ADP Run vs Gusto

ADP Run

ADP Run is a payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses with 1-49 employees. It is powered by ADP, the world's largest payroll provider, giving small businesses access to enterprise-grade payroll processing and compliance tools. ADP Run offers multiple plan tiers from basic payroll to full HR suite depending on the business needs.

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Gusto

Gusto is a full-service payroll platform built for small businesses in the US. It handles payroll taxes automatically, offers employee benefits administration, and includes onboarding tools that make it easy to bring on new hires. Gusto is known for its clean interface and transparent pricing, making it a top choice for founders managing payroll for the first time.

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Pros

• ✓Backed by ADP's decades of payroll expertise and compliance knowledge
• ✓Scalable — can grow with your business to ADP Workforce Now
• ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
• ✓Extensive integration ecosystem

Cons

• ✗Pricing is not transparent and can be expensive compared to competitors
• ✗Customer service quality can be inconsistent
• ✗Upselling of additional services reported by customers
• ✗Interface is less modern than newer payroll tools

Pros

• ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing saves hours each month
• ✓Transparent flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
• ✓Excellent onboarding flow with offer letters and e-signatures
• ✓Strong benefits administration including health, dental, and 401k

Cons

• ✗International payroll is limited and requires third-party tools
• ✗Can get expensive as headcount grows beyond 50 employees
• ✗Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise tools

Best For

Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand

Best For

Small businesses under 100 employees wanting full-service payroll with benefits