Top 10 Run Powered By ADP Alternatives
The human resources (HR) software market continues to grow as managing payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance becomes increasingly complex. Over time, digital solutions like Run Powered by ADP have helped businesses streamline these operations.
However, as your business grows or your needs evolve, you might find that Run by ADP doesn’t fully align with your current priorities. Today, businesses demand employee management tools that are not only efficient but also scalable, intuitive, and supportive of modern work environments. That’s where the right alternative can make a difference.
This guide is designed to help you make a well-informed decision by comparing Run Powered by ADP with its top ten alternatives. This guide covers key features, pros and cons, and pricing to help simplify your decision.
We’ll start by reviewing the software itself, then outline what to consider when choosing a Run Powered By ADP.
What Is Run Powered By ADP?
Run Powered by ADP is a cloud-based payroll and HR solution tailored primarily for small businesses. It automates complex tasks such as payroll processing, employee tax filing, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance. Its core goal is to simplify workforce management.
The key features include:
- Faster Payroll Processing
- Direct Deposits
- Labor Cost Management
- Compliance Alerts
While Run’s mobile-friendly interface, scalability within the ADP ecosystem, and brand trust make it a go-to option for small businesses, it may have certain shortcomings. These include navigation challenges, limited functionality for complex payrolls, and lack of geo-fencing capabilities. As a result, many users begin exploring alternative options.
What To Consider In A Run Powered By ADP Alternative?
Here are the top features to prioritize when evaluating alternatives:
- All-in-One HR Suite: Look for software that bundles payroll, time tracking, onboarding, benefits management, and performance evaluations in a single platform to streamline operations
- Responsive Customer Support: Seek vendors with stellar responsiveness, live chat options, dedicated account managers, or 24/7 support
- Seamless Integrations: Find a tool that connects effortlessly with accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, and scheduling apps
- Modern User Interface: Consider the systems with intuitive and mobile-friendly dashboards to improve usability and reduce the need for employee training
Our Best Run Powered By ADP Alternatives For Your Business
Software Name | Unique Advantage | Notable Features |
ApplicantStack |
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Gusto HR Software |
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ADP Workforce Now |
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Calamari HR |
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UZIO |
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Zenefits |
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JazzHR |
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BambooHR |
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Namely HR |
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iCIMS Software |
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1. ApplicantStack
Ideal for: Small to medium sized businesses (SMBs)
ApplicantStack is a cloud-based recruitment solution designed for businesses looking to optimize hiring workflows. It offers advanced applicant tracking capabilities that streamline job postings, screening, and onboarding. Morever, it allows organizations to create branded career portals and integrate easily with major job boards, helping businesses attract and evaluate top talent faster.
Recruitment and applicant tracking in ApplicantStack are far more comprehensive, as compared to Run’s limited hiring tools. It enables businesses to seamlessly filter candidates and create automations to reduce manual workload during recruitment stages, making it one of the ideal options for hiring-focused businesses.
Key Features
- Candidate Scoring
- Text And Email Communication
- Multiple Job Board Posting
- Candidate Tracking
Pros
- Automates tedious manual hiring workflows
- Provides communication tools within the platform for candidate texting
- Detailed reports deliver actionable hiring insights to guide smarter decisions
Cons
- Lacks abilities to modify pre-built templates
- Some users have outlined the need for technical support to set up advanced features
Pricing
It offers four pricing plans, with a fourteen-day trial option for the Starter, Growth, and Recruit plans:
- Starter: $29.99/month
- Growth: $49.99/month
- Recruit: $109.99/month
- Bundle: $159.99/month
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
2. Gusto HR Software
Ideal for: SMBs
Gusto HR is a modern HR management solution that simplifies payroll, benefits, and employee management for businesses. It delivers a user-friendly interface and automates complex HR tasks, helping teams focus on growth rather than administration. With features like employee onboarding, paid time off (PTO) management, and mobile accessibility, it empowers users to have greater control over their employee management workflows.
Gusto provides a more comprehensive benefits administration module than Run Powered By ADP. It simplifies health insurance management and integrates directly with broker services. Businesses that value employee well-being and want to streamline benefits enrollment will find Gusto more capable in this area.
Key Features
- Direct Deposits
- Global Contractor Management
- Benefits Administration
- Personalized Offer Letters
Pros
- Enables the HR teams to keep a track of employee information and pay orders efficiently
- Offers a wide variety of integration options with external systems for enhanced performance
- Makes the new hire onboarding procedure seamless
Cons
- Lacks a functionality for employees to see their upcoming paycheck information
- Limited support to create automation for invoice settings
Pricing
It offers three pricing plans:
- Simple: $59/month plus $8/month/person
- Plus: $99/month plus $14/month/person
- Premium: $219/month plus $26/month/person
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
3. ADP Workforce Now
Ideal for: Medium to large sized businesses
ADP Workforce Now is a more advanced, scalable platform developed by ADP to support mid-to-large enterprises. It offers a comprehensive HR suite that includes payroll, talent management, benefits, and time tracking. Designed for organizations with intricate HR demands, especially in compliance-driven sectors. It supports employee segmentation, performance tracking, and strategic HR planning with ease.
ADP Workforce Now delivers superior workforce analytics and reporting features that are ahead of Run Powered By ADP’s offerings. Users benefit from customized dashboards and predictive insights that help drive strategic decision-making. This depth makes it a more future-proof choice for businesses scaling operations.
Key Features
- Multi-State Payroll Processing
- Cost Control System
- Candidate Matching
- Attendance Management
Pros
- Enables the HR teams to oversee individual employee timecards
- Provides tools to capture crucial data for reviewing the budgeting planning
- Empowers the employees to clock in via the mobile application
Cons
- Customer response times may vary
- Limited advanced flexibility to create tailored workflows
Pricing
The vendor provides three plans, each with custom pricing:
- Select
- Plus
- Premium
4. Calamari HR Software
Ideal for: Startups and remote teams
Calamari HR is a specialized HR management system known for its excellence in leave and attendance management. It’s built to automate and streamline vacation requests, sick leaves, and remote check-ins. It is particularly useful for hybrid and remote work environments where visibility and accountability are essential. Managers can approve requests with one click and customize policies based on departments or locations.
While Run includes only basic time tracking as an add-on, Calamari allows real-time tracking, advanced PTO policies, and seamless integration with collaboration tools. This functionality is crucial for distributed teams managing time zones, flexible hours, or hybrid schedules.
Key Features
- Leave Management
- Self-Service And Automation
- Centralized Time Off Management
- Employee Database System
Pros
- Offers tools to the HR managers in maintaining record of leave requests
- Users have applauded its advanced mobile app functionality
- Improves the overall internal team coordination by integrating to channels such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google
Cons
- Some users have highlighted a lack of details shown on the calendar view
- May require support in setting up PTO accruals accurately
Pricing
The pricing plans are based on a team of ten employees:
- Time Off: $25/month (10 employees)
- Time And Attendance: $30/month (10 employees)
- Core HR: $25/month (10 employees)
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
5. UZIO
Ideal for: Medium sized businesses
UZIO is an AI-powered employee management system designed to empower employers with seamless payroll, HR, and benefits management. It is often considered ideal for businesses that want to reduce manual HR tasks and move toward a self-service, paperless approach. Additionally, it provides ACA compliance tools and digital onboarding, ensuring a smooth and efficient HR experience. Its smooth design allows teams to get started with minimal training or setup time.
Unlike Run, which often relies on third-party brokers or premium plans, UZIO provides a unified platform where payroll data automatically syncs with benefits data. Its ‘AI-Shared Services’ and ‘AI Copilot’ enable HR managers to reduce errors and administrative burdens while enhancing transparency.
Key Features
- UZIO Global Payroll Management
- End Of Year W-2 Processing
- Digital Document Storage
- 401k Retirement Plans
Pros
- Automates benefits enrollment by syncing payroll data
- Digitalizes the onboarding process which significantly eliminates the hassle for paperwork
- Provides actionable insights for data driven decision making
Cons
- May not have support for certain languages such as Spanish
- Some web-based features may not work on mobile app, limiting the accessibility
Pricing
Following are its pricing packages:
- UZIO Core: $30/month plus $13/employee/month
- UZIO Essential: $50/month plus $22/employee/month
- UZIO Premium: $80/month plus $27/employee/month
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
6. Zenefits
Ideal for: Startups
Zenefits is a cloud-based employee management software suite that centralizes functions like onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance. The platform includes time tracking and employee engagement tools, to monitor employee timesheets and get real-time insights into culture improvements. It eliminates the need for toggling between disconnected HR systems by offering a holistic solution for people management.
Zenefits excels in streamlined employee onboarding and self-service features, which are more comprehensive than what Run offers. These onboarding processes allow new hires to complete paperwork, enroll in benefits, and access company policies in due course. Hence, making it one of the best alternative options to Run.
Key Features
- Onboarding Tools
- Org Charts
- Advanced Mobile Accessibility
- Intelligent Reporting
Pros
- Enables the businesses to tailor documents as per their need during new hire onboarding
- Provides tools to monitor each employee performance
- All-in-one tool running HR-related tasks
Cons
- Lacks advanced customization options for HR workflows
- Limited abilities to manage international workforce
Pricing
The vendor offers quote-based pricing plans upon request, contact us now.
7. JazzHR
Ideal for: Recruitment focused SMBs
JazzHR is a feature-rich recruitment software tailored for businesses aiming to improve their hiring pipeline. It offers tools to streamline job postings, manage resumes, and customize workflows through every stage of the hiring process. The platform also supports compliance tracking, making it ideal for regulated industries. It helps HR teams shorten time-to-hire and improve the overall quality of newly hired employees.
JazzHR delivers superior applicant tracking and candidate pipeline management experience compared to Run. It allows recruiters to conduct candidate assessments and automate candidate scoring to take crucial hiring decisions quickly.
Key Features
- Automated Routine Hiring Tasks
- Knockout Questions
- Advanced Visual Reporting
- eSignatures
Pros
- Provides a wide range of customization option for hiring workflows
- Enables job postings to a wide range of job boards with a single click
- Sends automated messages to the candidates to keep them updated
Cons
- Job updates can’t be shared without posting in individual candidate threads
- Some users have outlined issues with the candidate filtering tools
Pricing
The vendor offers three pricing plans at the following quotes:
- Hero: $75/month
- Plus: $269/month
- Pro: Tailored pricing as per requirements
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
8. BambooHR
Ideal for: Fast growing startups
BambooHR is a highly acclaimed workforce management tool designed to simplify people management for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers tools for onboarding, employee records, talent management, and time-off tracking. Its intuitive design ensures that HR managers and employees can access what they need without complex training. Overall, it’s known for smoothening complex HR processes.
BambooHR provides more robust employee engagement and performance management features than Run Powered By ADP. While Run focuses mainly on payroll, BambooHR includes performance tracking, peer reviews, and goals management tools. This makes it easier for HR leaders to nurture talent, align objectives, and boost morale across departments.
Key Features
- Goal Tracking
- Employee Engagement Tools
- Compensation Management
- Time Tracking
Pros
- Provides an extensive mobile application to access core people data
- Helps in reducing the burden of HR teams by offering functionalities that enable the teams to focus more on business growth
- Makes insurance enrollment process smooth
Cons
- May not allow comprehensive customizations in engagement surveys
- Limited functionalities for creating organizational charts
Pricing
The following plans are available with custom pricing based on business needs:
- Core
- Pro
- Elite
9. Namely HR
Ideal for: Mid-sized businesses
Namely HR is an all-in-one human capital management (HCM) platform that provides HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management with a strong emphasis on building a positive workplace culture. It enables organizations to create org charts, deliver real-time company updates, and conduct employee surveys to boost engagement. The software is especially useful for businesses that value personalized HR experience with customizable dashboards and modular tools.
Namely stands out with its rich employee culture and experience management tools, which Run Powered By ADP lacks. From internal communication feeds to customizable recognition features and engagement surveys, Namely fosters a connected and transparent company environment.
Key Features
- Employee Directory
- Expense Tracking
- Performance Reviews
- Manager And Employee Self Service Tools
Pros
- Auto-syncs all employee information across the entire system
- Provides comprehensive performance management flow for effective goal tracking
- Offers extensive onboarding tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced time tracking abilities as compared to other software
- Lacks e-signature support for current employees
Pricing
The vendor offers four pricing plans with ‘Namely Now’ starting at $9/employee/month, the remaining plans can be attained through custom pricing:
- Namely Plus
- Namely Plus People
- Namely Complete
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
10. iCIMS Software
Ideal for: Large enterprises
iCIMS is a leading talent acquisition platform built specifically for high-volume hiring and enterprise-level recruitment needs. It offers an extensive suite of tools including applicant tracking, onboarding, CRM for talent, and job distribution across hundreds of job boards. The configurable workflows, analytics dashboards, and AI-powered tools make it ideal for complex hiring structures.
While Run offers minimal applicant tracking, iCIMS allows companies to nurture passive candidates, automate sourcing strategies, and personalize recruitment marketing. These features ensure long-term hiring success, especially for businesses that prioritize proactive talent acquisition over reactive hiring.
Key Features
- CRM
- AI-Powered Candidate Matching
- Employer Branding
- Candidate Engagement
Pros
- Enables the talent acquisition teams to improve their hiring strategies by providing actionable metrics
- Many users have applauded its AI algorithm for candidate matching
- Aids the recruiters to handle high-volume recruitment efficiently
Cons
- Lacks have built-in data visualization tools
- The advanced suite of features may not be ideal for smaller businesses and startups
Pricing
iCIMS software offers customized pricing plans as per the business's recruitment requirements.
Selecting The Right Run Powered By ADP Alternative
Choosing the right HR and payroll software is not just about switching platforms, it is about finding a system that fits as per your business operations. Whether you're looking to simplify HR workflows, manage payroll more efficiently, or boost employee engagement, the right alternative should align with your specific goals and company culture.
Look for platforms that offer flexible plans, user-friendly dashboards, and integration capabilities that support your existing workflows. Before making a final decision, explore demos, read peer reviews, and ask for tailored consultations.
Need help making the right choice? We help businesses like yours compare top HR and payroll solutions that match your needs, budget, and growth plans.
Contact us now and get personalized software recommendations and make your next move with confidence!
