ADP Run vs FreshBooks: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and FreshBooks — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: FreshBooks wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 7 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Base Pricing | Custom Quote Only | — |
| Direct Deposit | Included in most tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Additional Fee (varies) | — |
| Implementation Fee | $0 - $200 (often waived) | — |
| Lite Plan (Monthly) | — | $19.00 |
| Plus Plan (Monthly) | — | $33.00 |
| Premium Plan (Monthly) | — | $60.00 |
| Additional Team Member | — | $11/mo |
ADP Run in one paragraph
A robust, scalable payroll powerhouse that excels in tax compliance but requires a sharp eye on contract terms and pricing hikes.
Skip it if: You are a solopreneur with zero employees or a tiny team that prioritizes the lowest possible monthly cost.
FreshBooks in one paragraph
FreshBooks is the best-in-class choice for service-based owners who value their time over a low monthly bill.
Skip it if: You have a high volume of low-paying clients that would trigger the expensive Premium tier caps.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or FreshBooks?
On our five-axis scorecard, FreshBooks scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10). FreshBooks is the best-in-class choice for service-based owners who value their time over a low monthly bill.
Who should skip ADP Run?
You are a solopreneur with zero employees or a tiny team that prioritizes the lowest possible monthly cost.
Who should skip FreshBooks?
You have a high volume of low-paying clients that would trigger the expensive Premium tier caps.