Top Echelon vs Workday Recruiting
Two recruitment CRMs compared on pricing, features, and fit, so you can shortlist with confidence.
✓Pricing verified against vendor pagesData reviewed July 4, 2026How we research →
By Ramin Assemi, B2B SaaS marketer and former Head of Content at Close.comPublished Updated
Top Echelon
Affordable ATS/CRM with a built-in split-placement network
Best for: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements
✓Extremely affordable with transparent pricing
✓TE Network: unique split-placement revenue opportunities
✕UI needs a modern overhaul
✕Recurring bugs with email sync and resume attachments
Workday Recruiting
The recruiting module of the Workday HCM suite
Best for: Enterprises already standardized on Workday HCM
✓Hires flow straight into the HCM system of record
✓Global enterprise compliance
✕Recruiter and candidate UX rated below standalone ATS rivals
✕Candidates must create a Workday account per employer
Our verdict
Choose Top Echelon if…
- ✓You're in recruitment agencies & staffing firms, a segment Workday Recruiting doesn't focus on
- ✓You're in executive search firms, a segment Workday Recruiting doesn't focus on
- ✓You want to trial before committing (free trial available)
Choose Workday Recruiting if…
- ✓You're in in-house talent acquisition, a segment Top Echelon doesn't focus on
- ✓You want workflow automation working out of the box
- ✓AI matching and assistance are on your must-have list
- ✓You need an open API for custom integrations
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Top Echelon | Workday Recruiting |
|---|---|---|
| ATS + CRM core | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email/inbox sync | ✓ | ~ |
| LinkedIn / Chrome extension | ~ | ~ |
| Multi-job-board posting | ~ | ✓ |
| Built-in candidate sourcing | ~ | ~ |
| Workflow automation | ~ | ✓ |
| AI matching & assistance | ~ | ✓ |
| Reporting & analytics | ~ | ✓ |
| Temp back-office (pay & bill) | – | – |
| Open API | ~ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ~ | ✓ |
What would it cost your team?
| Est. monthly cost, entry tier | 5 seats | 20 seats | 50 seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Echelon (official) | $375/mo | $1,500/mo | $3,750/mo |
| Workday Recruiting (official) | Custom quote | Custom quote | Custom quote |
Estimated from each vendor's published entry-tier price as of July 4, 2026; real quotes vary with plan tier, add-on modules, and contract terms. See how we label pricing confidence.
Frequently asked questions
How do Top Echelon and Workday Recruiting pricing compare?
Top Echelon pricing starts at $75/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Workday Recruiting uses custom quote-based pricing and does not publish list prices (official, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does Top Echelon cost?
Top Echelon pricing starts at $75/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Standard $75/user/mo and Professional $89/user/mo billed annually ($89/$110 monthly). Optional TE Network: $135/mo per agency on annual billing; annual waives the $350 startup fee charged monthly (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
What does Workday Recruiting cost?
Workday Recruiting uses custom quote-based pricing and does not publish list prices (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Custom quote only, sold as part of the Workday HCM relationship; no public recruiting-module pricing. Circulating figures like '$35k starting' are unverified (Workday site, Jul 2026).
Who is Top Echelon best for, and who is Workday Recruiting best for?
Top Echelon: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements. Workday Recruiting: Enterprises already standardized on Workday HCM.