ADP Run vs ZenBusiness: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of ADP Run and ZenBusiness — 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 7.2/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 6 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| 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) | — |
| Starter Tier | — | $0 + State Fees |
| Pro Tier | — | $199/year |
| Premium Tier | — | $299/year |
| Registered Agent (Standalone) | — | $199/year |
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.
ZenBusiness in one paragraph
ZenBusiness is a top-tier choice for effortless LLC formation, provided you are vigilant about disabling the expensive annual subscription add-ons.
Skip it if: You are comfortable navigating your state's Secretary of State website and want to avoid high-margin recurring compliance fees.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, ADP Run or ZenBusiness?
On our five-axis scorecard, ADP Run scores higher (7.6/10 vs 7.2/10). 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 ZenBusiness?
You are comfortable navigating your state's Secretary of State website and want to avoid high-margin recurring compliance fees.