ADP Run vs Gusto: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and Gusto — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Gusto wins on our scorecard (7.9/10 vs 7.7/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 9 | 9 |
| Base Monthly Fee | Varies (Custom quote required) | — |
| Per Employee Fee | Varies (Typically $4 - $6) | — |
| Tax Filing | Included in base price | — |
| W-2 Prep | Additional per-form fee | — |
| Simple Base Fee | — | $40/mo |
| Simple Per-Person | — | $6/mo |
| Plus Base Fee | — | $80/mo |
| Contractor Only Base | — | $35/mo |
ADP Run in one paragraph
ADP Run is the safest, most robust choice for small businesses that prioritize compliance and scale over the lowest possible price.
Skip it if: Skip it if you are a solo freelancer who only needs to pay yourself once a month and wants a transparent, sub-$50 price tag.
Gusto in one paragraph
Gusto is the gold standard for small business payroll automation, trading high-touch human support for a near-perfect digital interface.
Skip it if: You have a complex multi-state employee base and require a dedicated, 24/7 human account manager to handle manual tax adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or Gusto?
On our five-axis scorecard, Gusto scores higher (7.9/10 vs 7.7/10). Gusto is the gold standard for small business payroll automation, trading high-touch human support for a near-perfect digital interface.
Who should skip ADP Run?
Skip it if you are a solo freelancer who only needs to pay yourself once a month and wants a transparent, sub-$50 price tag.
Who should skip Gusto?
You have a complex multi-state employee base and require a dedicated, 24/7 human account manager to handle manual tax adjustments.