Dayforce vs. SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Dayforce
Score 8.0 out of 10
Enterprise companies (1,001+ employees)
Dayforce is a people platform that simplifies HR operations. As a unified HCMS, it delivers HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management, talent, and analytics—helping organizations boost productivity, stay compliant, and make smarter decisions with embedded intelligence and personalized experiences.N/A
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
SmartRecruiters was acquired by SAP in late 2025, and its functionality will be integrated into SAP SuccessFactors HCM. Check out the Sap SuccessFactors HCM listing for the latest updates.N/A
Pricing
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsThe software subscription is determined by the number of a company's full time employees. There is a one time cost to set up software, including customizations, integrations, data migration and training.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Considered Both Products
Dayforce
Chose Dayforce
There were much less confusion for our employees. And everything is easier to access.
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Chose SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
In terms of functionality and product development - SmartRecruiters is leaps ahead of other ATS platforms I've reviewed. The real differentiator for me is the ability to really customise the system and workflows for your needs and that the backend can be managed by a Recruiter …
Features
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.1
602 Ratings
0% below category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Employee demographic data8.9525 Ratings00 Ratings
Employment history9.1559 Ratings00 Ratings
Job profiles and administration9.2549 Ratings00 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.9.1553 Ratings00 Ratings
Organizational charting6.6502 Ratings00 Ratings
Organization and location management6.7548 Ratings00 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)7.4370 Ratings00 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.6
602 Ratings
6% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Pay calculation9.2588 Ratings00 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.1295 Ratings00 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment9.1154 Ratings00 Ratings
Benefit plan administration8.4475 Ratings00 Ratings
Direct deposit files9.2574 Ratings00 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management8.3456 Ratings00 Ratings
Reimbursement management9.0309 Ratings00 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.9
547 Ratings
9% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Approval workflow9.3515 Ratings00 Ratings
Balance details9.0529 Ratings00 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment8.5434 Ratings00 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.2
615 Ratings
0% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
View and generate pay and benefit information8.6586 Ratings00 Ratings
Update personal information8.4599 Ratings00 Ratings
View company policy documentation7.7419 Ratings00 Ratings
Employee recognition8.9219 Ratings00 Ratings
View job history7.6492 Ratings00 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.4
103 Ratings
5% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Tracking of all physical assets8.4103 Ratings00 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
6.3
601 Ratings
18% below category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Report builder6.4592 Ratings00 Ratings
Pre-built reports6.4592 Ratings00 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data6.0416 Ratings00 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.6
394 Ratings
8% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
New hire portal9.1384 Ratings00 Ratings
Manager tracking tools8.2338 Ratings00 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.5
257 Ratings
6% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Corporate goal setting8.0215 Ratings00 Ratings
Individual goal setting8.9236 Ratings00 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility8.4201 Ratings00 Ratings
Performance tracking8.6241 Ratings00 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.1
283 Ratings
3% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Performance plans8.6262 Ratings00 Ratings
Performance improvement plans8.4225 Ratings00 Ratings
Review status tracking7.4265 Ratings00 Ratings
Review reminders8.3260 Ratings00 Ratings
Multiple review frequency7.7234 Ratings00 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
8.3
131 Ratings
6% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
-
Ratings
Create succession plans/pools9.2104 Ratings00 Ratings
Candidate ranking7.9113 Ratings00 Ratings
Candidate search7.9118 Ratings00 Ratings
Candidate development8.4106 Ratings00 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Dayforce
9.2
302 Ratings
16% above category average
SmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
8.6
127 Ratings
8% above category average
Job Requisition Management9.5284 Ratings9.8109 Ratings
Company Website Posting9.5277 Ratings9.9114 Ratings
Publish to Social Media9.0233 Ratings7.5112 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting9.5265 Ratings8.0116 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention7.8229 Ratings9.6114 Ratings
Applicant Tracking9.5276 Ratings9.9126 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts9.5272 Ratings9.9119 Ratings
Customized Application Form00 Ratings9.7104 Ratings
Resume Management00 Ratings5.6119 Ratings
Candidate Search00 Ratings8.1122 Ratings
Collaboration00 Ratings9.6117 Ratings
Task Creation and Delegation00 Ratings9.997 Ratings
Email Templates00 Ratings9.7114 Ratings
User Permissions00 Ratings9.7109 Ratings
Reporting00 Ratings1.7105 Ratings
Best Alternatives
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Small Businesses
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.3 out of 10
Breezy HR
Breezy HR
Score 8.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Breezy HR
Breezy HR
Score 8.9 out of 10
Enterprises
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
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User Ratings
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Likelihood to Recommend
8.5
(640 ratings)
7.9
(129 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.9
(89 ratings)
6.0
(15 ratings)
Usability
4.2
(60 ratings)
9.1
(12 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(12 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Performance
5.0
(13 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
8.9
(66 ratings)
9.0
(10 ratings)
In-Person Training
7.0
(11 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
7.3
(18 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.9
(44 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Configurability
9.0
(13 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
7.3
(9 ratings)
7.1
(12 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.9
(14 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
8.9
(18 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.9
(12 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
DayforceSmartRecruiters, now part of SAP SuccessFactors
Likelihood to Recommend
Dayforce
I think Dayforce is a great option for a large and/or Global organization. I do not think it would be the best fit for a very small company or business. It really shines for enterprise organizations with multi-locations. While a small business could use it, I would say it has too many bells and whistles that might feel overwhelming to a smaller organization.
Read full review
SAP
SmartRecruiters has allowed us to enable our hiring managers to self-service their requirements for recruitment, simplifying our internal processes. We have visibility of recruitment requirements and significantly improved our approvals process using the software. We have been able to configure our hiring processes relevant to different areas of the business. Collaboration for our hiring teams (managers and business partners) is simple and effective. Candidate experience is enhanced and engaging. The platform has brought many benefits to our Resourcing business partners and hiring managers. We have visibility and insightful data which has integrity, allowing us to make informed business decisions. Our offer process has seen significant improvements and provides an engaging candidate experience, previously this was a labour-intensive process that is now streamlined and automated. The recently launched Community for collaboration amongst customers is very helpful and insigtful for how other people are using the software and exploring ideas with each other
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Pros
Dayforce
  • Payroll - it shows everything in real time and it runs quickly.
  • People - Having all employee details from the offer letter to W2 information in the same spot.
  • Dayforce Wallet: The on-demand feature is fully integrated with Timesheets and Payroll. What shows in one will be in the other.
Read full review
SAP
  • Job Referrals - can easily refer others to a job posting and view the status
  • Job Postings - can easily search for job openings and read job description and criteria
  • Application online - Can easily apply for the job directly and see who the hiring manager and hiring recruiter is
Read full review
Cons
Dayforce
  • There have been a few instances of users being locked out of Ceridian due to recent upgrades. Not ideal when an employee wants to see their paystub and is suddenly have login issues.
  • Not the best for when an employee is transferred to another country as their employee number is locked to their SIN or SSN. And, we are required to create a new user record with a new employee number for the new country.
Read full review
SAP
  • Settings page can be difficult to navigate & find what you're looking for
  • Job approval chains would be better with additional qualifying fields so that we can segregate different areas of the business better
  • The ability to edit an existing offer template in-system would improve the experience, rather than having to edit offline and upload a whole new version.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Dayforce
We are highly invested in Ceridian's Dayforce product. It give us the flexibility and scaling that our growing company needs. Its potential reaches beyond the basic HR functions to the decision making that our Management Team needs. Ceridian is always innovating the employee and employee experiences to offer cutting edge options.
Read full review
SAP
I thoroughly enjoy using SmartRecruiters and have shared this feedback with those responsible, however I am not a decision maker in the process. I understand that at the moment there are lots of factors affecting the economy and business outcomes, so I cannot comment with certainty on the renewal of SmartRecruiters at this time, not involved in the confirmation of renewal.
Read full review
Usability
Dayforce
I think it's very usable for the employee. I don't think it is as easy for the HR/PR admins - especially if there is an issue. There are so many setup screens that need to be looked at to try to figure out why payroll isn't calculating properly, hours aren't feeding over correctly, or benefits are not calculating properly. For the most part, they can't do their own troubleshooting. The same is true for the managers. Our managers find it cumbersome to go into make any schedule changes after the schedules have been generated.
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SAP
I would give this rating as overall it a great combo of all your problems. With just one click you can get away with all your problems such as recruitment, candidate update, Interview scheduling, updating candidates, reports of a job perspective, and recruiters perspective. Usability is worth of SmartRecruiters. The dashboard is also very attractive and once you open you will love working on this platform again and again. I would say it is the best platform to use once for smooth work in your organization.
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Reliability and Availability
Dayforce
Dayforce's high availability ensures that our HR processes are supported around the clock, which is critical for a global organization like ours. The platform is cloud-based, offering reliable access from any location at any time, allowing our employees, managers, and HR teams to stay connected regardless of time zones or geographic locations. This level of availability ensures that payroll processing, employee self-service, and real-time data access continue uninterrupted, even during peak periods or unforeseen disruptions. The system’s robust infrastructure minimizes downtime, which is vital for operations that span multiple regions. Additionally, having a centralized platform that’s always available helps keep our teams aligned, ensures compliance, and facilitates timely decision-making across all our locations.
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SAP
Rarely is there an issue and if the product is down, it typically is restored quickly.
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Performance
Dayforce
We haven't noticed any slow-down due to the integration of Dayforce WFM with our Ceridian HPL products (HRIS and Payroll). The new HTML view of the timesheets don't load as quickly as the old Silverlight view - however, we have gotten used to the change.
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SAP
I have no complaints about performance. The system works virtually flawless.
Read full review
Support Rating
Dayforce
Most of the time the support is great; it's not always super efficient but I always get the help I need. Occasionally it takes a lot longer than we had hoped or get conflicting responses. We had one ticket recently where we were told we would have to pay the service team to support us on the project and then another person called the next day with the solution to our query and was able to find a solution easily. Generally, though, the response is great and they either walk me though how to do something via a Zoom Meeting or they email step-by-step instructions on how to do it and say if I have questions we can set up a meeting to discuss further.
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SAP
Response is normally very fast. There are times, however, when the response is not useful. It is difficult to work with the reporting and the offer letter templates, and the front line support agents usually are not very knowledgeable. Second, if there are any issues with integrations, the regular support agents will not be able to help you. You'll have to create that ticket and ask them to escalate it to an integration specialist.
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In-Person Training
Dayforce
Because the training we reviewed at Insights has changed how we use the system everyday. This is a key factor in our training.
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SAP
Quick and easy to learn.
Read full review
Online Training
Dayforce
The courses are very interactive and informative. There are classes for every topic, which allows you to make the most of the system. There are also some "go at your own pace" course which is a great option for a busy schedule.
Read full review
SAP
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Dayforce
Have a strong internal team. Communicate with your implementation team - they are there to make it work for you. Take the time to really think about how you want the system to work for you - in some cases, you may need to rethink your own business practices to see if you are working harder when the system could do it for you
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SAP
It really was a painless and easy process to switch to SmartRecruiters.
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Alternatives Considered
Dayforce
I can't speak much to how it would be if we had all of these features separately since I started with Dayforce all being integrated and have no other experience, but having it all in one place has made the completion of all of these HR tasks seamless. We can direct all of our energies into the same system, and it makes it easier to field employee inquiries and to troubleshoot when we need to
Read full review
SAP
I've really enjoyed using SmartRecruiters, but these other ATSs that we've checked out offer better reporting features and price points. Over time, we may be transitioning off of SmartRecruiters to one of these ATSs because the price is a set price where SmartRecruiters has employee-based pricing model. Also, these other software products offer better reporting features that would eliminate some of our manual tracking process that we're currently doing.
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Scalability
Dayforce
Overall, we are extremely happy with the Dayforce WFM module. Our biggest pain point is concerning the twice annual software upgrades - which is the only reason I haven't rated them as a '10'. Because every customer is configured differently, the upgrades can sometimes have adverse effects on our current configured policies/rules. And although they roll-out the upgraded version in a test environment several weeks before go-live, not all testing is accurate in that environment. Some issues do not present themselves until you are working with live punches.
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SAP
No explanation really, just a great product.
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Return on Investment
Dayforce
  • Performance Reviews/Comp used to be handled via paper and tracking/reporting was a nightmare - having all of that in the system is so much more efficient and provides huge ROI
  • Our organization used to have big problems with hiring managers going rogue and hiring positions that aren't approved by Finance - we built an approval workflow in the system that triggers before any req is approved which has completely solved this problem
  • Dayforce Wallet has been a huge perk for our employees - it's heavily used and our crew love it
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SAP
  • In terms of ROI, SR helped our business greatly in returning precious time to my productivity in business management, as well as my team's, so that we could get back to the main work we were hired for. The SR process did most of the heavy lifting.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Dayforce Screenshots

Screenshot of Dayforce HubScreenshot of Human Resources (Position Management)Screenshot of Dayforce Reporting & AnalyticsScreenshot of People AnalyticsScreenshot of Dayforce HR Service DeliveryScreenshot of Dayforce Flex Work