24 Best ADP Competitors of 2024
10 Best ADP Competitors Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
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Finding the right HR software for your business can feel overwhelming with so many options available. You may be tempted to go with a well-known software system, like ADP Workforce Now, but there are other ADP competitors you might be curious about too. As an expert in testing HR software, I understand the nuances of what makes different HR platforms stand out.
Each of the ADP competitors in this list offers unique features to help organizations simplify payroll and compliance tasks, enhance employee engagement, and automate other HR processes so you can remain focused on growth and strategy. From comprehensive cloud suites that integrate every aspect of HR management to user-friendly platforms for small businesses, these options address common pain points such as inefficient data management, lack of scalability, and the complexity of global payroll.
What is ADP?
ADP Inc. (short for Automatic Data Processing Inc.) is a global leader in cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions, catering to businesses across the spectrum, from fledgling startups to sprawling multinational corporations. The platform delivers a robust suite of services encompassing payroll processing, talent acquisition and management, comprehensive human resources administration, benefits management, and meticulous time and attendance tracking systems.
Organizations gravitate towards ADP for its well-known ability to simplify complex HR workflows, monitor compliance details like changing tax codes and labor regulations, and enhance workforce management through sophisticated data analysis and actionable insights. Its scalable architecture allows for adaptation to diverse businesses' unique needs and growth trajectories, positioning ADP as a pivotal tool in strategically managing human resources across industries.
Why Consider an ADP Competitor?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider signing up for an ADP competitor, including:
- Cost: ADP is too expensive for your budget.
- Customization: ADP lacks the specific features your business needs.
- User Interface: ADP’s interface is not user-friendly.
- Customer Support: ADP's customer support does not meet your expectations.
- Integration: ADP does not integrate well with your other systems.
However, there are ADP alternatives out there that do check all these boxes. These options often align better with specific business needs, including cost, customization, user experience, support quality, and system integrations.
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Best ADP Competitors: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for the ADP competitors in this list to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| Rippling | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| TimeTrex | From $5/user/month | Website |
| SAP SuccessFactors | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Oracle Cloud HCM | From $4/user/month | Website |
| UKG Ready | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Paychex | From $39/month + $5/employee/month | Website |
| Zoho People Plus | From $10/user/month | Website |
| BambooHR | From $6.19/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Papaya Global | From $15/employee/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
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Best ADP Competitor Reviews
Here are my detailed summaries of the best ADP competitors that made it into my top 10 list, including notes on why I picked them. Each review offers a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best tool for you.
Deel is a comprehensive HR software platform designed to manage global payroll, compliance, and employee benefits. It simplifies the process of hiring and paying employees and contractors worldwide.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: Deel offers extensive localized expertise, crucial for companies with a global presence. The platform provides tailored compliance and tax support for over 150 countries, ensuring businesses meet regional legal requirements. Additionally, Deel's automated contract generation and localized agreements help companies avoid the complexities of international labor laws.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI, advanced reporting and analytics, customizable workflows, employee self-service portals, automated onboarding processes, expense management, multi-currency support, automated invoicing, and employee benefits administration.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, Gusto, Slack, and Expensify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Deel AI to help with workforce insights
- Built-in compliance with local labor laws
- Automated invoicing and payments
Cons:
- No mobile app
- Limited customization options
Rippling is a workforce management platform that integrates HR, IT, and finance tools to manage employee data and operations.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose Rippling for this list because it offers a unique combination of HR, IT, and finance management in one platform, which is rare in other tools. This makes it a strong competitor to ADP, especially for businesses looking to streamline multiple functions into a single system.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include global payroll, benefits management, IT device management, app provisioning, time tracking, and employee onboarding.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Checkr, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft 365, Jira, AWS, Github, Brex, and Carta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust analytics and workflow automation
- Strong global payroll capabilities
- Comprehensive integration of HR, IT, and finance
Cons:
- Complex setup for new users
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
TimeTrex is a versatile payroll and workforce management software designed to cater to the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: TimeTrex stands out as a strong alternative to ADP, particularly for businesses that need robust payroll and time and attendance tracking but don't require the extensive range of features ADP offers. While both platforms provide essential payroll functions like tax filings and direct deposit, TimeTrex differentiates itself with its focus on integrated time and attendance tracking, making it ideal for businesses where employee scheduling and time management are critical.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee scheduling, leave management, accrual tracking, biometric time clocks, job costing, payroll tax calculations, compliance management, customizable reporting, employee self-service portal, and automatic pay stub generation.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, ADP, MYOB, SAP, FreshBooks, Square, PayPal, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good reporting features with real-time data
- Automated payroll and tax calculations
- Advanced time tracking and scheduling
Cons:
- Occasionally challenging to navigate to certain features
- User interface is outdated
SAP SuccessFactors is a full-suite HRIS system focused on talent management and employee experience. It offers advanced talent management capabilities, making it ideal for large, complex, global workforces.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose SAP SuccessFactors for its robust talent management features and global capabilities. It stands out as a good ADP competitor due to its advanced performance management, compensation, and learning and development functionalities, which are crucial for large enterprises.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced functionality in performance management, compensation, learning and development, and recruitment. The software also offers absence management, time tracking, employee self-service, an organizational chart, goal management, and a library of 500+ SMART goal templates.
Integrations include ADP, UKG, Workday, Oracle, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, LinkedIn, and Docusign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Innovative performance and recruitment functionalities
- Integrated learning management system
- Advanced talent management features
Cons:
- Pricing details are not transparent
- Not suitable for small business owners
Oracle Cloud HCM is a cloud solution that connects every human resource process across your enterprise. It leverages AI to enhance employee experiences and workforce performance.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose Oracle Cloud HCM for the list because of its robust AI capabilities that enhance the employee experience. Its comprehensive suite of HR tools and AI-driven insights make it a strong competitor to ADP, especially for organizations looking to leverage AI for better workforce management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include core HR functions, workforce management, workforce modeling, talent management, strategic workforce and succession planning, career development, performance management, payroll, employee scheduling, and HCM analytics.
Integrates include SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Taleo, Kronos, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for large enterprises
- Strong AI capabilities
- Comprehensive HR suite
Cons:
- Complex pricing structure
- High minimum seat requirement
UKG offers comprehensive HR and workforce management solutions designed to enhance organizational efficiency and employee experience. It leverages AI to optimize workforce management processes.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose UKG for the list because of its robust AI-driven features that set it apart from traditional HR solutions. Its focus on leveraging AI for workforce management makes it a strong contender against ADP, especially for organizations looking to innovate their HR processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include HR and payroll management, tools for enhancing employee engagement, AI-powered analytics, and AI-driven scheduling and demand forecasting. UKG also offers a library of pre-built reports to help you visualize your employee data as bubble charts, heat maps, scatter graphs, and more.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Salesforce, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, ADP, QuickBooks, Xero, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong focus on employee engagement
- Comprehensive HR and payroll solutions
- Advanced AI capabilities for workforce management
Cons:
- Complex setup for smaller organizations
- Pricing details are not transparent
Paychex is ideal for all-in-one payroll and HR solutions designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their workforce efficiently. It is best known for its payroll software, Paychex Flex, and its extensive range of services, including payroll processing, HR management, time and attendance tracking, and benefits administration.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose Paychex for the list because it provides a robust suite of payroll and HR services that can be customized to fit businesses of any size. Its all-in-one platform simplifies payroll processing, HR management, and benefits administration, making it a strong competitor to ADP.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll processing, tax payments, time-tracking employee self-service, and health benefits administration, all within a single platform. Paychex also offers additional HR services such as HR consulting, hiring, employee onboarding, 401(k) retirement services, and PEO services, in case you want more hands-on help.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Gusto, BambooHR, Workday, Oracle, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong customer support
- Customizable solutions for different business sizes
- Comprehensive payroll and HR services
Cons:
- Limited to US-based businesses
- Additional HR features are only available as add-ons
Zoho People Plus is an integrated HR suite designed to streamline HR processes and enhance employee experiences.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose Zoho People Plus for the list because of its extensive customization options, which make it a versatile tool for various HR needs. It also comes with numerous Zoho modules — including Zoho Recruit, People, Expense, Connect, Cliq, and Vault, — offering multiple HR functions in a single platform, making it a strong contender against ADP.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include core HR, talent acquisition and candidate management tools, a careers website, performance management, talent management, new hire employee onboarding, expense management, internal employee engagement tools, and strong data security capabilities.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho Expense, Zoho Recruit, Zoho Projects, Zoho Analytics, Slack, G Suite, Office 365, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
- Full HR features in one platform
- Highly customizable workflows
Cons:
- Some features require additional Zoho products as add-ons
- Limited payroll management outside the US and India
BambooHR is best for user-friendly HR software due to its intuitive user interface and ease of use, making HR tasks simpler for small to medium-sized businesses.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose BambooHR for the list because it stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive HR functionalities. It simplifies HR tasks, making it easier for small to medium-sized businesses to manage their HR processes efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee database management, payroll processing, time tracking, benefits administration, hiring and onboarding, and performance management.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Xero, NetSuite, Okta, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zapier, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong focus on employee experience
- Comprehensive HR functionalities
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited payroll capabilities outside the US
- Limited customization options
Papaya Global is a platform for global payroll and compliance, offering full-service solutions for payroll, payments, and workforce management, including additional employer of record services.
Why it's a good ADP competitor: I chose Papaya Global for the list because it excels in managing global payroll and compliance, which is a critical need for multinational companies. Its ability to handle payroll in over 160 countries and ensure compliance with local regulations makes it a standout competitor to ADP.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll processing, compliance management, workforce analytics, and fraud prevention. It also provides a global workforce wallet for cross-border payments and a payroll card for flexible payments.
Integrations include Workday, NetSuite, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, BambooHR, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, and Gusto.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated payroll processing
- Strong compliance management
- Extensive global payroll coverage
Cons:
- Designed for companies with over 100 employees
- Higher starting price
Other ADP Competitors
Here are several other ADP competitors that didn’t make it into my top 10 shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Sage HR
Modular HR solution for small to medium-business
- Oyster HR
For global benefits provisioning
- Gusto
For automated payroll and benefits
- Workday
For a skills-based people strategy
- Namely
For mid-sized companies wanting customizable HR
- Paylocity
For modern workforce management
- QuickBooks Payroll
For integration with QuickBooks accounting software
- GoCo
For all-in-one HR software for modular pricing
- OnPay
For small businesses wanting full-service payroll support
- ZingHR
For AI-driven HR automation
- Keka HR
For user-friendly HR automations
- Insperity HCM
For scalable HR solutions
- Ceridian Dayforce HCM
For a unified HR and payroll system
- Trinet
For industry-specific HR services
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Selection Criteria for ADP Competitors
Choosing the right software solution involves evaluating the features and functionalities that meet specific business needs and pain points. As a software-testing expert, I've personally tried and researched many different payroll and HR service providers to make sure my recommendations are accurate.
Here’s a summary of the selection criteria I used to conduct my thorough evaluations for this list:
Core ADP Competitor Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:
- Process payroll accurately and on time
- Manage employee benefits and compensation
- Track employee attendance and leave
- Facilitate employee recruitment and new hire onboarding
- Generate compliance and regulatory reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me find the best software out of numerous available options, I also kept a keen eye out for unique features, including the following:
- AI-powered analytics AI to predict workforce trends and optimize scheduling
- Customizable dashboards you can tailor for specific HR metrics and KPIs
- Dedicated mobile apps (Android and iOS) for on-the-go HR and payroll management
- Employee engagement tools such as built-in engagement surveys and feedback collection mechanisms
- Integrated talent management tools covering performance management, learning development, upskilling, and internal mobility
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface with clear navigation
- Customizable views and workflows
- Responsive design for mobile and tablet use
- Clear and actionable insights without overwhelming users
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Step-by-step guides for initial setup
- Comprehensive training videos and tutorials
- Interactive product tours for key features
- Access to customer success teams for personalized onboarding
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- 24/7 customer support availability
- Multi-channel support via phone, email, and live chat
- Extensive knowledge base for self-service
- Dedicated account managers for personalized support
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- Transparent pricing models
- Cost-effective solutions that scale with business growth
- High functionality relative to the cost
- No hidden fees
- Free trial periods to assess value before purchase
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- High ratings for overall satisfaction
- Positive feedback on key features
- Good reviews on the quality of customer support
- Positive feedback on user experience
- Consistently high marks for uptime and reliability
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
Key Features to Look for in ADP Competitors
When evaluating ADP competitors, it's essential to focus on features that enhance managing employee payroll, benefits administration, and HR tasks to ensure your HR operations remain effective and efficient. Here are the most important features to look for:
- Payroll Management: Automates payroll processing to ensure accurate and timely employee payments.
- HR Administration: Manages employee records, compliance, and HR policies to streamline administrative tasks.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Tracks employee hours and attendance to simplify payroll and ensure compliance.
- Benefits Management: Administers employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, to provide comprehensive employee support.
- Compliance Reporting: Generates reports to help the company adhere to labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to access and update their information, improving accuracy and reducing HR workload.
- Performance Management: Tracks and evaluates employee performance to help identify areas for development and reward high achievers.
- Recruitment and Onboarding: Streamlines hiring and onboarding processes to improve the candidate experience and reduce time-to-hire.
- Training and Development: Provides tools for employee training and professional development to enhance skills and career growth.
- Data Analytics: Offers insights into HR metrics and workforce trends to inform strategic decision-making.
By focusing on these features, you’ll ensure the software you choose offers comprehensive capabilities to help you manage employee payroll and enhance overall HR productivity and compliance.
Are There Any Free ADP Competitors?
Yes, there are free competitors to ADP that can help you manage payroll and other HR functions effectively. If that’s what you’re searching for, here are some notable options:
- Wave: Provides free payroll software with essential features for small businesses.
- Payroll4Free: Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 employees.
- Square Payroll: Offers a free plan for businesses using Square's payment processing.
- HR.my: A free, cloud-based HR management system with payroll features.
- Bitrix24: Free for small businesses, offering a range of HR and payroll tools.
These are worth considering if your budget is already stretched thin. However, sometimes free HR software is less than ideal in the long run.
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