ADP Run vs Xero: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and Xero — 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 7.1/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 6 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Base Subscription | Varies (Quote Required) | — |
| Per-Employee Fee | Not Published | — |
| Tax Filing Fee | Included in tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Varies by package | — |
| Early Plan | — | $15/month (est.) |
| Growing Plan | — | $42/month (est.) |
| Established Plan | — | $78/month (est.) |
| Standard User Limit | — | Unlimited |
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.
Xero in one paragraph
Xero is a robust, cloud-native accounting powerhouse best suited for owners who want unlimited users and collaborative access for their accountant.
Skip it if: Skip it if you require immediate phone support or have complex, multi-location physical inventory needs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or Xero?
On our five-axis scorecard, ADP Run scores higher (7.6/10 vs 7.1/10). ADP Run is the gold standard for compliance-heavy small businesses, offering peace of mind that justifies its premium and sometimes opaque 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 Xero?
Skip it if you require immediate phone support or have complex, multi-location physical inventory needs.