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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

RUN Powered by ADP vs ADP Workforce Now

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score RUN Powered by ADP #1 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ADP
ADP Workforce Now #6 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit ADP

RUN Powered by ADP leads on 0 checks, ADP Workforce Now on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreRUN Powered by ADP · 9.2/10
  • Most featuresRUN Powered by ADP · 3 of 3

RUN Powered by ADP scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

RUN Powered by ADP is the better fit for small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll. ADP Workforce Now is the better fit for mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite.

  • RUN Powered by ADP fits best

    Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll

  • ADP Workforce Now fits best

    Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite

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Side by side

Feature RUN Powered by ADP 9.2/10 Visit ↗ ADP Workforce Now 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #1 in Small Business Payroll Software #6 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat · 24/7 Phone, Docs
Compliance 2FA SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business Mid-market, Enterprise
Features RUN Powered by ADP 3/3 · ADP Workforce Now 0/3
Tax filing included ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Direct deposit ✓ (best) 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 Unclear Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Files federal, state and local payroll taxes.
  • Automates recurring payroll and supports direct deposit.
  • Offers employee self-service plus tiered HR support.
  • 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
  • Plan prices are quote-based rather than published.
  • HR support features depend on the selected package.
  • Only Clover is listed as an integration.
  • 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

RUN Powered by ADP brings payroll processing and HR services together for small businesses. Payroll can be handled online, by phone or through a mobile app, with tax filing, direct deposit and an employee portal for pay history and tax…

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. RUN Powered by ADPSmall Business Payroll Software 9.2Pricing on request
  2. ADP Workforce NowSmall Business Payroll Software 8.7Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RUN Powered by ADP — where it wins

    • Files federal, state and local payroll taxes.
    • Automates recurring payroll and supports direct deposit.
    • Offers employee self-service plus tiered HR support.

    Where it doesn't

    • Plan prices are quote-based rather than published.
    • HR support features depend on the selected package.
    • Only Clover is listed as an integration.

  • 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
  • RUN Powered by ADP9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    Full-service payroll with tax filing, direct deposit and optional HR support.

    Visit ADPFull 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