SAP SuccessFactors vs. UKG: Expert Reviews (2026)

By Phil Gray
COO with 20 years scaling people ops & culture at high-growth tech companies.

We review tools independently, and commissions help fund our testing. See our transparency policy, our methodology, or suggest a tool.

SAP SuccessFactors offers a comprehensive solution for managing your workforce with efficiency and adaptability.

UKG, on the other hand, delivers an integrated approach to workforce management and human capital. While both platforms aim to enhance HR operations, their approaches and specific strengths can differ, making one potentially more suitable for your unique needs. 

In this article, we'll compare these HCM software options, exploring their features, pros and cons, pricing, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is an HCM system that manages employee performance, payroll, recruitment, and HR processes efficiently.
SAP SuccessFactors is an HCM system that manages employee performance, payroll, recruitment, and HR processes efficiently.
Customer rating

3.8/5

Pricing
  • 30-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request

UKG

UKG offers HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all teams.
UKG offers HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all teams.
UKG Pro streamlines HR, payroll, and workforce management into a unified platform.
UKG Pro streamlines HR, payroll, and workforce management into a unified platform.
UKG streamlines payroll processing with accurate, automated solutions.
UKG streamlines payroll processing with accurate, automated solutions.
UKG enhances talent management with comprehensive recruitment and development tools.
UKG enhances talent management with comprehensive recruitment and development tools.
UKG offers AI-driven suggestions for learning and performance alerts.
UKG offers AI-driven suggestions for learning and performance alerts.
UKG centralizes employee data for easy tracking and management.
UKG centralizes employee data for easy tracking and management.
Customer rating

4.3/5

Pricing
  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Why Trust Our Software Recommendations

6,700+

Reviews

20

Industry experts

16+

Evaluation factors

14

Years

Our team has been testing and reviewing software since 2012. As HR experts ourselves, we know how difficult—and important—it is to choose the right software.

For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria. We also draw on insights from industry thought leaders and practicing HR experts.

Our reviews reflect our human editorial judgment, not a sales pitch.

Expert reviewers:

SAP SuccessFactorsUKG
Free Trial30-day free trialFree demo available
PricingPricing upon requestPricing upon request

SAP SuccessFactors vs. UKG Pricing & Hidden Costs

SAP SuccessFactors pricing is typically structured on a subscription basis, with costs potentially varying based on the number of users and selected modules, which can lead to additional expenses.

Similarly, UKG pricing follows a subscription model, often customized to the organization's size and specific needs, which might also include hidden fees for extra features or services.

To choose the right vendor, evaluate your organization's specific HR needs and consider factors such as scalability, support, and integration capabilities.

Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis and requesting detailed pricing proposals from each vendor can help you make a well-informed decision.

With SAP SuccessFactors’s talent management feature, you can effectively align your team’s skills with your organizational goals, making it ideal for strategic workforce planning. UKG’s time and attendance tracking is great for ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance, particularly in industries with shift-based work.

While SAP SuccessFactors enhances strategic planning, UKG supports operational efficiency with its robust time management.

SAP SuccessFactorsUKG
2-Factor AuthenticationNoYes
360 Degree FeedbackNoYes
APIYesYes
Application TrackingYesYes
Attendance TrackingYesYes
Batch Permissions & AccessNoYes
Compliance TrackingNoYes
DashboardYesYes
Data ExportNoYes
Data ImportNoYes
Data VisualizationNoYes
Employee DatabaseYesYes
Employee EngagementYesYes
Employee Incentive ManagementYesYes
Employee OnboardingYesYes
Employee TrainingNoYes
Expense TrackingNoYes
External IntegrationsYesYes
Feedback ManagementNoYes
Multi-UserNoYes
NotificationsYesYes
PayrollYesYes
Performance AppraisalNoYes
SchedulingYesYes
Time ManagementNoYes
TimesheetsYesYes
Travel ManagementNoNo
Vacation & Absence CalendarNoYes

IntegrationSAP SuccessFactorsUKG
Microsoft 365✅✅
Google Workspace✅✅
Salesforce✅✅
Slack✅✅
QuickBooks❌✅
Xero❌✅
DocuSign✅❌
Dropbox❌✅
API✅✅
Zapier✅✅

With SAP SuccessFactors's integration with DocuSign, you can streamline your document signing process, which is particularly useful for onboarding new hires quickly and efficiently. UKG's integration with QuickBooks is great for managing payroll and financial data effortlessly, especially for businesses seeking seamless accounting workflows. 

While SAP SuccessFactors enhances document management, UKG provides robust financial management capabilities.

FactorSAP SuccessFactorsUKG
Data EncryptionSAP SuccessFactors uses advanced encryption protocols to protect data in transit and at rest.UKG also implements strong encryption methods to secure user data.
Regulatory ComplianceSAP SuccessFactors complies with global standards like GDPR and ISO 27001.UKG adheres to compliance standards such as SOC 2 and GDPR.
Data PrivacySAP SuccessFactors offers robust privacy controls to manage user data access.UKG provides detailed privacy settings to help control data sharing.
Uptime ReliabilitySAP SuccessFactors guarantees 99.9% uptime with regular system updates.UKG ensures high availability with its redundant infrastructure.

Both SAP SuccessFactors and UKG offer strong security and compliance features, but your choice should depend on which specific standards and reliability guarantees align best with your needs. 

To evaluate these features, consider reviewing each vendor's compliance certifications and uptime commitments, and prioritize those that match your industry's requirements.

FactorSAP SuccessFactorsUKG
User InterfaceSAP SuccessFactors provides a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies navigation.UKG offers a modern, user-friendly dashboard that enhances accessibility.
Onboarding ExperienceSAP SuccessFactors includes step-by-step guides to aid new users in setup.UKG provides interactive tutorials to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.
CustomizationSAP SuccessFactors allows extensive customization to tailor the platform to your needs.UKG offers flexible configuration options to suit different workflows.
SupportSAP SuccessFactors provides 24/7 support with a comprehensive knowledge base.UKG offers robust customer support along with a detailed help center.

SAP SuccessFactors excels in customization, making it easier to adapt the platform to specific needs, but its setup can be more complex. UKG shines with its user-friendly interface, though some might find its customization options less extensive compared to SAP SuccessFactors.

SAP SuccessFactors

Pros
  • It offers comprehensive talent management tools that streamline your team's recruitment and performance tracking.
  • Its robust analytics provide valuable insights to help you make data-driven decisions.
  • The platform's scalability supports your growing business needs without compromising performance.
Cons
  • The user interface can be complex, which might slow down your team's workflow initially.
  • Customizing the software to fit specific needs often requires additional support.
  • Navigating the extensive features may require more training for effective use.
Read SAP SuccessFactors Review (opens in a new window)

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is an HCM system that manages employee performance, payroll, recruitment, and HR processes efficiently.
SAP SuccessFactors is an HCM system that manages employee performance, payroll, recruitment, and HR processes efficiently.
  1. Large EnterprisesSAP SuccessFactors scales efficiently to handle large employee bases and complex workflows.
  2. Healthcare IndustryThe software’s compliance and regulatory features are ideal for the healthcare sector’s stringent requirements.
  3. Manufacturing SectorIts robust analytics help you optimize workforce allocation and improve operational efficiency.
  4. HR DepartmentsYour team benefits from its complete suite of tools for managing recruitment, performance, and employee development.
  5. Talent Acquisition TeamsThe platform’s recruitment features streamline your hiring processes and improve candidate experience.
  6. Global CompaniesSAP SuccessFactors supports multiple languages and currencies, perfect for managing your international workforce.

Who Should Use SAP SuccessFactors, and Who Should Use UKG?

In my opinion, SAP SuccessFactors is best suited for large enterprises that need extensive customization and robust talent management features.

If your team values in-depth analytics and global compliance capabilities, SAP SuccessFactors might be the right fit. On the other hand, I believe UKG is ideal for mid-sized companies looking for a user-friendly interface and strong time management tools.

If your organization prioritizes ease of use and seamless payroll integration, UKG could be the better choice.

CustomizationSAP SuccessFactors

Offers extensive customization for tailored solutions.

UKG

Provides flexible configuration but less extensive customization.

IntegrationsSAP SuccessFactors

Integrates well with tools like DocuSign for document management.

UKG

Offers robust integrations with QuickBooks for financial management.

PricingSAP SuccessFactors

Subscription-based pricing with potential additional module costs.

UKG

Subscription model often customized to organization size and needs.

Talent ManagementSAP SuccessFactors

Strong talent management features for strategic workforce planning.

UKG

Focuses more on time and attendance tracking for operational efficiency.

User InterfaceSAP SuccessFactors

Features a clean, intuitive interface for easy navigation.

UKG

Offers a modern, user-friendly dashboard for enhanced accessibility.

Read SAP SuccessFactors Review (opens in a new window)

Automation

Both provide automation tools to streamline HR tasks, saving your team time and reducing errors.

Compliance

Each complies with major standards like GDPR, helping your organization meet regulatory requirements.

Security

Both platforms use strong encryption to protect data, ensuring your information is secure and private.

Subscription Model

Both use a subscription-based pricing model, allowing you to scale costs based on your needs.

User Support

They offer robust support and comprehensive help centers to assist your team with any issues.

Read SAP SuccessFactors Review (opens in a new window)