Paycor vs. ADP Run: Comparison & Expert Reviews For 2025
Paycor offers a straightforward solution for small businesses looking to manage payroll efficiently. ADP Run provides a robust platform tailored for small business needs. While both serve similar purposes, they differ in user experience and specific service offerings. In this article, you’ll find a detailed comparison of these tools, including their features, pros and cons, pricing, and more, to help you choose the best small business payroll solution for your team.
Paycor vs. RUN Powered by ADP: An Overview
Paycor
RUN Powered by ADP
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Paycor vs. RUN Powered by ADP Pricing Comparison
| Paycor | RUN Powered by ADP | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial | 90-day free trial |
| Pricing | Pricing upon request | Pricing upon request |
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowPaycor vs. ADP Run Pricing & Hidden Costs
Both Paycor and ADP Run offer tiered subscription plans designed for small businesses, but neither vendor publicly discloses detailed pricing on their websites. Paycor outlines its service tiers but does not list base rates or per-employee fees. ADP Run uses a fully quote-based pricing model, often with promotions like three free months for new customers. In both cases, additional costs may apply for features such as time tracking, benefits administration, or advanced HR tools.
Paycor vs. RUN Powered by ADP Feature Comparison
With Paycor’s employee self-service feature, your team can access pay stubs, tax forms, and personal details—especially useful during open enrollment periods. ADP Run’s mobile app offers strong functionality for on-the-go payroll approvals and document access. Both platforms support core payroll operations, including automated pay runs, tax filing, and employee portals.
| Paycor | RUN Powered by ADP | |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Factor Authentication | ||
| 360 Degree Feedback | ||
| API | ||
| Application Tracking | ||
| Approval Workflows | ||
| Attendance Tracking | ||
| Batch Permissions & Access | ||
| Budgeting | ||
| Calendar Management | ||
| Compliance Tracking | ||
| Dashboard | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Data Import | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Employee Database | ||
| Employee Engagement | ||
| Employee Incentive Management | ||
| Employee Onboarding | ||
| Employee Training | ||
| Expense Tracking | ||
| External Integrations | ||
| Feedback Management | ||
| Forecasting | ||
| Multi-Currency | ||
| Multi-User | ||
| Notifications | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Performance Appraisal | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Tax Management | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Timesheets | ||
| Travel Management | ||
| Vacation & Absence Calendar |
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowPaycor vs. ADP Run Integrations
| Integration | Paycor | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks | ✅ | ❌ |
| Xero | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sage | ✅ | ❌ |
| Microsoft Teams | ❌ | ❌ |
| Slack | ❌ | ❌ |
| CareerPlug | ❌ | ✅ |
| Indeed | ✅ | ❌ |
| ✅ | ❌ | |
| API | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zapier | ❌ | ❌ |
Paycor integrates well with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Sage, as well as recruiting platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, giving small businesses access to essential financial and talent management tools. ADP Run, by contrast, supports CareerPlug integration for applicant syncing but lacks native support for core accounting, recruiting, and communication platforms.
Paycor vs. ADP Run Security, Compliance & Reliability
| Factor | Paycor | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Paycor uses AES-256 encryption to protect sensitive payroll data. | ADP Run employs SSL encryption to ensure data security during transit. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Paycor supports compliance with ACA and FLSA through its features. | ADP Run offers compliance tools for ACA, FLSA, and state regulations. |
| Data Privacy | Paycor enforces strict privacy policies to safeguard employee data. | ADP Run has comprehensive privacy measures to protect client data. |
Paycor and ADP Run both provide robust security and compliance features, but they differ in their specific approaches and tools. To evaluate these aspects, closely review each vendor's security certifications and customer testimonials to understand how they align with your business's specific compliance needs.
Paycor vs. ADP Run Ease of Use
| Factor | Paycor | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Paycor offers a clean, intuitive dashboard that's easy to navigate. | ADP Run provides a traditional, but straightforward interface with clear navigation. |
| Onboarding Experience | Paycor provides guided onboarding with helpful tutorials. | ADP Run offers step-by-step setup assistance for new users. |
| Customer Support | Paycor has responsive support available via chat and phone. | ADP Run provides extensive support options, including live chat. |
Paycor stands out for its intuitive dashboard, making it easy to find what you need, but its onboarding could be more robust. ADP Run excels in its comprehensive support options, ensuring help is always available, though its interface might require a bit more exploration to master.
Paycor vs RUN Powered by ADP: Pros & Cons
Paycor
- Paycor provides structured onboarding and talent management tools to support your team's growth.
- The platform offers powerful reporting tools that give you detailed insights into workforce data.
- Paycor automates payroll processes and ensures compliance, saving your team time and reducing errors.
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, which might not fit all budgets.
- Its customization options, especially in reporting, are less flexible compared to some competitors.
- Paycor doesn't offer a free trial, limiting your ability to test the software firsthand.
RUN Powered by ADP
- It connects with CareerPlug via a hiring integration, allowing new hire data to sync into payroll.
- The platform includes a Document Vault for centralized document management.
- Offers a robust payroll system with logical processes and comprehensive reporting tools.
- Limited integration access compared to the broader ADP ecosystem.
- It lacks advanced customization options for reporting and workflows.
- Advanced HR functions and time-tracking tools require paid add-ons, increasing overall costs.
Best Use Cases for Paycor and RUN Powered by ADP
Paycor is best for small businesses seeking a modern, easy-to-navigate payroll platform with solid self-service capabilities and core compliance support. It suits teams that value clean design and want quick access to payroll basics without too many add-ons. ADP Run, on the other hand, is ideal for small businesses that require scalable payroll features, 24/7 support, and a broader set of add-ons.
Paycor
- Healthcare Teams Paycor simplifies workforce management with its compliance-focused payroll and scheduling tools, essential for healthcare settings.
- Retail Businesses Retailers benefit from Paycor’s robust reporting, which provides insights into employee performance and sales metrics.
- Manufacturing Companies Manufacturers can streamline operations with Paycor’s automated payroll and time-tracking features, reducing administrative workload.
- Small Businesses Small businesses appreciate Paycor’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive HR solutions that fit limited budgets.
- HR Departments HR teams find Paycor’s talent management tools essential for improving employee engagement and retention.
- Growing Companies For companies in growth phases, Paycor’s structured onboarding tools help efficiently integrate new hires into your team.
RUN Powered by ADP
- Retail Stores ADP Run simplifies payroll processing, helping your team focus on customer service.
- Restaurants Its user-friendly interface ensures accurate payroll, letting you manage tips and wages seamlessly.
- Startups ADP Run offers essential HR tools without overwhelming you with features you don't need.
- Freelancers The software's payroll capabilities help you organize payments and tax filings efficiently.
- Nonprofits ADP Run's basic HR functions allow your organization to focus on your mission rather than administrative tasks.
- Small Offices The platform's document management and reporting tools streamline your payroll and HR processes.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowDifferences Between Paycor and RUN Powered by ADP
| Paycor | RUN Powered by ADP | |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | Limited ability to customize workflows or reports beyond defaults. | Offers some basic configurations through higher-tier plans. |
| HR Management | Core HR, onboarding, and compliance tools. | Limited HR features unless upgraded. |
| Scalability | Ideal for static or slowly growing teams with basic payroll needs. | Designed to scale with growing businesses that may later upgrade to Workforce Now. |
| Talent Management | Minimal built-in recruiting features; external tools required. | Add-on recruiting tools via CareerPlug and integration with ZipRecruiter for job postings. |
| User Interface | Sleek, modern interface built for simplicity and ease of use. | Traditional interface with logical structure and more setup steps. |
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Similarities Between Paycor and RUN Powered by ADP
| Compliance | ACA, FLSA, and payroll tax compliance features. |
|---|---|
| Data Security | AES-level encryption and strict data privacy practices. |
| Employee Self-Service | Employee access to pay stubs, tax documents, and personal info updates. |
| Mobile Usability | Mobile-friendly platforms for payroll access and approvals. |
| Subscription Model | Both use tiered subscription pricing with optional add-ons. |
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