RUN Powered by ADP® vs. ELMO Software

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
RUN Powered by ADP®
Score 9.0 out of 10
Small Businesses (1-50 employees)
The RUN Powered by ADP® cloud-based solution is used to pay employees. It also includes HR and hiring tools, as well as benefits, helping small businesses grow and manage their teams.N/A
ELMO Software
Score 7.3 out of 10
N/A
ELMO Software (ASX:ELO) is a cloud-based solution that helps thousands of organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to manage their people, process and pay. ELMO solutions span the entire employee lifecycle from ‘hire to retire’. They can be used together or stand-alone, and are configurable according to an organisation’s unique processes and workflows.N/A
Pricing
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Considered Both Products
RUN Powered by ADP®
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Other products we have used or reviewed were okay for large businesses, but were convoluted. We wanted something to fit our small business - clear and to the point.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I was not the decision maker but I have not had many issues. I have looked elsewhere and this is just a great service, it is hard to make any switch.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We decided to go with RUN Powered by ADP® as they seemed to be the most price conscious with the most up-to-date compliance in the field. Often the competitors cost more for individual services or wanted us to buy a much larger bundle of products than we needed.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Based on our experience, RUN Powered by ADP® was selected by our small business because our owner was seeking a robust, all-in-one payroll and HR solution that scales with our growth. It allowed us to move away from manual spreadsheets and our less sophisticated payroll …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We needed to move from a 100% manual process. So, we chose RUN Powered by ADP® because there are additional add-ons that we may utilize in the future.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Overall, RUN Powered by ADP® has contributed to smoother operations, fewer errors, and more predictable payroll cycles, which supports our broader goals of efficiency and compliance. I switched from another provider for three reasons: 1. Cost, 2. Less aggressive add-on sales …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I have none of ADP and their stellar reputation with different companies for years and have utilized their services as an employee and now as a business owner.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We were not able to keep a PEO for business purposes and had to change. Since we were with ADP totalSource, sales offered RUN Powered by ADP® but we probably would have been better off with a whole different product/brand. RUN Powered by ADP® associates promised ease and smooth …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
DP has been our first payroll processing company. We selected RUN Powered by ADP® based on conveniences and pricing.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We switched from Quickbooks Online Payroll to ADP. The interface and look of QBO was better than ADP, but the service and understanding of how errors affect our staff and our firm with regard to tax implications is FAR greater with ADP. QBO took over 8 months and more than 3 …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I moved from Paychex to ADP due to 1: an excellent sales rep. 2: Lower cost
3: easier platform 4: more knowledgeable customer service 5: better mobile app
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I selected RUN Powered by ADP® based on recommendations from other nonprofit executives. RUN made the process relatively easy. We are new to having to run payroll, so did not move from (and cannot compare RUN to) any other platform.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We have a great relationship with ADP for other clients. It was kind of a no brainer to switch to them. Big difference with customer support and ease of use.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
The last product we had, my boss/husband was calling in the payroll amounts. When I took over I knew that was not going to work. I needed to see and quickly enter the information and just be able to push a button to get the payroll processed. There is no waiting for a call back …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Management selected RUN Powered by ADP before my employment but I am thrilled with the product, it's flexibility and ease. I feel like ADP has though of every question for something I need or want and has it in place.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I selected it because it was easy to use, has a trusted brand name, and came with good customer service.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
This is the software my firm decided to use, I did not have a say on what was selected, but it seems like the most up to date software on the market right now.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
RUN Powered by ADP® allows more control over the payroll, easy to adjust time settings, and much better phone support.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
RUN Powered by ADP® is stronger than QuickBooks Online for payroll and HR because it offers advanced HR tools (job postings, compliance support, employee handbooks), friendly, extended hours live support, and integration with numerous platforms. QuickBooks focuses mainly on …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Gusto is more expensive when you have more employees.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We had a different payroll provider that was also our CPA firm. It was a nightmare. They were not easy to work with. It cost more money than ADP. there were incorrect payroll calculations. Some employees didn't get the right pay. I love ADP's customer service.
ELMO Software
Chose ELMO Software
Aspen is more straightforward in creating a course of personal development recognized by our industry, but your ELMO Software is generally easier to use. As the workforce in our company is very often built by the majority of people with basic academic background education, IE …
Chose ELMO Software
ELMO is specifically an HR software and it is best suited for this
Chose ELMO Software
Workday is another really useful tool but there are some features in ELMO that make it stand out. ELMO is also much easier to use.
Chose ELMO Software
Good modules set-up and ELMO components portfolio vs. budget (service agreement cost).
Features
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
8.3
Ratings
0% above category average
ELMO Software
8.1
Ratings
0% below category average
Pay calculation9.40 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors8.70 Ratings8.10 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment9.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.70 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Direct deposit files9.60 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management8.70 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Reimbursement management5.10 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.9
Ratings
3% below category average
Employee demographic data00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Job profiles and administration00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Organizational charting00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Organization and location management00 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings8.60 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
8.5
Ratings
4% above category average
Approval workflow00 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Balance details00 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.9
Ratings
4% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Update personal information00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
View company policy documentation00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Employee recognition00 Ratings7.60 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.7
Ratings
2% above category average
Report builder00 Ratings7.50 Ratings
Pre-built reports00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data00 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.8
Ratings
2% below category average
New hire portal00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Manager tracking tools00 Ratings7.40 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.8
Ratings
3% below category average
Individual goal setting00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Performance tracking00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.6
Ratings
4% below category average
Performance plans00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Performance improvement plans00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Review status tracking00 Ratings6.70 Ratings
Review reminders00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Multiple review frequency00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.4
Ratings
6% below category average
Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings7.90 Ratings
Candidate ranking00 Ratings7.60 Ratings
Candidate search00 Ratings6.40 Ratings
Candidate development00 Ratings7.90 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
-
Ratings
ELMO Software
7.5
Ratings
4% below category average
Job Requisition Management00 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Company Website Posting00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Publish to Social Media00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting00 Ratings6.80 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention00 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Applicant Tracking00 Ratings7.50 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts00 Ratings7.90 Ratings
Best Alternatives
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Small Businesses
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.2 out of 10
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.1 out of 10
Enterprises
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.1 out of 10
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Likelihood to Recommend
8.9
(0 ratings)
8.6
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.3
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.1
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Availability
9.5
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Performance
9.7
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.5
(0 ratings)
7.6
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
7.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.1
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
7.3
(0 ratings)
4.5
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.4
(0 ratings)
6.4
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.8
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.8
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
RUN Powered by ADP®ELMO Software
Likelihood to Recommend
Great for small businesses that don't need much guidance and have a good handle on their operations. Once implementation is over the personalized service is not the same. Calling the 800 numbers is a gamble and hold times have been long. The service during implementation is fantastic. We like being able to streamline all our service through one vendor
Read full review
The performance review process is clear and easy to complete, for both employee and manager. I have experienced this in both roles, with my own staff, and undergoing my own review with my manager. I haven't experienced scenarios where it is less appropriate, I think our HR department customised the software well to our needs.
Read full review
Pros
  • Payroll runs are consistent, timely, and error‑free, even when handling multiple pay rates, deductions, or changes. Direct deposits process smoothly and predictably.
  • RUN Powered by ADP® manages federal, state, and local tax withholding, filings, and payments without requiring manual oversight. This significantly reduces compliance risk and administrative workload.
  • Common actions—running payroll, adding new employees, updating pay rates—are straightforward and guided, which helps prevent mistakes.
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  • Has extensive courses library (theory and video library).
  • Very responsive, resourceful and efficient support team.
  • Stuff survey - great range of available templates.
Read full review
Cons
  • When processing bonuses, it would be nice to have a NET pay selection, in addition to the GROSS pay selection.
  • I receive WAY too many emails asking me to purchase additional services, including some that we already have through ADP.
  • I receive(d) daily requests for our Section 125 Compliance documentation, which I sent over four times to each different individual who requested them. ADP "mentioned" they'd charge us $350 for this compliance plan, even though we have it and proved it by submitting the "required submission" of the policy multiple times. It's very frustrating, and it causes me to worry about (A), the validity of the request and (B) ADP's recordkeeping, since they can't keep up with the document I've sent multiple times.
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  • Help seems unavailable.
  • A guide or how-to would be extremely appreciated - I haven't found any, at least for user level.
  • User interface could follow a more standard/familiar approach.
  • Some panes should be collapsible (e.g. the right "Work Flow" area, which gives very little help).
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Likelihood to Renew
The only reason there is contemplation of switching would be because the project management site we use, BQE, is now offering GUSTO built into the website at a lower monthly cost. We are waiting to see how it runs before making any decisions though as it's just left beta.
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No answers on this topic
Usability
I have been using this system for years and they have actually made it easier and easier. The system is always making great upgrades that don't necessarily require any additional information or training. I love when I log in and see a new feature or button that I get to use to make my life easier!
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Once I learned the specific way of doing things, the software became very logical and ergonomic. It is easy to use and is an excellent resource for many of the specific tasks required for my role, especially in relation to staff onboarding and management. It is also excellent as a resource for my own personal HR information.
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Reliability and Availability
We've had very little issue with RUN availability, only a couple times there were outages when least expected which occurred on our actual payroll due date
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No answers on this topic
Performance
ADP Run loads a bit slowly at times, once I put in my credentials. However, that said, I think my perception of the time it takes is impacted by our "instant gratification" expectation of being able to get into everything quickly.
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No answers on this topic
Support Rating
I appreciated having that issue finally take care of. it was extremely disheartening to see the issue had not been resolved. I also had my employees looking to me and thinking I was not trying to resolve the issue so it reflected poorly on my character. I do not know if i was because of a miscommunication, but nonetheless I was happy it was taken care of
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I am not sure whether you are asking how the learning & development team rates ELMO Software or how ELMO supports our team when issues arise with the software? It is not my decision to purchase the software nor am I involved with the maintenance of the software.
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In-Person Training
they helped up with the 1st payroll after that we were fine - it is very user friendly- they wanted to be sure everything had imported correctly.
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No answers on this topic
Online Training
very easy to learn i think it took maybe one payroll to have it down and we were up and running
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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
The customer service team handled it very nicely. We had a rep that came to our office and helped with everything. It was a very easy process.
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I was not involved
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Alternatives Considered
We decided to go with RUN Powered by ADP® as they seemed to be the most price conscious with the most up-to-date compliance in the field. Often the competitors cost more for individual services or wanted us to buy a much larger bundle of products than we needed.
Read full review
Aspen is more straightforward in creating a course of personal development recognized by our industry, but your ELMO Software is generally easier to use. As the workforce in our company is very often built by the majority of people with basic academic background education, IE they often have only just completed year 10... it is very important your element of making it easy to understand, using simple words and clear explained multiple choices in the final quiz
Read full review
Scalability
Every summer, we hire three new college interns who have to be entered into the system. They can enter their information themselves, which takes a load off me. The onboarding is quite straightforward, and today's college kids are techy enough to be able to understand it.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • It has simplified the payroll process allowing more time to be dedicated elsewhere.
  • We have been able to consolidate our health benefits, HR support, payroll and 401k all onto one provider, making support easy.
  • We found the health deduction calculations and process to be easy-to understand, especially in comparison to our health provider.
Read full review
  • It has been helpful
Read full review
ScreenShots

RUN Powered by ADP® Screenshots

Screenshot of the RUN Dashboard with the business' key info front-and-centerScreenshot of the payroll interfaceScreenshot of access to payroll reports and liability amountsScreenshot of the RUN Powered by ADP mobile app, used to process payroll on the goScreenshot of the ADP mobile app, where employees can access their historical payroll statements and year-end tax documents