UKG Pro is an all-in-one human resources software aimed at mid to large businesses. While it stands out for its robust analytics and employee engagement features, it falls short when it comes to software extensibility and ease of use.

If you’re looking to move away from UKG Pro and want to understand similar options on the market, check out our top six alternatives below:

Top UKG Pro competitors: Software comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side rundown of UKG Pro’s contenders.

Starting price International payroll available Mobile app functionality Ideal business size
UKG Pro Undisclosed Yes Abundant features Moderate to large
Dayforce Undisclosed Yes Limited features (focused on time tracking) Large, international
Rippling $8.00/user/month Yes Abundant features Medium
Workday HCM Undisclosed Only in the U.K., France and Canada; other countries require third-party contractors Abundant features Medium to large
ADP Workforce Now Undisclosed Yes Abundant features Large, international
Paylocity Undisclosed Requires integration with Blue Marble Abundant features Medium
Oracle Cloud HCM Undisclosed Yes Abundant features Large, international

Dayforce: Best overall

Dayforce logo.
Image: Dayforce

Dayforce, formerly known as Ceridian, is a comprehensive jack of all trades. The platform boasts robust international payroll and HR solutions catering to a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing and healthcare. Its ability to provide tailored solutions with deep industry-specific features makes it a top choice for businesses looking for versatility and comprehensive functionality in their HR systems.

Why we chose Dayforce

Dayforce stands out for its exceptional capability to customize according to various industry demands worldwide. It supports payroll processes for over 200 countries compared to UKG’s 160. This makes it the best choice for international organizations that operate across multiple sectors with diverse needs.

For more information, read our full Dayforce review and our comparison of Ceridian vs. UKG.

Pricing

  • Custom pricing via a sales agent.

Features

  • Global payroll processing.
  • Industry-specific labor forecasting.
  • Advanced compliance management.
  • Integrated employee benefits management.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Highly customizable to industry needs.
  • Global compliance features.
  • Intuitive user interface.
  • Long implementation timeline.
  • Complex; steep learning curve.

Rippling: Best for technology businesses

The Rippling logo.
Image: Rippling

Rippling is a comprehensive HR software and service platform with a particular focus in information technology management functions. It allows you to combine HR and IT features to improve employee experience and workforce management, such as coordinating device and software deployment during the employee onboarding process.

Beyond IT tracking, Rippling is known for its integrations with over 800 third-party apps. Your existing workflow can stay while you expand into new digital solutions. Plus, if a feature is not already included, you can leverage its API to connect to the tools of your choice.

Why we chose Rippling

Rippling’s strong suit lies in its integration capabilities and rich embrace of technology, while still serving up classic human resource management tools. IT departments will appreciate its software provisioning/deprovisioning functionality and even device delivery logistics, which UKG Pro does not offer.

For more information, read our full Rippling review.

Pricing

  • Starts at $8.00/user monthly for Rippling Unity.
  • Undisclosed pricing for additional functions.

Features

  • International payroll and HR support in over 160 countries.
  • Extensive IT management capabilities.
  • Over 800+ third-party integrations.
  • Customizable via API coding.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Lower starting price.
  • Strong technology focus.
  • Sleek interface.
  • PEO, ASO and EOR services.
  • Limited appeal to non tech-oriented organizations.
  • International payroll support limited to 50 countries.

Workday HCM: Best for large businesses

The Workday logo.
Image: Workday

Workday HCM is a human capital management platform best for large organizations that need payroll to artificial intelligence-powered analytics.

For example, the title uses machine learning to understand your business’s financial patterns. It then creates personalized recommendations on how to optimize spending. It also alerts you when something is amiss, like excessive unplanned spending on hiring.

Why we chose Workday HCM

Workday HCM is the go-to choice for large businesses seeking a robust, all-in-one HR management system looking for a balance between advanced features and an easy-to-use interface.

For more information, read our full Workday HCM review and our comparison of UKG vs. Workday.

Pricing

  • Custom pricing via a sales agent.

Features

  • Extensive HR analytics and reporting.
  • Enterprise benchmarking for key metrics like compensation and turnover.
  • Headcount and budget planning.
  • Robust security frameworks.
  • AI-powered analytics and forecasting.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Comprehensive global support.
  • Strong analytics.
  • Top-notch talent management tools.
  • Expensive solution.
  • Complicated initial setup.

ADP Workforce Now: Best for workforce compliance

The ADP logo.
Image: ADP

ADP Workforce Now offers a robust platform specifically crafted around the complex compliance needs of businesses operating in heavily regulated industries. Its SmartCompliance package, designed by in-house legal teams, helps you comply with the Affordable Care Act, wage garnishments, tax regulations and unemployment insurance.

Plus, ADP is a household name with a decades-long history, giving you peace of mind if your business is in highly regulated industries like construction, manufacturing and food service.

Why we chose ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now excels in providing extensive compliance support and regulatory tools, making it the top choice for companies that want to mitigate risks associated with payroll and HR. It’s also highly scalable, allowing you to add modules like recruiting or global payroll as your business needs become more complex.

For more information, read our full ADP Workforce Now review and our comparison of UKG and ADP.

Pricing

  • Custom pricing via a sales agent.

Features

  • Global payroll and HR compliance tools and resources.
  • Detailed analytics and reporting.
  • Integrated HR, payroll and benefits management.
  • Mobile access and employee self-service portals.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Modules covering the full employee life cycle.
  • Strong brand name and trust level.
  • Highly scalable for long-term use.
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Complicated user interface.

Paylocity: Best for midsize businesses

The Paylocity logo.
Image: Paylocity

Paylocity offers a wide range of features that cater specifically to the needs of mid-sized businesses. It’s best known for its tools to enhance employee engagement and streamline payroll processes.

Paylocity’s module-based pricing structure lets you purchase features that are right for your organization. For example, you can mix and match payroll, talent management and worker surveys. This flexibility makes it excellent for growing companies seeking straightforward yet scalable HR solutions.

Why we chose Paylocity

Unlike UKG Pro, Paylocity balances powerful core payroll, benefits and time-management modules with engaging internal communication features. This makes it ideal for midsize businesses that want to consolidate their HR tech stack for more efficient workforce management.

For more information, read our full Paylocity review.

Pricing

  • Custom pricing via a sales agent.

Features

  • Talent management and employee growth tools.
  • Worker engagement tools, like surveys and analytics.
  • In-house benefits administration.
  • Time tracking functions.
  • Company newsfeed and one-on-one chat messaging.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Personalized employee benefits decision support.
  • Scalable.
  • Strong employee engagement tools.
  • Uses a third-party contractor for international payroll.
  • Difficult to navigate user interface.

Oracle Cloud HCM: Best for enterprises

Oracle Cloud HCM logo.
Image: Oracle Cloud HCM

Along with Workday, Oracle Cloud HCM is renowned for its ability to handle the intricate HR needs of large enterprises. The platform is backed by Oracle’s broader technologies of machine learning and programming languages, like Java. So, you’re getting an extremely advanced system that is highly customizable down to every last detail if you’re technologically savvy.

With advanced features tailored for complex organizational structures, Oracle is ideal for companies that require comprehensive HR management, robust analytics and flexible deployment, such as on-premise options for added security.

Why we chose Oracle Cloud HCM

Oracle Cloud HCM is well-suited for enterprises that demand support for complex organizational hierarchies, extensive workforce analytics and advanced talent management. Compared to UKG Pro, Oracle allows for significantly more platform customization and access to enterprise resource planning products to create a truly all-inclusive business solution.

Pricing

  • Custom pricing via a sales agent.

Features

  • International support.
  • Advanced analytics.
  • Full-service tax filing.
  • Artificial intelligence technology.
  • Robust legal compliance support.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Access to Oracle’s huge library of business software products.
  • Robust and popular brand name.
  • Elaborate knowledge base.
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Complicated setup.

Do you need an alternative to UKG Pro?

UKG Pro offers a comprehensive set of features. However, every business has unique needs that could justify a different platform. Here are some specific scenarios where you might consider looking into alternatives to UKG Pro:

  • Scalability concerns: If your business is growing rapidly, you may require a more scalable solution. Look for options that offer scalable pricing tiers and support for international expansion.
    • If this is you, select ADP Workforce Now or Dayforce.
  • Industry-specific features needed: Some industries have specialized requirements that might not be fully addressed. Consider platforms known for customization and industry-specific tools, such as those for retail, healthcare or manufacturing sectors.
    • If this is you, choose Oracle.
  • Integration with other software: If you’re finding it challenging to integrate your current system with other key software, seek solutions that excel in seamless integration with multiple apps and systems to enhance automation and data consistency.
    • If this is you, go with Rippling.
  • Budget constraints: If money’s tight and you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, consider options with competitive per-user pricing models that provide core functionalities without additional costs.
    • If this is you, go with ADP Workforce Now.
  • User experience and accessibility: If your team finds the current interface challenging, look for systems known for their user-friendly interfaces and tools that enhance user engagement and simplify payroll processing.
    • If this is you, pick Workday HCM.
  • Advanced compliance and security needs: For businesses with stringent compliance and security requirements, focus on platforms that offer robust compliance tools and strong support for various regulations and security protocols.
    • If this is you, try Oracle.

Methodology

We analyzed each platform’s suitability for larger organizations by studying overall power and functionality. We researched customer reviews, international support options, analytics quality and overall long-term business potential, among other factors.

Tech