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 7.3/10).
| Scored on | ADP Run | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Starter Plan | — | $0 + State Fees |
| Pro Plan | — | $199/year |
| Premium Plan | — | $299/year |
| Registered Agent (Standalone) | — | $199/year |
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.
ZenBusiness in one paragraph
A sleek, tech-forward formation service that is 'free' to start but requires aggressive management of add-on subscriptions to remain affordable.
Skip it if: Skip it if you are comfortable spending 20 minutes on your Secretary of State's website to save $200 annually on 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 7.3/10). 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 ZenBusiness?
Skip it if you are comfortable spending 20 minutes on your Secretary of State's website to save $200 annually on compliance fees.