ADP Run vs Patriot Payroll: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and Patriot Payroll — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Patriot Payroll wins on our scorecard (8/10 vs 7.6/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 9 |
| Customer support | 6 | 7 |
| Features | 9 | 7 |
| Base Subscription | Varies (Quote Required) | — |
| Per-Employee Fee | Not Published | — |
| Tax Filing Fee | Included in tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Varies by package | — |
| Basic Payroll Base Fee | — | $17 / month |
| Full Service Base Fee | — | $37 / month |
| Per Employee Fee | — | $4 / month |
ADP Run in one paragraph
ADP Run is the gold standard for compliance-heavy small businesses, offering peace of mind that justifies its premium and sometimes opaque pricing.
Skip it if: You are a solopreneur with zero employees or you demand 100% transparent, flat-rate pricing online.
Patriot Payroll in one paragraph
Patriot Payroll is the best 'bang-for-your-buck' option for small teams who want simple compliance without the high-overhead costs of big-box payroll providers.
Skip it if: You need next-day direct deposit or integrated health insurance administration within the same dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or Patriot Payroll?
On our five-axis scorecard, Patriot Payroll scores higher (8/10 vs 7.6/10). Patriot Payroll is the best 'bang-for-your-buck' option for small teams who want simple compliance without the high-overhead costs of big-box payroll providers.
Who should skip ADP Run?
You are a solopreneur with zero employees or you demand 100% transparent, flat-rate pricing online.
Who should skip Patriot Payroll?
You need next-day direct deposit or integrated health insurance administration within the same dashboard.