RUN Powered by ADP® vs. Gusto

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
RUN Powered by ADP®
Score 8.6 out of 10
Small Businesses (1-50 employees)
RUN powered by ADP is a benefits administration and payroll platform for small businesses with light additional HR features. It runs on a cloud-based platform with mobile accessibility.N/A
Gusto
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Gusto offers payroll, benefits and compliance capabilities. Gusto is scaled for small to mid-sized businesses, and emphasizes an easy to use interface.
$46
per month
Pricing
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Simple: A streamlined set of automatic payroll features and benefits integrations
$40/month + $6/mo per person
$12 per employee/contractor
Plus: Comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR tools for employers building a great place to work
$80/month + $12/mo per person
Premium: Scalable payroll and benefits, expert HR, and dedicated support for the complex needs of growing teams
Exclusive pricing, contact Gusto
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoYes
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsGusto offers three pricing plans for payroll, benefits, and HR, so you can choose the plan that meets your business needs.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Considered Both Products
RUN Powered by ADP®
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Customer service much better. Gusto based in CA so they were hard to reach due to different time zone and very difficult to get live person on phone. They wanted to do most communications through email and I don’t have 24 hours to wait for a response.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Both Gusto & QuickBooks payroll are fine options if you only have a few employees all in one location and rarely make any changes. I switched many of my clients from those platforms because of the increase in remote employees working in different states and the lack of support …
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I miss many aspects of Gusto, including the new hire/new employee onboarding process and issuance of a formal offer; as well as the employee vaults within the system. But there are a lot of benefits of ADP, including automation.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
RUN Powered by ADP® is miles easier than any other system that we have used. The cost is better, the reporting is better, and the user interface is much simpler. The search bar is a HUGE timesaver.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
The payroll side of RUN is pretty similarly useful as other products, but the HR side is definitely more useful. I appreciate the ability to talk with a rep about specific questions and the fact that there are so many articles, webinars, and podcasts available.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I haven't worked within either system, I just know ADP was more informative on the intro call and had the lower per payroll rates, so I chose ADP.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Customer service is superior by far! I get very quick assistance and explanations from the RUN Powered by ADP® team each and every time I interact with them.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
I've used Intuit, Gusto & Paychex. Whenever I can, I refer clients to use RUN Powered by ADP payroll because of their easy payroll processing and the 24hrs service they provide.
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
Run was established before I joined the team over a year ago so I did not pick the system. I have looking into other options but have not made the move from ADP as of yet. We will be reconsidering our options this year and may choose another provider like Gusto.
Gusto
Chose Gusto
Gusto has a glitch-free on-boarding process that surpasses all of the other systems that I have ever tried and used. Rippling is the only other platform that comes close to the Gusto online experience, but Rippling has its PEO/behind-the-scenes legacy system glitches, and it's …
Chose Gusto
This system allowed us to approve payroll online, which was an improvement from the prior ADP system where we had to call in via phone to dictate hours and pay for employees. But, RUN was clunky, and seemed cobbled together. It was also expensive for what it provided. Also, I …
Chose Gusto
Comparable prices are overall with other payroll service companies. I can't do all the complicated payrolls like a few others, but overall good to work with 90% of our clients.
Chose Gusto
There are three major concerns for me. Ease of use; how easy is it to perform the payroll. Most systems are competitive here. Tax compliance; how well do they handle tax filings and tax payments. Here Gusto needs to improve a little. Payments are timely and so is reporting, …
Chose Gusto
Gusto is better than IOP because Gusto files payroll returns and pays payroll taxes automatically. IOP also does not have a good support feature. Gusto is better than ADP because they are more responsive and have a better and more extensive website.
Chose Gusto
Gusto was by far the most user-friendly and easy to use. QBO was a close second, but I believe Gusto is better priced for small businesses.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
8.2
233 Ratings
0% below category average
Gusto
8.8
500 Ratings
7% above category average
Pay calculation9.4225 Ratings9.0479 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.467 Ratings8.58 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment8.9152 Ratings00 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.698 Ratings8.5355 Ratings
Direct deposit files9.5217 Ratings8.9484 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management9.3169 Ratings8.7372 Ratings
Reimbursement management5.138 Ratings9.3121 Ratings
Best Alternatives
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Small Businesses
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.1 out of 10
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.6 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.1 out of 10
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.1 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Likelihood to Recommend
8.6
(300 ratings)
8.5
(524 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.8
(21 ratings)
9.9
(12 ratings)
Usability
9.8
(12 ratings)
9.3
(348 ratings)
Availability
9.2
(7 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
8.4
(7 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.4
(24 ratings)
1.3
(25 ratings)
In-Person Training
9.6
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
9.6
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.6
(10 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
Configurability
8.3
(4 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
9.1
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.1
(8 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.4
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
8.7
(4 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
RUN Powered by ADP®Gusto
Likelihood to Recommend
ADP
I think RUN Powered by ADP® is suitable for any business - large or small - it takes the workload and tax issues off of already burdened small business owners. With my package, I can also post job openings, have access to HR assistance and I also swear by Pay by Pay for Workers Comp.
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Gusto
It's very easy to use, especially for smaller companies. The site is user-friendly and eye-catching. Everything you need is easily accessible. I have never had to use the customer service side of Gusto, but there is not much that you would need help with or have issues with. I also really enjoy the little pig when logging in.
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Pros
ADP
  • Has experts who are knowledgeable in all payroll related needs
  • Allows you to quickly and easily make changes to individual employee data
  • Is easy to use anywhere you are - whether on their mobile app or website
  • Has several products that work well together - a one stop provider
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Gusto
  • Gusto really kills it on the simplicity. The app and website are very clear and straightforward.
  • Gusto also does a great job at being easy to navigate, visually pleasing, and logically posed.
  • Gusto communicates very clearly and provides just the right amount of communication.
  • Gusto makes the onboarding process very easy. I recently started at a new company and the process of filling out the necessary documents, filling out forms, and getting my benefit information input was soooooo easy!
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Cons
ADP
  • I would love to see a "frequently performed action" button
  • I would also like to see the most recent things done on last sign on for example
  • I would also like to see tips and tricks to navigating through RUN Powered by ADP®
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Gusto
  • Adding in previous time manually could be more accessible.
  • Notifications for when employees manually change hours.
  • We should allow 1099 users to use the mobile app instead of restricting them to the website, especially since they can just log into the full website on their mobile device.
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Likelihood to Renew
ADP
It is much better than the payroll system I used previously. The integrations that RUN has for on-boarding new hires are very convenient when they work properly. It saves a tremendous amount of time being able to email a link to new employees that allows them to enter much of their own demographic information. Payroll feature alerts me when someone's pay is significantly less or more than usual.
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Gusto
Unless they break it, I'm never leaving. It's just too easy. Gusto is also really affordable, and for what I pay, it's worth having the historical record within the system. I like that I can go back and pull up W2's for year's past. This sort of easy access reporting, has been helpful especially when getting reports for PPP loans.
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Usability
ADP
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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Gusto
It is a great piece of software, something that I have used since its ZenPayroll days. Its weakest feature at this point is its timekeeping and lack of scheduling. If it adds that, it gets a 10/10 and cannot be replaced by any other payroll software. Like I said, I recommend it to all of my clients and associates.
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Reliability and Availability
ADP
I have never had an instance of an outage. It is always available as I have added data while travelling, on weekends, and in after work hours. Retrieving pdf's is also available at any time for employees and benefit participants.
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Gusto
No answers on this topic
Performance
ADP
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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Gusto
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
ADP
At times it takes a few minutes to reach someone and sometimes the ADP automated voice prompt does not recognize my name when I say it. Also, sometimes I am forwarded to different departments and I have to explain my issue 2 or 3 times. It is hard to know whether it is an ADP Run/payroll processing issue versus an ADP Time and Attendance issue. Over the last year or so that I have called ADP, sometimes I am left on hold for a very long time.
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Gusto
Gusto's customer service has really deteriorated lately and they seem to have really changed their focus. It used to be when you called you were routed to an individual who knew about payroll, benefits, reporting, etc. but now you get someone who seems to have not received the correct training. My last call about a dismissal payroll took me over an hour of my time and the person still could not help me and finally transferred me to someone else.
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In-Person Training
ADP
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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Gusto
No answers on this topic
Online Training
ADP
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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Gusto
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
ADP
Make sure there's plenty of time between payrolls for the implementation and be sure to test all the manually inputted fields.
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Gusto
Super easy to implement and use!
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Alternatives Considered
ADP
RUN Powered by ADP® is quicker and easier to navigate and understand, with fewer hoops to jump through when needing to complete a task. RUN Powered by ADP® also allows to faster help when needed to get you back on track and not falling behind.
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Gusto
I've used both Workday and Paylocity for years and they don't even compare. Between the mobile app and the website, everything feels seamless, well thought out, and easy to navigate. I'm so used to the frustration of navigating these apps, even after years of working with them. I never considered there was an option like Gusto out there. It's made everything so easy for me. If I ever get a say I'll be a diehard Gusto evangelist from here on out.
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Scalability
ADP
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.
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Gusto
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
ADP
  • The payroll tax service eliminates the exposure penalties if we do them and make a mistake.
  • Do not have to reconcile the Payroll Bank Account for the the checks issued to employees. We just need to reconcile the transaction from ADP for tax and net check amounts.
  • The history of employees is kept on the ADP portal, and we do not have to manage to keep that updated.
  • Employees can access their records, saving us time not having to look up things for them.
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Gusto
  • It is definitely an easy, intuitive platform to utilize with lots of helpful features!
  • The Benefits package is very poor and is not useful to me at all.
  • I enjoy how it breaks up the spending insights into several categories such as Food, Transportation, Shopping, Housing Medical, etc.
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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

Gusto Screenshots

Screenshot of Gusto's automated payrollScreenshot of the time-off tracking interfaceScreenshot of the source of truth for HR data