ADP Run vs QuickBooks Online: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and QuickBooks Online — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: ADP Run wins on our scorecard (7.6/10 vs 7.3/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 6 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 9 |
| Base Pricing | Custom Quote Only | — |
| Direct Deposit | Included in most tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Additional Fee (varies) | — |
| Implementation Fee | $0 - $200 (often waived) | — |
| Simple Start Tier | — | $35/mo |
| Essentials Tier | — | $60/mo |
| Plus Tier | — | $90/mo |
| Advanced Tier | — | $200/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.
QuickBooks Online in one paragraph
The undisputed industry standard that justifies its high price through massive time savings and CPA compatibility.
Skip it if: You are a micro-business with fewer than 10 transactions a month and don't mind manual spreadsheets.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or QuickBooks Online?
On our five-axis scorecard, ADP Run scores higher (7.6/10 vs 7.3/10). A robust, scalable payroll powerhouse that excels in tax compliance but requires a sharp eye on contract terms and pricing hikes.
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 QuickBooks Online?
You are a micro-business with fewer than 10 transactions a month and don't mind manual spreadsheets.