BambooHR
HR software for small and medium businesses with employee management and reporti...
Workday
Enterprise cloud platform for HR, finance, and planning with advanced analytics....
BambooHR vs Workday: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of BambooHR and Workday covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
BambooHR
- Best for: SMBs, Growing companies
- Starting price: $6/mo
- Category: hr software
- Founded: 2008
Workday
- Best for: Enterprise, Large organizations
- Starting price: $100/mo
- Category: hr software
- Founded: 2005
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between BambooHR and Workday.
| Feature | B BambooHR | W Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Database | ||
| Time-off Management | ||
| Onboarding | ||
| Performance Management | ||
| Reporting | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Integrations | ||
| ATS | ||
| Payroll |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, BambooHR edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, BambooHR offers better overall user satisfaction. Workday remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize enterprise.
Workday
Best for Enterprise and Large organizations. Comprehensive platform.
Try WorkdayPros & Cons
BambooHR Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great employee experience
- Strong reporting
- Good mobile app
- Excellent support
Cons
- Limited payroll
- Pricing not transparent
- Limited customization
- Add-ons cost extra
Workday Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong analytics
- Regular updates
- Great for large orgs
- Global capabilities
Cons
- Very expensive
- Complex implementation
- Steep learning curve
- Requires dedicated admin
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
BambooHR
subscription- Employee records
- Time-off tracking
- Reporting
- Onboarding
- Offboarding
- Training tracking
Workday
subscription- Core HR
- Benefits
- Talent management
- Payroll
- Time tracking
- Workforce planning
- Financial management
- Analytics
- Custom integrations
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose BambooHR if you need:
- SMBs
- Growing companies
- HR teams
- Remote teams
- Easy to use
- Great employee experience
Choose Workday if you need:
- Enterprise
- Large organizations
- Global companies
- Complex HR needs
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong analytics
BambooHR vs Workday FAQ
What are the main differences between BambooHR and Workday?
BambooHR focuses on smbs with easy to use, while Workday excels at enterprise with comprehensive platform. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is BambooHR or Workday better for small businesses?
Both tools have paid plans. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers BambooHR's lower starting price of $6/month.
What is the pricing difference between BambooHR and Workday?
BambooHR starts at $6/month, while Workday starts at $100/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can BambooHR integrate with Workday?
While direct integration may vary, both BambooHR and Workday support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. BambooHR integrates with Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, while Workday works with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, SAP.
Which tool is easier to use, BambooHR or Workday?
Based on user reviews, BambooHR generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. BambooHR is known for great employee experience.
Does BambooHR or Workday offer better customer support?
Both BambooHR and Workday provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. BambooHR offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of BambooHR compared to Workday?
BambooHR's main advantages include: Easy to use, Great employee experience, Strong reporting. Compared to Workday, it's particularly strong for smbs.
What are the cons of BambooHR compared to Workday?
BambooHR's potential drawbacks include: Limited payroll, Pricing not transparent. Workday may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from BambooHR to Workday or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for hr software in 2026?
In 2026, BambooHR leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. BambooHR excels for smbs, while Workday is ideal for enterprise.