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Head-to-head · Direct Deposit Payroll

RUN Powered by ADP vs OnPay

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score RUN Powered by ADP #1 in Direct Deposit Payroll 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit ADP
OnPay #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit OnPay

RUN Powered by ADP leads on 0 checks, OnPay on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 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
  • Free trialonly OnPay

RUN Powered by ADP scores higher on our rubric for direct deposit payroll: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

RUN Powered by ADP is the better fit for small businesses needing payroll and tax support. OnPay is the better fit for small employers with multi-state payroll needs.

  • RUN Powered by ADP fits best

    Small businesses needing payroll and tax support

  • OnPay fits best

    Small employers with multi-state payroll needs

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Side by side

Feature RUN Powered by ADP 9.2/10 Visit ↗ OnPay 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #1 in Direct Deposit Payroll #3 in Direct Deposit Payroll
Best for Small businesses needing payroll and tax support Small employers with multi-state payroll needs
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 Phone, Email, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Small business Small business, Mid-market
Features RUN Powered by ADP 2/2 · OnPay 2/2
Payroll tax filing ✓ ✓
Employee self-service ✓ ✓
Specs
Pay frequency Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deposit speed Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll countries Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Handles tax calculation, filing, depositing and reconciliation.
  • Supports direct deposit, checks and payroll across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Higher-tier plans add HR support, hiring and learning tools.
  • Runs payroll across all 50 states with tax filings and payments
  • Supports W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tips, and overtime
  • Offers unlimited pay runs, multiple schedules, and employee self-service
Cons
  • Plan prices require a quote rather than showing published amounts.
  • HR features are reserved for higher-tier packages.
  • Payroll check delivery is supported alongside direct deposit, not instead of it.
  • HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
  • No ongoing free plan is available
  • 24/7 support is not offered
Our verdict

RUN Powered by ADP brings payroll processing and HR options together for small businesses. Employers can run payroll online, by phone or through mobile apps, while employees can access pay history and tax forms. It supports recurring…

Read the review →

OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR service for small businesses, restaurants, and bars. It handles W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, with direct deposit, checks, and prepaid debit cards for employee payments. Payroll Essentials…

Read the review →
  1. RUN Powered by ADPDirect Deposit Payroll 9.2Pricing on request
  2. OnPayDirect Deposit Payroll 8.830-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RUN Powered by ADP — where it wins

    • Handles tax calculation, filing, depositing and reconciliation.
    • Supports direct deposit, checks and payroll across multiple jurisdictions.
    • Higher-tier plans add HR support, hiring and learning tools.

    Where it doesn't

    • Plan prices require a quote rather than showing published amounts.
    • HR features are reserved for higher-tier packages.
    • Payroll check delivery is supported alongside direct deposit, not instead of it.

  • OnPay — where it wins

    • Runs payroll across all 50 states with tax filings and payments
    • Supports W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tips, and overtime
    • Offers unlimited pay runs, multiple schedules, and employee self-service

    Where it doesn't

    • HR, time tracking, compliance, and live HR support are add-ons
    • No ongoing free plan is available
    • 24/7 support is not offered
  • RUN Powered by ADP9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    Small-business payroll with tax filing, direct deposit and optional HR tools.

    Visit ADPFull verdict →
  • OnPay8.8/10 · 30-day trial

    A multi-state payroll service with direct deposit, tax filings, and optional HR tools.

    Visit OnPayFull verdict →

More comparisons

All direct deposit payroll comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update