ADP Run vs Square POS: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and Square POS — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Square POS wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | Square POS |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 6 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 9 |
| Base Subscription | Varies (Quote Required) | — |
| Per-Employee Fee | Not Published | — |
| Tax Filing Fee | Included in tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Varies by package | — |
| Monthly Software Fee | — | $0 (Free tier available) |
| In-Person Swipe/Tap | — | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Online/Invoiced Sale | — | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Instant Transfer Fee | — | 1.75% per transfer |
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.
Square POS in one paragraph
Square is the fastest way to accept credit cards without a monthly fee, but high-volume businesses will eventually outgrow its flat-rate pricing.
Skip it if: Skip it if you process over $25,000 per month or sell high-risk items like CBD, as you'll save thousands elsewhere and face fewer account freezes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or Square POS?
On our five-axis scorecard, Square POS scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10). Square is the fastest way to accept credit cards without a monthly fee, but high-volume businesses will eventually outgrow its flat-rate pricing.
Who should skip ADP Run?
You are a solopreneur with zero employees or you demand 100% transparent, flat-rate pricing online.
Who should skip Square POS?
Skip it if you process over $25,000 per month or sell high-risk items like CBD, as you'll save thousands elsewhere and face fewer account freezes.