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 | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Base Pricing | Custom Quote Only | — |
| Direct Deposit | Included in most tiers | — |
| W-2/1099 Filing | Additional Fee (varies) | — |
| Implementation Fee | $0 - $200 (often waived) | — |
| Early Plan | — | $15/mo |
| Growing Plan | — | $42/mo |
| Established Plan | — | $78/mo |
| Gusto Payroll Add-on | — | Varies |
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.
Xero in one paragraph
Xero is a powerful, sleek alternative to QuickBooks that excels for businesses with international needs, provided you don't mind the lack of phone support.
Skip it if: Skip it if you need to call a human being on the phone whenever you have a software question.
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). 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 Xero?
Skip it if you need to call a human being on the phone whenever you have a software question.