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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

QuickBooks Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score QuickBooks Payroll #2 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit QuickBooks
ADP Workforce Now #6 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit ADP

QuickBooks Payroll leads on 0 checks, ADP Workforce Now on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreQuickBooks Payroll · 9.1/10
  • Free trialonly QuickBooks Payroll
  • Most featuresQuickBooks Payroll · 1 of 3

QuickBooks Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks. ADP Workforce Now is the better fit for mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite.

  • QuickBooks Payroll fits best

    U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks

  • ADP Workforce Now fits best

    Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature QuickBooks Payroll 9.1/10 Visit ↗ ADP Workforce Now 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #2 in Small Business Payroll Software #6 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $50/mo —
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 5 integrations 1 integrations
Features QuickBooks Payroll 1/3 · ADP Workforce Now 0/3
Tax filing included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Direct deposit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Pay frequencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Worker pay types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll runs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
  • Includes next-day direct deposit and an employee self-service portal
  • Available on web, iOS, and Android
  • Combines payroll with HR records, benefits, and talent workflows
  • Supports time entry, PTO approvals, and automated scheduling
  • Mobile self-service and API integrations support connected workflows
Cons
  • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month, plus $7 per employee monthly
  • Time tracking and scheduling are limited to higher-tier plans
  • Direct deposit timing and other features vary by plan
  • Public pricing uses a sales contact rather than numeric prices
  • Small-business fit is not indicated
  • Payroll processing and tax filing details are limited
Our verdict

QuickBooks Payroll is Intuit’s cloud payroll service for small businesses, including restaurants and other hospitality operators. It handles payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments, and provides direct deposit, employee access to…

Read the review →

ADP Workforce Now brings payroll together with HR recordkeeping and workforce management for mid-sized and enterprise organizations. Its scope includes employee profiles, onboarding, benefits administration, performance workflows, time…

Read the review →
  1. QuickBooks PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 9.130-day trial
  2. ADP Workforce NowSmall Business Payroll Software 8.7Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins

    • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
    • Includes next-day direct deposit and an employee self-service portal
    • Available on web, iOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month, plus $7 per employee monthly
    • Time tracking and scheduling are limited to higher-tier plans
    • Direct deposit timing and other features vary by plan

  • ADP Workforce Now — where it wins

    • Combines payroll with HR records, benefits, and talent workflows
    • Supports time entry, PTO approvals, and automated scheduling
    • Mobile self-service and API integrations support connected workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Public pricing uses a sales contact rather than numeric prices
    • Small-business fit is not indicated
    • Payroll processing and tax filing details are limited
  • QuickBooks Payroll9.1/10 · 30-day trial

    Automates payroll taxes and direct deposit for small businesses in the QuickBooks ecosystem.

    Visit QuickBooksFull verdict →
  • ADP Workforce Now8.7/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad payroll and HR platform for mid-sized and enterprise organizations.

    Visit ADPFull verdict →

More comparisons

All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update