Payroll alternatives

Looking for alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP?

3 curated alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP, each chosen for a specific reason — with the trade-offs spelled out.

Why people look for RUN Powered by ADP alternatives

RUN is usually compared with other small-business payroll providers that file taxes. Alternatives vary in published versus quoted pricing and how HR features are split across plans.

RUN is positioned for businesses with 1 to 49 employees
Applicant tracking and learning management are limited to the HR Pro package
Pricing is not published; businesses must request a quote
Time and attendance is an add-on rather than included

RUN Powered by ADP alternatives ecosystem

Curated alternatives, the category they share and the buying guides RUN Powered by ADP appears in. Every node links to its page.

How close is each alternative?

Placed by our editorial taxonomy (subcategory and category), not by a computed similarity score.

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Same subcategory

None in this set

Same category, different approach

Different category

None in this set

Alternative explorer

Pick an alternative to see why it made the list, how it differs from RUN Powered by ADP, and a side-by-side snapshot.

#1 · Online payroll and HR platform

Gusto

Not yet scored

Online payroll that calculates and remits payroll taxes, pays staff and contractors, and connects to a wide range of business apps.

Why it's on this list

Gusto also remits payroll taxes for US small employers, with a strong emphasis on app integrations and flexible pay runs.

Strengths

  • Handles federal, state and local payroll tax remittance
  • Supports both regular and off-cycle payroll runs

Watch out for

  • Payroll tax handling is described for US federal, state and local agencies
RUN Powered by ADP compared with Gusto
RUN Powered by ADPGusto
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk supportUS small businesses paying employees and contractors, Teams that want payroll linked to other business apps
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
#2 · Payroll and HCM platform

Paycor

Not yet scored

Payroll with automated tax filing, compliance alerts and a tiered path into HR, analytics and talent tools.

Why it's on this list

Paycor offers a similar tiered path into HR, with earned wage access and published plan tiers for under-50 businesses.

Strengths

  • Automated tax filing with W-2 and 1099 handling
  • Compliance alerts and paystub previews reduce payroll errors

Watch out for

  • Onboarding with E-Verify and the HR Support Center start at the Essential plan, not Basic
RUN Powered by ADP compared with Paycor
RUN Powered by ADPPaycor
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk supportGrowing businesses planning to add HR tools, Employers who want earned wage access for staff
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
Visit Paycor Official vendor sitePaycor review
#3 · Small-business payroll software

Patriot Software Payroll

Not yet scored

Straightforward payroll with a choice between doing your own tax filings or letting Patriot file federal, state and local taxes for you.

Why it's on this list

Patriot is a simpler option that lets owners file their own taxes on Basic or hand filing to Patriot on Full Service.

Strengths

  • Choice between self-filing Basic and done-for-you Full-Service payroll
  • Full-Service covers federal, state and local filings in all 50 states and D.C.

Watch out for

  • Tax filing covers US federal, state and local agencies
RUN Powered by ADP compared with Patriot Software Payroll
RUN Powered by ADPPatriot Software Payroll
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forUS businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk supportVery small US businesses, Owners comfortable filing their own payroll taxes
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified