ADP Review

Pros

• Advanced employee management
• Strong payroll features
• Great customer support

Cons

• Non-transparent pricing
• Many additional fees
• Challenging to compare with other vendors

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

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 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

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’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 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?

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

The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆

ADP Payroll	Get A Quote

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	Get A Quote

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.

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