RUN Powered by ADP® vs. OnPay

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
OnPay
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
OnPay's payroll and HR is designed for people who want to spend more time running their business, and less on back-office tasks. The application aims to enable users to: • Run payroll • Automate taxes • Let employees do more themselves • Simplify HR processes • Offer benefits in any state OnPay starts at $49 plus $6 per person each month. The monthly fee includes integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and time-tracking software, as well as all quarterly and…N/A
Pricing
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsFirst month free, then $49 + $6 per employee each month.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
Considered Both Products
RUN Powered by ADP®
Chose RUN Powered by ADP®
We switched from Intuit Online Payroll a while back in hopes that ADP would have better features for some of our unique company needs. We understood it would be a higher cost, but the functionality would've been worth it. Intuit was great, but we wanted to eliminate one of …
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 …
OnPay
Chose OnPay
OnPay is easier to use and is better priced. I have been able to do what I need without having to regular get help from them, which I had to do with Quickbooks especially when we switched from desktop to online. It was a pain.
Chose OnPay
Freshbooks whitelables Gusto and when I tried it, it was not ready for prime time at all! Very poor in app functionality and massively limited reports. Intuit/Quickbooks is priced way to high and continually tries to upsell - anything! OnPay seemed to be the best blend of …
Chose OnPay
QB payroll had many issues when using their online software. When the federal government said they missed a filing two years prior they were no help providing the report again. I had a backup copy which the government want 3 copies mailed and this took over a year to close …
Chose OnPay
Our CPA recommended OnPay as the way to go for our small business. So far we're very happy as it's easy to use and everyone has been friendly and helpful.
Chose OnPay
OnPay is less expensive than the larger HRIS payroll platforms, and same cost as Gusto Solo. But OnPay has better peer reviews than Gusto and I was impressed with their speed to onboard.
Chose OnPay
OnPay is more cost effective and does more for me. QB didn't even do the filings, just generated the forms. OnPay does it all and is easier to work with.
Chose OnPay
I was on the phone with Quickbooks for an hour at a time 2 to 3 times a week. I was on their elite payroll plan and they refused to solve the payroll issue that they had created when they updated their system. I needed to use my time better and they were taking up too much of …
Chose OnPay
We choose OnPay for their reputation for being small business and beginner friendly, competitive pricing, and their generally positive reviews. Going with QB Payroll would have been the "default" choice, but their pricing and customer service (we are QB accounting customer) is …
Chose OnPay
Totally buried ADP Run in every way....
Chose OnPay
We used TriNet for over 2 years then they did away with our product and tried to add a bunch of bells and whistles that we didn't need. It wasn't about the money, it was about how awful their sales and support approach was on why we left. That and they had "issues" and missed …
Chose OnPay
Overall OnPay was the best bang for my buck. Had a lot to offer and was cheaper than the rest of the people we looked into
Chose OnPay
OnPay is just a lot more user friendly. It isn't bogged down by a million different features, it really just has everything you need and nothing you don't. It just makes everything really simple and efficient. It's my favorite payroll processing system to use out of several …
Chose OnPay
OnPay was less expensive and easier to learn than QB Payroll.
Chose OnPay
OnPay had everything I would have gotten from ADP for a much better price. Ultimately, the price is what made me choose OnPay. I've stayed because of the quality of the product.
Chose OnPay
We used to use Intuit Online Payroll a while back before they stopped their service. We switched to OnPay and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
Chose OnPay
OnPay is far superior. I would not recommend Gusto. It was a problem from the start. After only a few months we realized Gusto was unable to provide us with a payroll service we could use. Switching to OnPay has been an excellent move. With Gusto it was one major problem after …
Chose OnPay
I've also used 3py payroll/staffing companies. I found those competitors clunky, slower in support, overly complicated, and overpriced. OnPay has been my favorite experience in payroll over the past 20 years.
Chose OnPay
OnPay is the first payroll service we have used, but there has been no reason to justify us looking for a comparable product to make the switch. OnPay has the services we need. It has additional services that we do not currently need, but perhaps in the future if our company …
Features
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
RUN Powered by ADP®
8.3
Ratings
0% above category average
OnPay
9.4
Ratings
13% above category average
Pay calculation9.40 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors8.70 Ratings00 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment9.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.70 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Direct deposit files9.50 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management8.70 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Reimbursement management5.10 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Best Alternatives
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
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
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.1 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
Likelihood to Recommend
8.9
(0 ratings)
8.6
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.3
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.1
(0 ratings)
8.9
(0 ratings)
Availability
9.5
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Performance
9.7
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.5
(0 ratings)
8.1
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
7.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.0
(0 ratings)
9.7
(0 ratings)
Configurability
7.3
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.4
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.8
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.8
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
RUN Powered by ADP®OnPay
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
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OnPay works for me as a small business owner. It streamlines HR, Payroll and Employment Tax Filings - and it can be helpful in exploring benefit options with integrated partners. We run payroll for both of our companies through OnPay and haven't had any issues. The employees find it easy to use on their end, as well. The OnPay representatives are extremely proactive and communicate updates/changes in a very timely manner. If you have a substantial number of employees, it may be more efficient to look elsewhere due to cost.
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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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  • It is easy to add new employees.
  • It is easy to inactivate employees who leave the company.
  • All quarterly and annual reports are completed and filed on a timely basis.
  • Employees have direct online access to their paycheck as well as their W-2.
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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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  • You can add additional additions or benefit items such as a car allowance. The process required me to contact a representative as that wasn't as easy to navigate.
  • The process for handling additional withholdings for pre-payed taxes required support to ensure the calculations were accurate.
  • Process for on-boarding is a little tricky if you don't start the process from the point of hire. You can add various things easily but it reflects differently in terms of completion of an Employee file.
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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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We have used OnPay for a few years now and we do continue to renew our annual use of OnPay. We are only a small organization and although OnPay provides a lot of additional services that larger organizations might ind useful, OnPay still meets our limited requirements of running bi-weekly payroll and submitting our quarterly state and federal tax documents, and at a price that we still find affordable.
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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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For a one geography business in a larger metro area not planning to expand tax geographies or do anything other than the same-ol, same-ol, then I think OnPay is great. Their biggest issue is tax support responsiveness - it's simply unacceptable yet they seem to not be concerned about it at all.
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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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OnPay immediately responds to any of my inquiries.
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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 complaints on OnPay's integration with Xero.
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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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They have always solved my problems and answered the questions I had. In the earlier years, they were much better and faster but in recent years there appears to be not as much people available so this results in more email requests.
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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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Easy to implement and easy to convert any other payroll reports to the OnPay system when making the switch
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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
OnPay is tremendously less expensive and technically superior to Quickbooks in my opinion. OnPay is less expensive and offered the ease of managing a restaurant payroll that was better in my opinion than When I Work. My experience when evaluating all of the payroll products that I felt the company could afford was that OnPay had a superior staff of professionals who knew their product and could explain how to use it most clearly.
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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.
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OnPay works.
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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.
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  • Massive time savings. Wonderfully easy to use interface.
  • I've loved the Chat feature. It's provided quick clear direction from your staff for me at times when it was needed.
  • I've had very minimal worry about the tax filings and am grateful for that component of your automation.
  • During the recession we experienced as a result of COVID19 I was particularly grateful we were able to have guidance from your team on how we needed to handle ERC credits. We did run into filing issues there, but were able to resolve them in the end.
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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

OnPay Screenshots

Screenshot of full-service payrollScreenshot of multiple pay rates and schedulesScreenshot of employee self-onboarding and org charts, which are built-inScreenshot of an e-signable offer lettersScreenshot of calendars, where PTO is managed and approvedScreenshot of centralized finances, viewed with over 20 reports for analyzing employment-related expenses