ADP Review
ADP offers customizable payroll solutions to small to large-sized businesses. See if this payroll software offers the right price point and features for your business.
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Expert Analyst & Reviewer
UPDATED
Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.
ADP Payroll
| Total Rating | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Poor |
| Features | Excellent |
| Customer Service | Good |
| Integrations | Excellent |
| Reviews | Fair |
Payroll Processing Time
VariablePricing
CustomBusiness Size
Small to enterprise-sized businesses (1-1,000+ users)ADP Payroll At A Glance
- ADP Payroll is a full-featured payroll software from Automatic Data Processing (ADP) with additional features, including HR tools and support, benefits administration, and marketing tools for small businesses.
- Excellent customer support makes ADP Payroll one of the best solutions for businesses looking for a reliable payroll software solution and expert support.
- ADP Payroll offers several pricing packages for small businesses with one to 49 employees and larger businesses with 50-1,000+ employees. A non-transparent pricing structure means that you’ll have to contact ADP for a quote.
Pros
- Advanced employee management
- Strong payroll features
- Great customer support
Cons
- Non-transparent pricing
- Many additional fees
- Challenging to compare with other vendors
Table of Contents
- What Is ADP Payroll?
- How Much Does ADP Cost?
- ADP Pricing Breakdown
- Is ADP Payroll Easy To Use?
- ADP Payroll Features
- ADP Payroll Customer Service
- ADP Payroll Integrations
- ADP Payroll Reviews
- Is ADP Payroll Secure?
- How Does ADP Compare With Other Payroll Software?
- The Final Verdict: Is ADP Payroll Worth It?
- ADP Payroll FAQs
What Is ADP Payroll?
ADP Payroll is software that offers customizable feature packages that include payroll runs, tax support, direct deposit, benefits administration tools, and HR support. Businesses using ADP will find a comprehensive payroll solution that’s on par with its competition when it comes to payroll features and outpaces the competition in the customer service category.
ADP is a payroll solution that small and enterprise-sized businesses alike can use, as the software offers a variety of packages and features. It’s a solid option for a company looking to grow, but it isn’t the cheapest for companies looking to save. Small businesses looking for a more affordable payroll solution might want to check out our Gusto review.
How Much Does ADP Cost?
The cost of ADP depends on business size, the number of employees, and which plan you choose. Roll by ADP starts at $29/month + $5/per employee.
Run by ADP and ADP Workforce offer four pricing levels each, but the prices are not advertised. You have to get an ADP payroll pricing quote based on your business size and feature needs by filling out an ADP pricing form online or contacting ADP directly.
ADP Pricing Breakdown
| ADP Payroll Plans | Price | When To Use |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Powered By ADP Essential | Custom | If you need basic payroll for up to 49 users |
| RUN Powered By ADP Enhanced | Custom | If you need basic payroll and advanced hiring and onboarding tools for up to 49 users |
| RUN Powered By ADP Complete | Custom | If you need basic payroll and HR support for up to 49 users |
| RUN Powered By ADP HR Pro | Custom | If you need advanced payroll and HR support for up to 49 users |
| ADP Workforce Now Payroll Essentials | Custom | If you need basic payroll for 50+ users |
| ADP Workforce Now Plus | Custom | If you need payroll and enhanced HR tools for 50+ users |
| ADP Workforce Now Hiring Advantage | Custom | If you need advanced recruitment and hiring support for 50+ users |
| ADP Workforce Now Performance Plus | Custom | If you need performance analytics and improvement tools for 50+ users |
The most important thing to know about ADP’s pricing is that you will need to schedule a chat with a salesperson to receive a quote for your business. ADP Payroll currently offers eight pricing packages based on business size. RUN Powered by ADP offers four pricing packages specifically for businesses with one to 49 employees. ADP Workforce Now provides four pricing packages specifically for businesses with 50-1,000+ employees.
When you sign up for ADP, you can expect a setup fee that usually gets waived with a contract. ADP generally offers customers two free months and reduced rates to sign a yearly contract. Each contract is different, but most request a 12-month commitment and are paid upfront. There is no termination fee, but there are no refunds for canceled contracts.
RUN Powered By ADP Essential
ADP Payroll’s RUN Powered by ADP Essential package costs are variable and includes:
- Direct deposit
- Reporting
- Payroll check delivery
- New-hire reporting
- Multistate payroll
- General ledger interface
- W-2s and 1099s
- Tax filing and support
- Direct debit cards for employees
- Option to run payroll via mobile app, online, or by phone
- Employee portal
- Employee discounts
- New-hire onboarding
- Google Ads setup support
- Wisely Direct Debit Card payment option
RUN Powered By ADP Enhanced
ADP Payroll’s RUN Powered by ADP Enhanced package costs are variable and includes everything in the Essential package, plus:
- Labor law posters
- State unemployment insurance (SUI) support
- Check-signing security features
- Background checks
- ZipRecruiter job postings
RUN Powered By ADP Complete
ADP Payroll’s RUN Powered by ADP Complete plan costs are variable and includes everything in the Enhanced package, plus:
- Support from HR professionals
- HR documents and forms
- Employee handbook customization
- HR training and toolkits
- HR employee tracking tool
RUN Powered By ADP HR Pro
ADP Payroll’s RUN Powered by ADP HR Pro package costs are variable and includes everything in the Enhanced package, plus:
- Designated HR professional team
- Company training
- Harassment prevention courses
- Enhanced employee handbook creation support
- Advanced marketing tools and advice
- Prepaid legal services through Upnetic
ADP Payroll Workforce Now Packages
ADP Payroll’s Workforce Now packages have variable costs and include everything in the RUN Powered by ADP package, plus:
- Advanced payroll features
- Enhanced HR tools (HR Plus and up)
- Digital record storage (HR Plus and up)
- Enhanced onboarding tools (HR Plus and up)
- Advanced compensation management tools (Performance Plus)
- Advanced performance management (Performance Plus)
Extra ADP Payroll Costs & Fees
| ADP Payroll Extra Costs | Price |
|---|---|
| Time & Attendance Tracking | Custom |
| Health Insurance | Custom |
| Workers' Compensation | Custom |
| Retirement Plan Benefits | Custom |
| Advanced Workforce Management | Custom |
| Enhanced Analytics | Custom |
| Advanced HR Assistance | Custom |
| Learning Management | Custom |
| Small Business Marketing | Custom |
ADP Payroll has quite a few extra fees associated with its pricing package add-ons, which isn’t unusual for payroll software. However, the company does have a bad reputation for charging significant fees for benefits integration, such as retirement fund management, workers’ compensation, and health insurance. Time tracking and attendance are also left as an add-on for businesses on RUN Powered by ADP pricing packages.
Larger businesses on ADP Payroll’s Workforce Now payroll packages will also have to pay extra for advanced features. On the upside, leaving advanced features as add-ons rather than rolling them into pricing packages allows businesses to build solutions that match their needs and pay only for the features they will use.
Is ADP Payroll Easy To Use?
ADP is easy to use and well-organized. ADP is surprisingly intuitive for such advanced software in terms of features, and the setup process comes with guided support. When it’s time to enter employees and set up your payroll schedule, ADP wants to make sure you feel supported. An ADP representative will walk all users through a tutorial and provide links for access to your payroll.
ADP is entirely cloud-based, so no downloads or installation are required. As a cloud-based payroll solution, ADP is compatible with any device with an internet connection. ADP also offers a mobile app so that you can even run your payroll on the go.
For a more in-depth look at how easy it is to use the software, check out our step-by-step guide on how to run ADP payroll.
ADP Payroll Features
| ADP Payroll Features | Availability |
|---|---|
| Payroll Tax Support | |
| Auto-Schedule Payroll | |
| Bonus Payroll | |
| Off-Cycle Payroll | |
| Employee Management | |
| Paid Time Off | |
| Time Tracking | Add-on only |
| HR Support | |
| Onboarding Support | |
| Benefits Administration | Add-on only |
| Number Of Reports | 17+ |
On the surface, ADP Payroll has all the essential features that a business would need to run payroll, regardless of which pricing plan your business uses. When you look under the hood, you’ll find that ADP Payroll has jam-packed a ton of features into its software. Comparatively, the quality and breadth of ADP Payroll’s features are on par with other industry leaders, such as QuickBooks Online Payroll and Gusto.
You’ll pay more to access some of the platform’s more advanced features, such as benefits administration, advanced reporting, enhanced HR support, time tracking, and marketing tools. However, if you opt to pay for add-ons or choose a higher tier, you’ll find powerful features and integrations that can automate the payroll process and simplify business operations for both you and your employees.
ADP Payroll Customer Service
| ADP Payroll Support | Availability |
|---|---|
| Phone Support | |
| Email Support | |
| Support Tickets | |
| Live Chat | |
| Dedicated Support Representative | |
| Knowledge Base or Help Center | |
| Videos & Tutorials | |
| Company Blog | |
| Social Media |
ADP Payroll’s customer service team is responsive but struggles to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. The few complaints about customer service center around one issue: lengthy wait times to talk to experts. Like many other payroll services, the individuals answering calls for ADP’s customer service are amazing but lack specific knowledge about payroll, taxes, insurance, or any other complicated questions business owners may have.
Finding someone who can answer your specific tax question or problem can be challenging — but people work hard for ADP’s customer support. That hard work shows in the company’s reputation and attentiveness to concerns.
ADP Payroll Integrations
ADP has over 134 compatible software integrations for its RUN Powered by ADP solution. For users on ADP Payroll’s Workforce Now plans, there are currently 389 integrations available. The software also includes payroll APIs that are available to developers. For businesses paying contractors, ADP’s Payroll packages integrate with ADP’s WorkMarket solution, which offers 1099 contractor hiring, onboarding, verification, and management.
ADP integrates with several POS systems, including Deputy, Dolce, SuperSalon, 7Shifts, Clover, and other solutions. For time and attendance software, ADP works with ClockShark, Deputy, Homebase, MakeShift, and QuickBooks Time.
ADP Payroll Reviews
ADP Payroll’s customer reviews aren’t very stellar. The platform dropped substantially to a 2.1 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, with customers united in the opinion that the customer service representatives, while earnest, aren’t usually able to sort out problems. Additionally, 401(k) management and services seem to be a source of trouble for many customers. The company is responsive to complaints and gets back to customers.
However, ADP earns high ratings on TrustRadius and Capterra, though these ratings are typically related to the software’s Workforce Now offering. Customers who had good things to say about the company were thrilled with the simplicity of running payroll with its software. The most commonly mentioned features in positive customer reviews were simplified tax filings, responsive customer service, and a solid mobile app.
Negative ADP Payroll Reviews
- Poor 401(k) management
- Long customer service wait times
- Trouble canceling services
Positive ADP Payroll Reviews
- Easy to use
- Good debit card service
- Quick payments
- Many integrations
Is ADP Payroll Secure?
ADP Payroll is a very secure platform. The company uses physical and technical security measures to protect its data and users. ADP keeps up with security threats and is transparent about resolution issues and threat statuses. Overall, ADP Payroll users can feel confident that their data will be safe within the platform.
Here are some of ADP Payroll’s security features:
- Security alerts system
- Vulnerability reporting
- Internal security training
- Fraud prevention
- Internal and external audits
- ISO compliance
- Security resources for businesses
How Does ADP Compare With Other Payroll Software?
With advanced tax support, excellent employee management features, and great HR tools, ADP can easily handle the payroll needs of most businesses. Are you looking for a payroll software solution and wondering how ADP compares to Gusto, QuickBooks, or Paychex? Check out our ADP payroll software comparisons below.
| ADP | Gusto | QuickBooks Online | Paychex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Custom | From $40/month + $6/employee to $80/month + $12/employee | $45/month +$5/person to $125/month + $10/person | Starting at $39/month + $5/employee |
| Business Size | Small to enterprise-sized businesses | Small to large-sized businesses | Small to mid-sized businesses | Small to enterprise-sized businesses |
| Number Of Users | Up to 1,000+ | Up to 650+ | 150-user limit | No limit |
| Number Of States Supported | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Payroll Processing Time | Variable | Next-day to 4 days | Same-day to 5 days | Same-day to 2 days |
| Quality Of Features | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Quality Of Support | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
ADP VS Gusto
Both Gusto and ADP offer full-service payroll, strong HR features, many integrations, time tracking, benefits administration, and much more. ADP and Gusto can support small to medium-sized businesses looking for basic payroll. However, Gusto’s contractor-only plan, pricing transparency, and unlimited payroll processing make it a more affordable small business payroll software than ADP.
When it comes to payroll software for large businesses and enterprises, ADP has the edge over Gusto. ADP boasts stronger international payroll options and has the robust recruiting, employee management, and 50-state benefits administration that bigger businesses need to best manage their workforce.
If you want to learn more about the differences between Gusto and ADP, including a pricing and feature breakdown, check out our in-depth Gusto vs. ADP comparison.
ADP VS QuickBooks
Both ADP and QuickBooks Online can support businesses’ payroll needs with features that include time tracking, benefits administration, mobile apps, auto-scheduled payroll runs, and a few more payroll basics. However, ADP has stronger reporting features, local tax support, add-on services, and no user limit, which gives it the edge over QuickBooks Online.
Our ADP vs. QuickBooks Online comparison takes a deeper dive into the differences between Quickbooks and ADP, including a detailed look into which businesses each option would best serve.
ADP VS Paychex
ADP and Paychex are solid payroll software options for small to enterprise businesses looking for a full-service payroll solution with strong employee management and HR features.
Both options can easily handle basic payroll tasks; ADP takes things a step further with options such as auto-scheduled payroll runs and a small business marketing toolkit. On the flip side, Paychex offers business insurance, emergency loans, and transparent pricing that may attract some businesses. However, that just scratches the surface of the differences between ADP and Paychex.
Check out our ADP vs. Paychex comparison for an in-depth exploration of the differences between the two payroll software options.
The Final Verdict: Is ADP Payroll Worth It?
| ADP Payroll Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom |
| Choose If You Need |
|
Merchant Maverick’s final verdict is that ADP is a great payroll program for larger businesses. For small businesses with between one and 49 employees, the bells and whistles aren’t worth the extra cost.
It can also be frustrating to go into a sales situation and not know if you are getting a great or a mediocre deal. Without transparent pricing, a sales call meant to discuss a demo and relevant questions can seem more like a hard sell. Maybe negotiating gives you a thrill, but to me, it’s an emotional burden business owners don’t need.
Is ADP a good payroll program? Yes. The interface and integrations are solid, and many people without any technological savvy will appreciate its easiness. Do reps go above and beyond to assist clients? Yes. If it’s important to you to have 24/7 access to support, ADP has you covered. If these are priorities for you, we recommend that you reach out to ADP for a quote.
If you want to know more about what you should expect in terms of pricing and features, check out our post on choosing the right ADP payroll services for your business.
However, despite ADP’s standing as a solid industry leader, this payroll system may not be appropriate for a small business unless it has plans to grow.
ADP Payroll FAQs
Davina Ward
Expert Analyst & Reviewer
A New York native, Davina earned her BA in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2018. After graduating, she began her career as a freelance writing generalist before finding a niche writing about SaaS. Davina unironically enjoys testing and reviewing software on her free time but otherwise can be found oscillating between hobbies every few weeks or so — most recently, longboarding.
View Davina Ward's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
ADP Payroll |
|---|
After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see ADP Payroll for yourself.
The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
ADP Payroll |
|---|
After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see ADP Payroll for yourself.
This is a very amazing.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: GG LLC
High fees with non existent customer service!! Billed me twice in one month and no resolution after two weeks. 30 minute hold times. Do your self a favor and find another company
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Lancesoft
Everyone beware that your previous compensation is readily available for purchase and especially for a 3rd party to capture if the next employer is using ADP. Yes, once I logged into the employee portal, I could see my compensation from my previous employer. REALLY BAD ETHICS and not to mention your previous compensation history can be worked against anyone, people need to understand this.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: SDL
Since I started with ADP over a month ago, I have had no less than nine (9) service requests for errors on ADP’s part. This includes IRS notices, withholding errors and overpayments. The hold times are insane and the damage they have done to my Quickbooks has cost me days. I would steer clear of ADP at all costs. Just trying to save someone else this nightmare.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rp
Absolutely the worst company. I have numerous delinquent notices from EDD because of their non filing of payroll documents. Everything from not filing to no filing late. The penalties and interest just keep adding up. Don’t use them. Still trying to get this resolved.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
We use ADP Workforce Now and their PEO services. I have used ADP Run for years and it’s very easy to use and have had no issues until COVID and then it involved being on hold for long periods of time to get a question answered from customer service. Workforce Now is cumbersome and very difficult to use. I have been processing payroll for years. Previously using ADP Run it would take me about 15 minutes to process payroll. Using Workforce Now it usually take me an entire day. Additionally their PEO services are awful! It has taken a week to receive a response to emails, difficult to reach our sales person unless you call or text them directly. They rarely answer their emails. Many times I have been on hold for 30 minutes and my employees too, to get a question answered. Definitely, would not recommend to anyone. They even canceled one of my employees health benefits for turning in FMLA paperwork late – the guy was in a coma due to COVID, he couldn’t fill out the paperwork. Everything is done via email and some of our employees are not overly computer savvy.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Nimbus Private Shuttle LLC
ADP stabs and bleeds you before you even know it. As a small business owner, paying ADP for advice and payroll services was the worst decision of my entrepreneurship. From a Small business owner I would like to warn other new entrepreneurs to avoid this company. Their advice for me as a self employed and Sole proprietor of my business in Connecticut, was to place myself on payroll and pay CT’s labor taxes. This went on for 2 and a half years until I moved out of the state on 12/31/2019 and had to close my business. Now, during this pandemic I find myself unemployed, so as I tried to collect unemployment which was the only reason I was told to pay that to begin with, Connecticut tells me that they do not see a sole proprietor as also an employee, and that I did NOT have to pay payroll or CT labor taxes for all that time. Furthermore, ADP was supposed to do my quarterly filings for the year 2019 which they only did the first quarter. I got charged late fees from CT for not filing and in one occasion had my account garnished.As if that wasn’t bad enough, ADP had submitted my SS number incorrectly since the beginning. By the middle of 2019 when I figured out my SS # was incorrect, they tried to charge me to fix it. After proving that my paperwork was correct and the error had come on their end they said “we will take care of it”. Well, they did change my SS # on my paperwork, but they never went back to the previous year and a half to fix their error. Now I have to prove to CT that my SS is the one I claim it is.I paid a few thousand dollars to this company to run the side of my business I didn’t want to (and didn’t know how to) run. Well, they did “Run” with my money.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: IAS (Independent Consultant)
Just wondering. How much a Mid Size Co. have to pay for ADP system?
Example: 1,200 employees (all features).
Regards,
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Hi Vane,
You’d need to contact ADP for a quote specific to your business.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
I am an employee. This company withheld 15% of my paycheck in the middle of this covid 19 crises. Everyone else is helping and working with consumers. I explained to them what a hardship this will be. I also explained it was illegal and supplied physical proof attesting to the fact. The company authorizing them is completely shut down, not taking calls, not accep.oting priority over night mail. Yet, they still took my money. Heartless company
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: ADP
This company and their services are not accurate . The huge Mistake on W-2 – 2019 . Be careful and double check your W-2’s Total.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.