ADP Run vs Wave: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and Wave — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Wave wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 9 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 7 |
| Base Pricing | Custom Quote Only | — |
| Direct Deposit | Included in most tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Additional Fee (varies) | — |
| Implementation Fee | $0 - $200 (often waived) | — |
| Starter Plan | — | $0/mo |
| Pro Plan | — | $16/mo |
| CC Processing (Visa/MC) | — | 2.9% + $0.60 |
| CC Processing (Amex) | — | 3.4% + $0.60 |
| ACH Processing | — | 1% ($1 min) |
| Payroll (Tax Service) | — | $40 + $6/employee |
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.
Wave in one paragraph
Wave remains the gold standard for free invoicing and simple bookkeeping for solo service providers, provided you don't mind limited support.
Skip it if: Skip it if you sell physical inventory or plan to scale to a 10+ person team within the next year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or Wave?
On our five-axis scorecard, Wave scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10). Wave remains the gold standard for free invoicing and simple bookkeeping for solo service providers, provided you don't mind limited support.
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 Wave?
Skip it if you sell physical inventory or plan to scale to a 10+ person team within the next year.