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Head-to-head · Direct Deposit Payroll

RUN Powered by ADP vs Patriot Payroll

  • 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
Patriot Payroll #4 in Direct Deposit Payroll 8.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Patriot

RUN Powered by ADP leads on 0 checks, Patriot Payroll 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 Patriot Payroll
  • Most featuresRUN Powered by ADP · 2 of 2

RUN Powered by ADP scores higher on our rubric for direct deposit payroll: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

RUN Powered by ADP is the better fit for small businesses needing payroll and tax support. Patriot Payroll is the better fit for small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit.

  • RUN Powered by ADP fits best

    Small businesses needing payroll and tax support

  • Patriot Payroll fits best

    Small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit

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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature RUN Powered by ADP 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Patriot Payroll 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #1 in Direct Deposit Payroll #4 in Direct Deposit Payroll
Best for Small businesses needing payroll and tax support Small businesses seeking low-cost direct deposit
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $17/mo
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 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Small business Small business, Mid-market
Features RUN Powered by ADP 2/2 · Patriot Payroll 1/2
Payroll tax filing ✓ ✓
Employee self-service ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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.
  • Basic Payroll includes free direct deposit and unlimited payrolls.
  • Automatic payroll, employee and contractor portals, and payroll reports are included.
  • Full Service adds federal, state, and local tax filings and deposits.
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.
  • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer.
  • Tax filing requires the $37-per-month Full Service Payroll plan.
  • Time and attendance is optional rather than included.
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 →

Patriot Payroll is online payroll software for U.S. businesses, nonprofits, charities, and foundations. It handles payroll calculations, direct deposit or printable checks, and supports both employees and contractors through separate…

Read the review →
  1. RUN Powered by ADPDirect Deposit Payroll 9.2Pricing on request
  2. Patriot PayrollDirect Deposit Payroll 8.730-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.

  • Patriot Payroll — where it wins

    • Basic Payroll includes free direct deposit and unlimited payrolls.
    • Automatic payroll, employee and contractor portals, and payroll reports are included.
    • Full Service adds federal, state, and local tax filings and deposits.

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic Payroll leaves tax remittance to the employer.
    • Tax filing requires the $37-per-month Full Service Payroll plan.
    • Time and attendance is optional rather than included.
  • RUN Powered by ADP9.2/10 · Pricing on request

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

    Visit ADPFull verdict →
  • Patriot Payroll8.7/10 · 30-day trial

    A low-cost payroll option for small businesses that can handle tax remittance themselves.

    Visit PatriotFull 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