ADP Run vs Gusto: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
ADP Run
Small business payroll from ADP, the world's largest payroll provider. Automatic tax filing and compliance built on decades of expertise.
Gusto
4.6(5,247 reviews)
Payroll and HR platform for small businesses with benefits, compliance, and hiring tools.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | ADP Run | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance | Small businesses and startups (1-100 employees) |
| Pricing Model | Contact Sales | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $59/mo | $40/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.8/10 | 4.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
ADP Run
Pros
- Tax compliance engine covers all 50 states and 12,000+ local jurisdictions — the most thorough in the industry
- 75+ years of payroll expertise means edge cases that break other tools are routine for ADP
- Strong integration ecosystem with 300+ apps including QuickBooks, Xero, and major time clocks
- Dedicated 500+ compliance team updates your system proactively when tax laws change
- Scalable path to ADP Workforce Now when you outgrow 50 employees
Cons
- Pricing requires a sales call — no transparent pricing on the website
- Interface feels dated compared to Gusto and Rippling, needs more clicks for basic tasks
- Add-ons for time tracking, HR support, and retirement drive up costs quickly
- Phone support quality varies — some reps are excellent, others read from scripts
- Contract terms can lock you in for a year with early termination fees
Gusto
Pros
- Excellent payroll that handles all 50 states flawlessly
- Easy setup—most companies run first payroll same day
- Affordable benefits access typically reserved for larger companies
- Clean, intuitive interface for employers and employees
- Strong customer support for complex payroll questions
Cons
- HR features are basic compared to dedicated HRIS platforms
- Gets expensive as employee count grows past 50
- Limited international capabilities—US focused
- Reporting and analytics could be more powerful
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADP Run | contact sales | $59/mo |
| Gusto | subscription | $40/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose ADP Run if...
Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance
Choose Gusto if...
Small businesses and startups (1-100 employees)
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.