ADP RUN vs Payroll Mate

RUN powered by ADP is a popular payroll and HR solution for a range of small businesses, including startups and newer companies needing robust payroll and HR tools (without extensive expertise).Its efficient tools for managing employee records, benefits and compliance help these professionals minimize manual effort. Payroll specialists and accountants or bookkeepers also benefit from ADP RUN's automation and error detection.The main menu and search bar (with shortcuts for common tasks under it) made it easy to find what I was looking for without an annoying amount of redirects or feeling like a game of Where’s Waldo. It’s simple and uncomplicated to view your paystub and when payday is.For admins, the payroll feature seems straightforward. View your pay period, use “Calculate Paycheck” and check dates. Get an overview of payroll either for all employees or sort by things like last name. When you log in and get to the main page, there’s also a convenient reminder(s) section called “Top To-Dos.”For famous document misplacers, there’s a document vault that keeps important info secure and accessible.Onboard fully from your phone, including setting up direct deposit and tax withholdings without waiting for HR to show you how. For me, working remotely makes mobile access a must-have, and ADP RUN checks that box with mobile clocking in and out, viewing company policies, PTO, and pay info. Admins can also fully get payroll done on their phones.If anything seems off, payroll error detection activates a pop-up box asking, “Does this look right?” and gives a brief explanation of potential issues; from there, admins select “Ignore issues” or “Go back and fix.”Run a single report or select a popular report option. View payroll details, liabilities and summaries. Choose your date range and download the report from there (on the app or desktop).Recent reviews cite long wait times over the phone for customer service. When I called the general line, I shared my details and got a specific number to dial. I would prefer direct transfers over calling separate numbers, although this might change once you have a designated contact.Lastly, I've noticed that the cost is higher compared to competitors like Paychex or Workday. Purchasing add-on features “a la carte” affects the cost, which may be frustrating to some users who need more in-depth functionality on a smaller budget.The RUN Powered by ADP® Mobile Payroll app is a free download for mobile devices. With the app, you can complete payroll processing, view reports like payroll liability and access or update employee 1099 info. Additional mobile app features vary depending on Apple or Android devices, such as a chat feature for Androids and pay rate changes on Apple devices.Overall, RUN Powered by ADP is a comprehensive payroll solution for small businesses. Its intuitive design is great for users with little to no experience in most cases. It might be pricier than some alternatives, but most users find the added cost valid, considering its user-friendly interface, payroll automation and mobile app features.

Payroll Mate is a desktop-based payroll software that's been around for a while, and it's been a popular choice for small businesses. But is it still a good option in today's market? Users praise Payroll Mate for its affordability and ease of use. It's a standalone program, so you don't need to rely on the cloud or a monthly subscription. This is a big selling point for businesses that are concerned about security or prefer to have complete control over their data. Payroll Mate also offers a wide range of features, including the ability to calculate taxes, print checks, and generate tax forms. It's compatible with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage 50, making it easy to integrate into your existing systems. However, Payroll Mate has its drawbacks. Some users have complained about the software's interface, which they find outdated and clunky. Others have noted that the software can be slow and prone to errors. Payroll Mate also lacks some of the advanced features found in cloud-based payroll solutions, such as mobile access and real-time reporting. Overall, Payroll Mate is a good option for small businesses that are looking for a simple, affordable payroll solution. It's not the most feature-rich or user-friendly option on the market, but it gets the job done. If you're a small business owner who prefers to keep things simple and manage your payroll in-house, Payroll Mate might be a good fit for you.