RUN Powered by ADP vs. ADP Workforce Now: Comparison & Expert Reviews For 2026

By Phil Gray
COO with 20 years scaling people ops & culture at high-growth tech companies.

We review tools independently, and commissions help fund our testing. See our transparency policy, our methodology, or suggest a tool.

RUN Powered by ADP offers a straightforward payroll solution ideal for small businesses, while ADP Workforce Now provides a comprehensive platform suited for larger organizations with more complex needs.

The main difference lies in their scalability and target audience, making them suitable for different business sizes and requirements. In this article, you'll find a detailed comparison of the tools, including their features, pros and cons, pricing, and more, to help you decide which payroll software best fits your needs.

RUN Powered by ADP®

ADP RUN's dashboard offers an intuitive, all-in-one view for managing payroll, HR tasks, and employee data.
ADP RUN's dashboard offers an intuitive, all-in-one view for managing payroll, HR tasks, and employee data.
Customer rating

4.1/5

Pricing
  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now streamlines HR, payroll, time, and benefits in one platform.
ADP Workforce Now streamlines HR, payroll, time, and benefits in one platform.
Customer rating

4.1/5

Pricing
  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Why Trust Our Software Recommendations

6,700+

Reviews

20

Industry experts

16+

Evaluation factors

14

Years

Our team has been testing and reviewing software since 2012. As HR experts ourselves, we know how difficult—and important—it is to choose the right software.

For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria. We also draw on insights from industry thought leaders and practicing HR experts.

Our reviews reflect our human editorial judgment, not a sales pitch.

Expert reviewers:

RUN Powered by ADP®ADP Workforce Now
Free TrialFree demo availableFree demo available
PricingPricing upon requestPricing upon request

RUN Powered by ADP vs. ADP Workforce Now Pricing & Hidden Costs

RUN Powered by ADP pricing offers a flexible, subscription-based model tailored for small businesses; however, you may encounter additional fees for certain features or services. 

On the other hand, ADP Workforce Now pricing is typically more structured around the needs of larger enterprises, often involving tiered packages that could come with extra costs for advanced functionalities.

Selecting the right tool involves assessing your team's specific needs and the value each pricing model offers for those needs. 

Consider factors such as scalability, necessary features, and potential growth to ensure you choose a vendor that aligns with your long-term objectives.

With RUN Powered by ADP’s robust payroll system, you can efficiently manage payroll processes with alerts to prevent errors, making it ideal for small businesses that need a streamlined approach to payroll.
By contrast, ADP Workforce Now’s comprehensive HR management suite is great for larger organizations that require integrated solutions for payroll, HR, and talent management, providing a more holistic approach to workforce management.
While RUN Powered by ADP, excels in simplicity and ease of use, ADP Workforce Now offers depth and integration for complex HR needs.

RUN Powered by ADP®ADP Workforce Now
APIYesYes
Application TrackingYesYes
Attendance TrackingNoYes
BudgetingNoYes
Calendar ManagementNoNo
DashboardYesYes
Data ExportYesYes
Data ImportYesYes
Data VisualizationNoYes
Employee DatabaseYesYes
Employee Incentive ManagementNoYes
Employee OnboardingYesYes
Expense TrackingYesYes
External IntegrationsNoYes
Feedback ManagementNoYes
ForecastingYesNo
Multi-UserYesYes
NotificationsYesYes
PayrollYesYes
SchedulingYesYes
Time ManagementYesYes
TimesheetsYesYes
Travel ManagementNoNo
Vacation & Absence CalendarNoYes

IntegrationQuickBooksRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationXeroRUN Powered by ADP❌ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationMicrosoft TeamsRUN Powered by ADP❌ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationSlackRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now❌
IntegrationSalesforceRUN Powered by ADP❌ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationBambooHRRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationNetSuiteRUN Powered by ADP❌ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationG SuiteRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationAPIRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now✅
IntegrationZapierRUN Powered by ADP✅ADP Workforce Now✅

With RUN Powered by ADP's integration with QuickBooks, you can easily sync payroll data, saving time on manual entries and reducing errors, which is valuable for small businesses managing their finances. Similarly, ADP Workforce Now's integration with Salesforce is great for larger organizations that need to align HR and sales data, enhancing team collaboration and strategic planning.

While RUN Powered by ADP focuses on essential integrations for small business operations, ADP Workforce Now offers more specialized connections for comprehensive enterprise management.

FactorData EncryptionRUN Powered by ADPUses advanced encryption to protect sensitive payroll data during transmission and storage.ADP Workforce NowEmploys industry-standard encryption protocols to secure user data both in transit and at rest.
FactorRegulatory ComplianceRUN Powered by ADPAutomatically updates to comply with the latest federal and state regulations, ensuring payroll accuracy.ADP Workforce NowProvides comprehensive compliance tools and alerts to help your business adhere to changing laws and regulations.
FactorReliabilityRUN Powered by ADPOffers robust system uptime and regular backups to prevent data loss and ensure continuity.ADP Workforce NowGuarantees high availability and utilizes redundant systems to maintain seamless operations.

RUN Powered by ADP and ADP Workforce Now both provide strong security and compliance features, but ADP Workforce Now offers more comprehensive compliance tools for complex regulatory environments. 

To evaluate these tools, consider reviewing their encryption standards, compliance update processes, and system reliability guarantees to ensure they meet your organization's security needs.

FactorUser InterfaceRUN Powered by ADPFeatures a clean, straightforward interface that's easy to navigate, making payroll tasks simple.ADP Workforce NowOffers a more complex interface with customizable dashboards, which can be overwhelming initially.
FactorOnboarding ExperienceRUN Powered by ADPProvides a guided onboarding process with step-by-step instructions to help new users get started quickly.ADP Workforce NowOnboarding is comprehensive but may require more time due to its extensive features and setup options.
FactorSupportRUN Powered by ADPOffers accessible customer support with quick response times for resolving issues.ADP Workforce NowProvides robust support, including a dedicated account manager for more personalized assistance.

RUN Powered by ADP is easier to navigate with its straightforward interface, making it an ideal choice for small teams seeking simplicity.

However, ADP Workforce Now's extensive features and customizable options can be challenging, but they offer greater flexibility for larger organizations that need tailored solutions.

RUN Powered by ADP®

Pros
  • Offers a robust payroll system with logical processes and comprehensive reporting tools.
  • The platform includes a Document Vault for centralized document management.
  • It connects with ZipRecruiter via a hiring integration, allowing new hire data to sync into payroll.
Cons
  • 24/7 support is limited to payroll assistance and may take longer for other support needs.
  • Not ideal for large, enterprise-scale HR needs.
  • Limited integration access compared to the broader ADP ecosystem.
Read RUN Powered by ADP® Review (opens in a new window)

ADP Workforce Now

Pros
  • It simplifies payroll with efficient processing and error prevention alerts.
  • It offers a user-friendly self-service portal for employees to manage their details.
  • It provides excellent recruiting tools with integration to major job boards.
Cons
  • It lacks advanced customization options for workflows and reports.
  • Performance management features are scattered and less cohesive.
  • Advanced HR functions require add-ons, which can increase costs.
Read ADP Workforce Now Review (opens in a new window)

RUN Powered by ADP®

ADP RUN's dashboard offers an intuitive, all-in-one view for managing payroll, HR tasks, and employee data.
ADP RUN's dashboard offers an intuitive, all-in-one view for managing payroll, HR tasks, and employee data.
  1. Retail StoresADP RUN simplifies payroll processing, helping your team focus on customer service.
  2. RestaurantsIts user-friendly interface ensures accurate payroll, letting you manage tips and wages seamlessly.
  3. StartupsADP RUN offers essential HR tools without overwhelming you with features you don't need.
  4. FreelancersThe software's payroll capabilities help you organize payments and tax filings efficiently.
  5. NonprofitsADP RUN's basic HR functions allow your organization to focus on your mission rather than administrative tasks.
  6. Small OfficesThe platform's document management and reporting tools streamline your payroll and HR processes.

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now streamlines HR, payroll, time, and benefits in one platform.
ADP Workforce Now streamlines HR, payroll, time, and benefits in one platform.
  1. Retail CompaniesADP Workforce Now handles high employee turnover and scheduling needs effectively.
  2. Healthcare ProvidersIt manages complex compliance requirements and diverse staffing needs seamlessly.
  3. Finance DepartmentsIt offers robust payroll solutions that ensure accuracy and compliance.
  4. Recruitment TeamsIts excellent recruiting tools simplify job posting and candidate management.
  5. Human ResourcesHR teams benefit from its user-friendly interface and efficient onboarding features.
  6. Small BusinessesIt provides essential HR functions without overwhelming smaller teams with unnecessary complexity.

Who Should Use RUN Powered by ADP, and Who Should Use ADP Workforce Now?

In my opinion, RUN Powered by ADP is best for small businesses or startups that need a straightforward, easy-to-use payroll solution without the complexity of larger systems. If your team values simplicity and has a limited budget, RUN Powered by ADP fits well.

ADP Workforce Now, on the other hand, is ideal for medium to large enterprises that require comprehensive HR management and the flexibility to customize features for different departments. If your organization has complex HR needs and can invest in a more robust system, ADP Workforce Now is the better choice.

AutomationRUN Powered by ADP®

Limited automation focused on basic payroll processes.

ADP Workforce Now

Advanced automation for HR, payroll, and talent management tasks.

Features & FunctionalitiesRUN Powered by ADP®

Offers basic payroll features with minimal customization.

ADP Workforce Now

Provides extensive HR management and customization options.

PricingRUN Powered by ADP®

Flexible subscription model with potential additional fees.

ADP Workforce Now

Tiered pricing with comprehensive packages for larger needs.

Target AudienceRUN Powered by ADP®

Designed for small businesses needing simple payroll management.

ADP Workforce Now

Built for medium to large enterprises with complex HR needs.

User InterfaceRUN Powered by ADP®

Simple and easy-to-navigate interface for quick payroll tasks.

ADP Workforce Now

Complex interface with customizable dashboards for detailed management.

Read RUN Powered by ADP® Review (opens in a new window)
Read ADP Workforce Now Review (opens in a new window)

Compliance

The solutions automatically update to ensure compliance with the latest federal and state regulations, keeping your payroll accurate and up-to-date.

Customer Support

They provide accessible customer support, with RUN Powered by ADP offering quick responses and ADP Workforce Now providing dedicated account managers.

Data Security

RUN Powered by ADP and ADP Workforce Now offer advanced encryption to protect payroll data, ensuring your team's information is secure.

Integrations

Both offer integration capabilities with popular tools, such as QuickBooks and G Suite, ensuring seamless data flow across your business applications.

Payroll

Each platform delivers efficient payroll processing capabilities, allowing your team to manage payroll tasks accurately and on time.

Read RUN Powered by ADP® Review (opens in a new window)
Read ADP Workforce Now Review (opens in a new window)