ADP Run vs Wave: Complete Comparison 2026

An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.

ADP Run

7.8(5,600 reviews)

Small business payroll from ADP, the world's largest payroll provider. Automatic tax filing and compliance built on decades of expertise.

8.0(5,600 reviews)

Free accounting software for small businesses with invoicing, receipts, and financial reporting.

Aspect	ADP Run	Wave
Best For	Businesses in multiple states needing bulletproof tax compliance	Bootstrapped startups and new businesses
Pricing Model	Contact Sales	Freemium
Starting Price	$59/mo	Free
Deployment	cloud	cloud
Platforms	WEB, IOS, ANDROID	WEB, IOS, ANDROID
Rating	7.8/10	8.0/10

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

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