and comprehensive workforce management for large enterprises. 

Meanwhile, Rippling offers a fundamentally different approach, focusing on unifying HR, IT, and Finance in a single platform designed for businesses of all sizes.

Understanding not just what each platform offers, but how they align with your company's priorities and growth trajectory, determines which solution will truly serve your needs.

In this guide, I'll break down:

• Core capabilities across payroll, HCM, and workforce management

• How each platform handles global operations and employee experience

• Real pricing structures and implementation timelines

• Verified user feedback from major review platforms

By the end, you'll know exactly which platform fits your organization.

Quick comparison: ADP vs. Workday vs. Rippling at a glance

Here's how these platforms stack up across essential HR capabilities:

HCM software that makes HR more strategic

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Methodology: How we reviewed different HR software

To provide an accurate comparison, I combined multiple research methods rather than depending on a single source.

• Product documentation and walkthroughs. I examined each platform's official documentation, feature lists, and product walkthroughs to verify current capabilities and understand what's included at different service levels. I also have access to Rippling as a user.

• User reviews and feedback. I analyzed over 150 reviews across G2, Capterra, and Software Advice to identify consistent patterns in user experiences. I focused on reviews from the past year to ensure feedback reflects each platform's current state.

• Feature comparison analysis: I conducted a systematic feature-by-feature comparison using each vendor's official documentation to verify capabilities across payroll, benefits, time tracking, and reporting.

My goal wasn’t just to pick a single “best tool for all” solution, but instead to understand which platform would be best for different types of businesses. 

Rippling editorial policy: Rippling puts our customers (and prospective customers!) first. The Rippling team is committed to providing information supported by product data, insights, and customer feedback to inform our content.

Features comparison: ADP vs. Workday vs. Rippling

After examining product capabilities and user experiences, clear distinctions emerge. Let's explore where each platform excels and which best serves different organizational needs.

Payroll management

Payroll is one of those core HR functions you can’t overlook. Here's how these three solutions manage and streamline payroll processes.  

Rippling

Rippling Payroll processes payroll for domestic and international workforces through a single unified system. The platform calculates taxes automatically, files with federal, state, and local agencies, and adjusts calculations when employees relocate.

What distinguishes Rippling is seamless data flow. Payroll information doesn't sit isolated in one module — it instantly syncs across financial systems, time tracking, benefits enrollment, and IT infrastructure. This eliminates duplicate data entry and minimizes errors.

Rippling supports payroll operations in 185+ countries with built-in local compliance, making it the only option in this comparison that handles international growth without separate vendors or systems.

ADP 

ADP offers a solid payroll solution with automated calculations, tax compliance, and deductions for businesses of varying sizes. The platform's reporting tools provide actionable insights for audits and financial planning.

ADP extends payroll functionality to over 140 countries through the ADP Global Payroll add-on. This ensures businesses can pay international employees while maintaining compliance with local tax laws and regulations. However, global payroll requires purchasing this as a separate add-on rather than being included in the core platform.

Workday HCM

Workday provides global payroll through third-party partnerships, covering employees and contractors in 180+ countries. The platform handles payroll as part of its broader HR and finance management system. 

However, “third-party partnerships" is key here. While Workday's payroll integrates with its analytics and workforce planning capabilities, it depends on external partners for actual payroll processing rather than providing native functionality. This can introduce additional complexity when coordinating between systems.

Our verdict

Rippling leads for payroll management with native global capabilities and unified data flow across all systems. It’s able to natively support businesses with employees and contractors in 185+ countries and over 90+ currencies without third-party integrations. 

HCM management

Human capital management encompasses the full employee lifecycle from recruiting through retirement, and the best HCM software helps you manage the full employee lifecycle.

Rippling

Rippling's HCM platform functions as a unified system of record across HR, IT, and Finance. Employee data exists in one place and automatically updates across every connected system and application.

The platform supports comprehensive HR functions including:

• Recruiting

• Onboarding

• Performance management

• Succession planning through a custom app 

• Compensation planning

• Learning management

Because Rippling operates as a unified system, changes to employee data instantly propagate everywhere — payroll, benefits, app access, device permissions, and more.

Rippling's HRIS supports custom fields, automated workflows, and powerful reporting that pulls data from across the entire platform, delivering enterprise capabilities that scale with your business.

ADP 

ADP provides tools for benefits administration, compliance management, and workforce tracking. The platform handles essential HR functions including time tracking, attendance management, and employee record keeping.

ADP's approach covers core HR needs effectively, with particular strength in compliance and administrative tasks. 

Workday HCM

Workday HCM combines HR, finance, and workforce planning into a unified enterprise platform. The system prioritizes talent development with support for recruiting, onboarding, and ongoing employee training. Its learning management system enables businesses to create personalized training paths.

Workday's workforce analytics provide detailed insights for tracking performance, forecasting hiring needs, and analyzing workforce trends. These capabilities support strategic decision-making based on real-time data, making it particularly strong for large organizations requiring sophisticated analytics.

Our verdict

Rippling delivers the most comprehensive HCM solution by unifying HR, IT, and Finance in one platform with real-time data flow. Workday excels for large enterprises prioritizing advanced analytics and workforce planning, while ADP provides solid HCM capabilities for mid-sized businesses focused on compliance and administration.

Benefits administration

Benefits administration impacts every employee and requires both accuracy and ease of use.

Rippling

Rippling manages benefits administration through a unified interface where employees compare plan options and complete enrollment. The system accommodates medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), and additional benefit categories.

With Rippling's unified architecture, benefits data automatically synchronizes with payroll deductions, employee records, and financial systems. Status changes — new hires, terminations, qualifying life events — trigger benefits adjustments without manual intervention.

Rippling also provides access to competitive benefits packages through its PEO service, giving small and mid-sized companies access to enterprise-quality benefits at favorable rates that individual companies typically cannot negotiate.

ADP 

ADP delivers comprehensive benefits administration with plan management for health insurance, retirement accounts, and various supplemental benefits. The platform handles carrier integrations, enrollment workflows, and compliance with ACA, COBRA, and related regulations.

Employees can view pay stubs, update tax information, enroll in and manage benefits, and request PTO through ADP's employee self-service portal. The platform's benefits capabilities work well for organizations of different sizes with standard benefits structures.

Workday HCM

Workday provides benefits management integrated with its broader HR and finance systems. Employees can manage tasks like PTO requests, payroll access, and updates to personal information through customizable self-service portals.

The platform's benefits administration connects with Workday's analytics capabilities, allowing organizations to analyze benefits costs and utilization patterns alongside other workforce data.

Our verdict

All three platforms handle benefits administration, but Rippling's unified architecture eliminates data synchronization issues and enables superior automation. Rippling's PEO access can frequently delivers better benefits rates than ADP or Workday can provide to small and mid-sized organizations. ADP and Workday both offer solid benefits administration for their respective target markets.

Time & attendance

Accurate time tracking ensures correct payroll calculations and effective labor cost management.

Rippling

Rippling's time & attendance system integrates natively with payroll processing, allowing employees to clock in from any device, track PTO balances, and submit time-off requests within the same platform. The system supports customized overtime rules, break policies, geofencing, project-based time tracking, and automated approval chains based on employee attributes.

Because time data exists in the same database as payroll information, there's no export/import process. Time entries automatically become payroll inputs, eliminating transcription errors and reducing administrative overhead.

ADP

ADP provides advanced time-tracking tools that simplify workforce management. Businesses can track employee hours, calculate overtime automatically, and generate attendance reports. These tools integrate with payroll and scheduling systems to improve efficiency and support global compliance requirements.

Workday HCM

Workday offers integrated time tracking designed for complex workforce planning across global teams. The platform handles time and attendance as part of its broader workforce management capabilities, connecting time data with payroll processing and analytics.

Our verdict

All three platforms provide comprehensive time & attendance capabilities. Rippling's advantage is the unified data architecture and extensive automation. Time entries seamlessly become payroll data without manual steps or synchronization delays. 

Global workforce support

International expansion requires HR platforms that handle multi-country compliance, payroll, and workforce management.

Rippling

Rippling provides native global payroll, benefits, and compliance in one unified system. The platform supports payroll operations in 185+countries (and 90+ currencies!) with built-in local compliance, tax filing, and regulatory requirements.

Because Rippling operates as a unified platform, managing global employees doesn't require separate systems or vendors. Employee data, payroll, benefits, and device management all flow through one system regardless of location. This dramatically simplifies international expansion compared to managing multiple regional vendors.

ADP 

ADP offers strong global compliance and payroll capabilities through the ADP Global Payroll add-on, supporting employees in over 140 countries. The platform ensures businesses can pay international employees while maintaining compliance with local tax laws and regulations.

However, global capabilities require purchasing additional add-ons rather than being included in the core platform. This can increase complexity and costs for businesses with international operations.

Workday HCM

Workday is built for enterprises with global operations, offering multilingual and multi-currency support tailored to complex international needs. The platform integrates with enterprise tools like Salesforce and Oracle to assist with global complexities.

Workday provides global payroll through third-party partnerships covering 180+ countries, though this means coordinating between Workday's HCM system and external payroll providers unless you’re sticking to the natively-supported United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and France.

Our verdict

Rippling wins for global workforce support with native capabilities across payroll, benefits, and compliance in one unified system. ADP offers extensive global reach through add-ons, making it viable for mid-sized businesses expanding internationally. Workday serves large enterprises with complex global operations, though it requires third-party payroll partnerships.

Employee experience

User experience significantly impacts adoption, satisfaction, and productivity.

Rippling

Rippling delivers a modern, intuitive interface across web and mobile platforms. Employees access a unified system for HR, IT, and benefits functions. They can:

• View pay stubs

• Manage their benefits

• Request time off

• Clock in and out

• Access devices and apps

• Update personal information 

The platform's design prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Rippling's employee self-service capabilities reduce administrative burden by empowering employees to handle routine tasks independently.

ADP

ADP provides employee self-service for viewing pay stubs, updating tax information, enrolling in and managing benefits, and requesting PTO. The platform offers both web and mobile access.

However, users describe ADP's interface as challenging in some areas. Many note that tasks like running reports or managing time and attendance require multiple steps, creating friction for those seeking more efficient workflows. Some users criticize the platform's design as outdated and less intuitive, particularly for newer users.

Reviews of ADP's mobile app show mixed opinions — some appreciate its ability to handle pay stubs and basic HR functions, while others point out limited responsiveness and features compared to the desktop version.

Workday HCM

Workday HCM earns praise for its modern design and straightforward navigation. Users highlight the platform's ability to simplify tasks like updating employee information, approving requests, and running workforce analytics through self-service dashboards.

The Workday mobile app receives positive feedback for reliability with tasks such as submitting PTO requests, viewing pay stubs, and managing workflows. The customizable interface allows businesses to adapt portals to their unique needs, though some users suggest performance improvements.

Our verdict

Rippling and Workday both deliver superior employee experiences with modern, intuitive interfaces. 

Rippling's advantage is the unified experience across HR, IT, and benefits in one platform. Workday excels with its clean design and powerful customization for enterprise needs. 

ADP's employee experience lags behind with an interface that many users find outdated and cumbersome.

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ADP vs. Workday vs. Rippling: Pricing

Understanding actual costs helps inform your decision.

Rippling

Rippling uses custom pricing based on which modules and features your organization needs. While this requires a sales conversation to get your specific quote, it means you only pay for capabilities you'll actually use.

As a reference point, Rippling's pricing starts at $8 per employee per month for core HRIS functionality, with incremental costs for additional modules including payroll, benefits administration, time & attendance, IT management, and spend management.

The modular pricing model works particularly well for growing businesses — start with essential features and add capabilities as you scale without migrating to a different platform.

ADP 

ADP employs quote-based pricing tailored to the number of employees and selected features, making it flexible for businesses of different sizes. 

As a result, their pricing structure accommodates various business sizes, though additional features like global payroll require purchasing add-ons. You'll need to engage with sales for specific pricing.

Workday HCM

Workday offers custom enterprise pricing based on organizational size and requirements. The platform is positioned for mid-sized to large enterprises, with pricing reflecting its advanced analytics, workforce planning, and customization capabilities.

Workday's comprehensive implementation process and enterprise-grade features mean higher upfront investment compared to alternatives. You'll need sales conversations for accurate quotes.

ADP vs. Workday vs. Rippling: Reviews

Verified user feedback reveals how these platforms perform in daily operations. Here's how they compare on major review platforms:

What users love about Rippling: Users consistently highlight Rippling's unified platform, powerful automation capabilities, and excellent customer support. Common themes include dramatic time savings through workflows, seamless management of HR and IT in one system, and the platform's ability to scale alongside business growth.

What users love about ADP: Users emphasize ADP's payroll features, automated tax filing, and extensive global capabilities. Businesses appreciate the platform's ability to handle complex compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions and its flexible payroll schedules.

What users love about Workday HCM: Users praise Workday's modern interface and powerful workforce analytics. Enterprises value the platform's ability to integrate HR and finance data, its talent management capabilities, and the streamlined employee self-service experience.

What users wish was better:

• Rippling: Some users note the initial learning curve when configuring advanced workflows and the requirement for sales conversations to obtain pricing.

• ADP: Users frequently express frustration with the complex, outdated interface and steep learning curve for new users. Some users reported poor customer service experiences.

• Workday HCM: Users mention the platform's higher costs, steep learning curve despite intuitive design, lack of customization, and restricted features on the mobile app that impact usability.

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ADP vs. Workday vs. Rippling: Pros and cons

Let's examine the specific strengths and limitations of each platform.

Rippling pros and cons

Pros:

• Unified platform across HR, IT, and Finance eliminates data silos and manual synchronization

• Powerful workflow automation delivers significant time savings

• Global payroll capabilities support international expansion seamlessly

• Comprehensive feature set scales with business growth

• Native integrations ensure data stays synchronized automatically

• Highly rated customer support with dedicated account management

• Advanced cross-platform reporting and analytics

• Modern, intuitive interface across web and mobile

Cons:

• Custom pricing model requires sales conversations

• Extensive feature set creates initial learning curve

ADP pros and cons

Pros:

• Automated tax filing helps maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

• Flexible payroll schedules and detailed reporting options

• Extensive customizability with add-on modules

• Global payroll add-on supports 140+ countries

Cons:

• Complex features and outdated UI create steep learning curve

• Higher costs for small businesses due to comprehensive offerings and add-ons

• Interface can feel overwhelming for new users

• Mixed reviews about customer service quality 

Workday HCM pros and cons

Pros:

• Streamlined employee self-service for common tasks

• Advanced workforce analytics and planning tools

• Customer success manager and comprehensive support resources

• Strong integration with enterprise tools like Salesforce and Oracle

Cons:

• Higher costs reflecting enterprise-grade positioning

• Steep learning curve despite intuitive design due to depth of features

• Global payroll requires third-party partnerships outside of a few select countries 

• Mobile app may have limited features, impacting usability

• Some users report lack of customization in dashboards

Rippling: The smarter alternative to ADP and Workday

After evaluating all three platforms, Rippling stands out as the most comprehensive solution for modern businesses. Here's why:

• Unified architecture that eliminates silos: Rippling operates as one system of record where employee data automatically flows to HR, IT, Finance, and every connected application. When you update an employee's role, that change instantly propagates everywhere — no manual updates, no data sync delays, no reconciling conflicting information.

• Built for businesses of all sizes: ADP targets mid-sized businesses and Workday serves large enterprises, but Rippling scales across all business sizes. Start with core HR and payroll, then add capabilities as you grow without migrating platforms.

• Automation that delivers measurable time savings: Rippling's Workflow Studio automates virtually any process based on employee attributes or triggers. 

• Beyond HR: Complete business operations platform: While ADP and Workday concentrate on HR functions, Rippling extends further with native IT management and spend management. Manage employee information, payroll, devices, app access, and company spending — all from one system.

Eliminate HR silos with Rippling

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ADP vs. Workday FAQs