ADP Run vs BambooHR: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and BambooHR — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: ADP Run wins on our scorecard (7.3/10 vs 6.9/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 6 |
| Customer support | 5 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Base Monthly Fee | Varies by quote (typically $50-$160) | — |
| Per-Employee Fee | Varies (typically $2-$5 per check) | — |
| Implementation Fee | Often waived with promotions | Varies by headcount |
| W-2 Filing Fee | Varies by tier | — |
| Essential Tier | — | Quote-based (Estimated $6-$8/pepm) |
| Advantage Tier | — | Quote-based (Estimated $12-$15/pepm) |
| Payroll Add-on | — | Varies (Estimate $75+ base + fee/employee) |
ADP Run in one paragraph
A robust, corporate-grade payroll engine that excels at tax compliance but can be pricey due to hidden fees and tiered service levels.
Skip it if: You are a solopreneur with only one or two employees who wants a simple, flat-rate monthly fee.
BambooHR in one paragraph
A premium, polished HR command center that saves massive time for teams of 15+, provided you can stomach the 'hidden' costs of add-ons.
Skip it if: You have fewer than 10 employees and a limited budget—the per-employee cost doesn't justify the features yet.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or BambooHR?
On our five-axis scorecard, ADP Run scores higher (7.3/10 vs 6.9/10). A robust, corporate-grade payroll engine that excels at tax compliance but can be pricey due to hidden fees and tiered service levels.
Who should skip ADP Run?
You are a solopreneur with only one or two employees who wants a simple, flat-rate monthly fee.
Who should skip BambooHR?
You have fewer than 10 employees and a limited budget—the per-employee cost doesn't justify the features yet.