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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

RUN Powered by ADP vs Gusto

  • 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
Gusto #5 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Gusto

RUN Powered by ADP leads on 0 checks, Gusto 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 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

RUN Powered by ADP is the better fit for small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll. Gusto is the better fit for small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits.

  • RUN Powered by ADP fits best

    Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll

  • Gusto fits best

    Small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits

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Side by side

Feature RUN Powered by ADP 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Gusto 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #1 in Small Business Payroll Software #5 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll Small businesses pairing payroll with HR and benefits
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance 2FA SOC 2, HIPAA, 2FA
Integrations 1 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Small business Small business, Mid-market
Features RUN Powered by ADP 3/3 · Gusto 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.
  • Processes payroll and tax filings, with single- and multi-state options
  • Combines onboarding, PTO, time tracking, benefits, and employee records
  • Connects with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Slack, and Google Workspace
Cons
  • Plan prices are quote-based rather than published.
  • HR support features depend on the selected package.
  • Only Clover is listed as an integration.
  • No free plan is offered
  • The Contractor Only plan is limited to domestic contractor payments
  • Core payroll options differ by plan, including single- versus multi-state coverage
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 →

Gusto brings payroll, tax filings, benefits, and HR workflows into a cloud platform for small businesses. Employers can manage employee records, onboarding checklists, e-signatures, PTO, time tracking, and performance reviews, while…

Read the review →
  1. RUN Powered by ADPSmall Business Payroll Software 9.2Pricing on request
  2. GustoSmall Business Payroll Software 8.8Paid

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.

  • Gusto — where it wins

    • Processes payroll and tax filings, with single- and multi-state options
    • Combines onboarding, PTO, time tracking, benefits, and employee records
    • Connects with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Slack, and Google Workspace

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is offered
    • The Contractor Only plan is limited to domestic contractor payments
    • Core payroll options differ by plan, including single- versus multi-state coverage
  • RUN Powered by ADP9.2/10 · Pricing on request

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

    Visit ADPFull verdict →
  • Gusto8.8/10 · Paid

    Payroll with HR, benefits, onboarding, and time tracking in one cloud platform.

    Visit GustoFull 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