Updated July 2026

Workday HCM vs OnPay

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 2,400 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Both Workday HCM and OnPay are strong HR platforms targeting different business sizes and use cases. If you hire internationally, Workday HCM is the clear winner.

At a Glance

Workday HCM
Finance and HR built for a changing world
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.0/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Contact for pricing
OnPay
Simple, accurate payroll for any type of business
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
$40/mo + $6/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Workday HCM OnPay
Payroll processing ✓ ✓
Automated tax filing ✓ ✓
Direct deposit ✓ ✓
Benefits administration ✓ ✓
Time tracking ✓ ✗
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
PTO management ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✗ ✓
International payroll ✓ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price Contact for pricing $40/mo + $6/employee
Countries supported US, CA, UK, AU, DE, FR, 100+ countries US
Best for Enterprise, Large Business, 1000+ Employees Small Business, Nonprofits, Restaurants, 1-100 Employees

Pros & Cons

Workday HCM

  • Industry-leading analytics
  • True global HCM
  • Unified finance + HR
  • Continuous updates
  • Extremely expensive
  • Not suitable for SMB
  • Long complex implementation
  • Requires dedicated admin

OnPay

  • Highest rated payroll for SMB
  • Transparent flat pricing
  • Excellent customer service
  • All taxes included
  • US-only
  • No built-in time tracking
  • Limited HR features
  • Smaller integration list

Who Should Use Each?

Workday HCM You have remote employees or contractors in multiple countries.
OnPay User satisfaction matters most — OnPay holds a higher G2 rating (4.8 vs 4.0).
OnPay You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.
OnPay You work with freelancers or contractors and need to pay them through the platform.

Related Comparisons

Workday HCM vs Rippling OnPay vs Gusto Workday HCM vs Deel OnPay vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons Workday HCM alternatives → OnPay alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Workday HCM → Try OnPay Free →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Workday HCM better than OnPay?

It depends on your needs. Workday HCM is generally better for enterprise, large business, while OnPay shines for small business, nonprofits. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does Workday HCM cost compared to OnPay?

Contact for pricing vs $40/mo + $6/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Workday HCM to OnPay?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does Workday HCM or OnPay offer a free trial?

Workday HCM does not currently offer a free trial. Yes, OnPay offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Workday HCM or OnPay?

Workday HCM supports international payroll; OnPay is primarily US-focused.