Our analysts compared ADP RUN vs Wave Payroll based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Payroll Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.
Like a classic rom-com montage, running a small business means trying on a lot of hats. Processing payroll alone is a complex, time-consuming task. That's where ADP RUN comes in—it's a cloud-based payroll service specifically for small businesses, keeping your payroll processing and HR management out of the horror genre.
When you need to complete multiple tasks without the manpower of larger corporations, ADP RUN (also known as RUN POWERED by ADP) helps you do the job(s).
Here's how:
Price
Starting from $79 monthly (additional $4 per employee).
Deployment Method
Cloud-based.
Business Size
Most suitable for small businesses.
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, Tsheets, When I Work, ZipRecruiter.
Customer Service Availability
Live chat agents are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. A.V.A. (virtual assistant) is available 24/7.
User Experience
Nearly 90% of users recommend it.
Training
Documentation, videos, live online, webinars and demos.
Mobile App
Yes, 4.9 review score according to Google Play.
Let’s be honest: not everyone is a fast learner. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, ADP RUN has step-by-step screens and quick tips for completing tasks.
There’s direct deposit for paying your employees and additional options like Wisely Direct (an ADP-exclusive debit card) and ADPCheck.
Manage everything from your personalized dashboard, including upcoming payrolls, to-dos, payroll history and quick access to all RUN features.
Run powered by ADP is under the ADP umbrella, which earns recognition on our top ten list of the best HR software. Additionally, ADP Workforce Now is in the top five for applicant tracking and recruiting, compensation management, employee self service, and learning management.
among all Payroll Software
ADP RUN has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 2835 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.
Wave Payroll has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 82% when considering 116 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.
ADP RUN stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.
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.
Are you riding the wave of payroll success, or are you drowning in paperwork? Recent user reviews of Wave Payroll suggest it's a lifesaver for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but it might not be smooth sailing for everyone. Users rave about Wave Payroll's affordability and ease of use, especially compared to rivals like Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll. They appreciate the intuitive interface, automated tax calculations, and direct deposit features. One user even described hitting the "approve payroll" button as "fun" because it's so simple and stress-free. However, some users have voiced concerns about limited customer support and occasional glitches in the software. A few users also wished for more advanced features, such as HR tools and time tracking integration. Wave Payroll's key differentiator is its price point. Starting at $25 per month, it's significantly cheaper than many competitors, making it a godsend for budget-conscious startups and freelancers. However, this affordability comes with a trade-off: Wave Payroll's automatic tax filing service is only available in a limited number of states. If you're outside those states, you'll need to manually file taxes, which can be a headache. Overall, Wave Payroll is a great fit for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a user-friendly and affordable payroll solution. However, if you require robust customer support or advanced features, you might need to explore other options.
WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...