RUN Powered by ADP vs Gusto
Gusto and RUN Powered by ADP both handle payroll tax remittance and pay staff by direct deposit or check for US small businesses. Gusto emphasizes flexible pay runs, contractor payments and app integrations, while RUN organizes features into four packages that add hiring and HR support, with pricing provided by quote.
RUN Powered by ADP
Small-business payroll and HRChoose RUN Powered by ADP if… Choose ADP if you have 1 to 49 employees and want tax filing plus a clear path to HR help desk, handbook and applicant tracking tools.
Visit RUN Powered by ADP Official vendor site
Gusto
Online payroll and HR platformChoose Gusto if… Choose Gusto if you want payroll that connects easily with accounting, hiring and time-tracking apps and you pay a mix of employees and contractors.
Visit Gusto Official vendor siteKey differences
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion |  RUN Powered by ADP |  Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | VerifyVaries — see official pricing | VerifyVaries — see official pricing |
| Free plan | Not verified | Not verified |
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
| Platforms | Not verified | Not verified |
| Integrations | Not verified | Not verified |
| Support options | Not verified | Not verified |
| Best for | US businesses with 1 to 49 employees, Owners who want payroll plus HR help desk support | US small businesses paying employees and contractors, Teams that want payroll linked to other business apps |
| Main limitation | RUN is positioned for businesses with 1 to 49 employees | Payroll tax handling is described for US federal, state and local agencies |
| Editorial score | Not yet scored | Not yet scored |
Indicators summarise the text beside them: Included Varies Not available Verify (pricing not yet editor-verified). RUN Powered by ADP: Last checked: not yet verified by our editors · Gusto: Last checked: not yet verified by our editors.
Pricing matrix
RUN Powered by ADPPricing not yet verifiedPricing varies — check the official pricing page.
Official RUN Powered by ADP pricing ↗GustoPricing not yet verifiedPricing varies — check the official pricing page.
Official Gusto pricing ↗“From” is the lowest paid price listed for that billing period, as captured from the official page on the check date. Currencies are never converted; plans and limits differ, so compare the full plan tables on each review.
RUN Powered by ADP at a glance
Pros
- Tax filing and year-end forms included on every package
- Multiple pay options, including a pay card and checks
- HR help desk and handbook tools on Complete and HR Pro
Cons
- Pricing is not published; businesses must request a quote
- Time and attendance is an add-on rather than included
- HR help desk support starts at the Complete package
- RUN is positioned for businesses with 1 to 49 employees
- Applicant tracking and learning management are limited to the HR Pro package
Gusto at a glance
Pros
- Handles federal, state and local payroll tax remittance
- Supports both regular and off-cycle payroll runs
- Pays contractors separately from W-2 employees
Cons
- Garnishment remittance does not cover South Carolina, US territories or tribal agencies
- Payroll is funded by debits from the company bank account, so funds must be available ahead of pay day
- Payroll tax handling is described for US federal, state and local agencies