ADP Run vs Patriot Payroll: 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.
Patriot Payroll
Budget-friendly payroll software starting at $17/month. Basic and full-service options for very small businesses under 20 employees.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | ADP Run | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance | Very small businesses under 20 employees where cost is the top priority |
| Pricing Model | Contact Sales | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $59/mo | $17/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID | WEB |
| Rating | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
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
Patriot Payroll
Pros
- Cheapest payroll on the market — Full Service at $37/month + $4/employee is half the cost of Gusto
- Transparent pricing with no contracts, no setup fees, and no hidden costs
- Free US-based customer support that actually picks up the phone quickly
- Basic Payroll option at $17/month is perfect for businesses comfortable filing their own taxes
- Seamless integration with Patriot Accounting if you use both products
Cons
- Dated interface that looks like it was designed a decade ago
- No benefits brokerage — you need separate insurance and 401(k) providers
- Time tracking is a separate add-on product, not built into payroll
- No native mobile app — the mobile experience is a responsive web version
- Limited scalability — not designed for companies growing past 50-100 employees
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADP Run | contact sales | $59/mo |
| Patriot Payroll | subscription | $17/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose ADP Run if...
Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance
Choose Patriot Payroll if...
Very small businesses under 20 employees where cost is the top priority
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.