Payroll doesn’t need to be a pain

‘ve been there. Running payroll at 11 PM because you spent all day putting out fires. Wrestling with software that seems designed for companies ten times your size. Opening that monthly bill and wondering if you’re paying for features you’ll never use.

If you’re considering alternatives to ADP RUN, you’re making a smart move to evaluate what’s truly right for your business. After helping dozens of small business owners transition between payroll systems, I’ve seen firsthand how the right solution can save not just money, but precious time and unnecessary stress.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at realistic options that might better serve your needs.

What business owners actually need from payroll software

Before diving into alternatives, let’s be honest about what matters:

• Reliability: Your team needs to get paid accurately and on time, every time
• Cost that makes sense for your business size and complexity
• Support when you need it — because payroll questions rarely arise during business hours
• Ease of use that doesn’t require an accounting degree

Great alternatives to ADP RUN

Certainly! Below is an in-depth comparison table of top alternatives to ADP RUN, focusing on key features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison of Top ADP RUN alternatives

Feature/Provider	Gusto	Paychex	QuickBooks Payroll	Square Payroll	Rippling
Pricing	Starts at $40/month + $6 per user	Custom pricing	Starts at $45/month + $5 per user	$35/month + $6 per user	Starts at $8 per user
Payroll Processing	Unlimited payroll runs; direct deposit; tax filing	Payroll processing; tax administration	Unlimited payroll runs; next-day direct deposit; tax filing	Unlimited payroll runs; direct deposit; tax filing	Automated payroll; global payroll capabilities
Tax Compliance	Federal, state, and local tax filing	Federal, state, and local tax compliance	Automatic tax calculations and filings	Automatic tax calculations and filings	Automatic tax calculations and filings
Benefits Management	Health insurance; 401(k); workers’ comp	Health insurance; 401(k); workers’ comp	Health insurance; 401(k); workers’ comp	Health insurance; 401(k); workers’ comp	Health insurance; 401(k); workers’ comp
Time Tracking	Integrated time tracking	Time and attendance solutions	Time tracking available	Integrated time tracking	Integrated time tracking
HR Tools	Onboarding; PTO management	Employee onboarding; HR compliance	Employee onboarding; HR support center	Employee onboarding; HR support center	Full HR suite; device management
Mobile App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Phone; email; chat support	24/7 phone and chat support	Phone and chat support	Phone and chat support	Phone; email; chat support
Ideal For	Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one solution	Businesses needing robust payroll and HR services	Businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting	Small businesses using Square POS	Growing businesses needing scalable HR and IT solutions

Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. It’s recommended to contact each provider for the most current information.

Key takeaways:

• Gusto is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one solution with comprehensive payroll and HR features.

• Paychex offers robust payroll and HR services, suitable for businesses needing comprehensive support.

• QuickBooks Payroll is a great fit for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting, providing seamless integration.

• Square Payroll is tailored for small businesses using Square POS, offering straightforward payroll solutions.

• Rippling provides scalable HR and IT solutions, suitable for growing businesses with diverse needs.

When choosing a payroll provider, consider factors such as pricing, features, integration capabilities, and the specific needs of your business to ensure the best fit.

Gusto: When you want simplicity without sacrificing features

Why some business owners prefer it over ADP RUN:

I use Gusto for my business and I love it, but just because it’s my first pick doesn’t mean it should be yours.

I like Gusto because it was built specifically for small businesses, not adapted down from enterprise software. This shows in everything from its straightforward pricing ($40/month + $6 per employee) to its refreshingly clear interface.

The business owners I know who love Gusto point to three things:

• The time saved on employee onboarding (employees self-onboard with clear instructions)
• The integrated benefits administration without the usual hassle
• The peace of mind from automated tax filings that just work

Where it might fall short: If you have employees in many states or need sophisticated job costing, you might outgrow Gusto eventually. But for most small businesses, it hits the sweet spot of functionality without overwhelm.

Paychex: For growing businesses that need human support

Why it might work better than ADP for you:

While both ADP and Paychex are established players, many business owners find Paychex more accommodating to mid-sized businesses (10-200 employees).

What makes the difference for many:

• Access to dedicated payroll specialists who know your business
• More flexible pricing structures that can be negotiated as you grow
• HR support that feels like an extension of your team, not just a software feature

Worth knowing: Like ADP, Paychex is a comprehensive solution, which means it’s not the cheapest option. But businesses that benefit most see it as investing in expertise, not just software.

QuickBooks Payroll: For users who value integration

Why it makes sense if you’re already in the QuickBooks ecosystem:

The seamless data flow between your accounting and payroll saves hours of reconciliation work every month. At $45/month + $5 per employee, it’s also typically more affordable than ADP.

The business owners who get the most value:

• Those who handle their own books and want everything in one system
• Businesses that need same-day direct deposit (ADP often takes longer)
• Companies with straightforward payroll needs who don’t want to pay for complexity they don’t use

Important consideration: QuickBooks Payroll works best when you’re all-in on QuickBooks. If you use different accounting software, you’ll lose the main advantage.

Square Payroll: simplicity for retail, restaurant, and service businesses

Why it outshines ADP for certain businesses:

If you’re already using Square for point-of-sale, the integration with Square Payroll ($35/month + $6 per employee) creates an effortless flow from time tracking to paycheck.

Business owners who find it invaluable:

• Retail shops and restaurants where staff clock in and out on the same system used for sales
• Service businesses like salons where tips need to be properly tracked and taxed
• Small teams that need simplicity over advanced features

Keep in mind: Square Payroll has fewer HR features than the other options. It’s a payroll solution first and foremost.

Rippling: for tech-forward businesses ready to modernize operations

What makes it different from ADP:

Rippling takes a fundamentally different approach, unifying payroll, HR, IT, and benefits administration in one platform. It’s built for modern, often distributed workforces.

Business owners who find it transformative:

• Those managing remote or hybrid teams across multiple states
• Companies tired of disconnected systems and duplicate data entry
• Businesses looking for automation that actually saves meaningful time

Honest assessment: Rippling requires a bigger commitment to change how you operate. It’s not just switching payroll providers—it’s reimagining your entire people operations workflow.

So which should you choose?

All of these solutions are good solutions, so I wouldn’t feel bad about choosing any of them. After helping businesses through this transition, I’ve learned that making the right choice comes down to knowing yourself.

Ask yourself:

• How much time can you realistically invest in learning a new system?
• What causes you the most frustration with your current payroll process?
• Will you need personalized support, or are you comfortable with primarily digital help?
• How important is cost versus capability for your current stage?

Choosing a payroll solution that works for you

No payroll solution is perfect, including ADP RUN. The best choice depends on your specific situation, growth plans, and tolerance for change.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by ADP’s complexity, yearning for better integration with your other systems, or simply looking to reduce costs, these alternatives offer viable paths forward.

The most important thing? Don’t settle for payroll software that makes your work harder. The right solution should fade into the background, reliably handling this essential function while you focus on growing your business.

Would you like a personalized recommendation based on your specific business needs? I’m happy to offer more tailored guidance—just reach out and let me know more about your situation.

---

This guide is updated regularly to reflect current pricing and features. Last updated: March 2025.