Our Full Review
ADP is the 800-pound gorilla of payroll. With over 75 years in the business and 1+ million clients worldwide, they've earned their reputation for reliability. But does that make them right for your business?
Who Should Use ADP?
ADP is ideal for:
- Mid-market companies (50-500 employees) who need enterprise features without enterprise complexity
- Businesses in highly regulated industries (healthcare, finance) where compliance is critical
- Growing companies who want a platform they won't outgrow
- Multi-state or international operations with complex payroll needs
- Companies needing white-glove support with dedicated account reps
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Companies under 30 employees — Gusto or OnPay will save you money and complexity
- Startups wanting modern UX — Rippling or Deel offer more intuitive interfaces
- Budget-conscious SMBs — ADP's comprehensive features come at a premium
- DIY-friendly teams — ADP shines with support, but you'll pay for it whether you use it or not
Core Payroll Features
ADP's payroll engine is bulletproof:
- Multi-state payroll — Handles complex tax jurisdictions automatically
- Unlimited payroll runs — Run off-cycle bonuses, commissions, etc.
- Tax compliance guarantee — ADP covers penalties if they make a tax filing error
- Wage garnishments — Automated child support, tax levies, etc.
- Same-day ACH — Fast direct deposit options available
- Global payroll — Pay employees in 140+ countries through ADP Global Payroll
HR & Talent Management
Where ADP really differentiates is the breadth of HR tools:
- ADP Workforce Now — Full HRIS with employee records, org charts, document management
- Recruiting — Applicant tracking, job board posting, interview scheduling
- Performance management — Goals, reviews, 360-degree feedback
- Learning management — Training courses, compliance training, certifications
- Succession planning — Identify and develop future leaders
This is where smaller competitors can't compete. If you need an all-in-one platform, ADP delivers.
Benefits Administration
ADP's benefits management is enterprise-grade:
- Open enrollment automation with decision support tools
- Benefits shopping marketplace with carrier integrations
- COBRA administration
- 401(k) recordkeeping through ADP Retirement Services
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
Time & Attendance
ADP offers multiple time tracking solutions depending on your needs:
- ADP Time & Attendance — Scheduling, time clocks, absence management
- Hardware options — Physical time clocks for manufacturing/warehouse environments
- Geofencing — Mobile clock-in with location verification
- Overtime alerts — Real-time notifications prevent budget overruns
Pricing Breakdown
ADP doesn't publish pricing, but here's what to expect:
- ADP Run (1-49 employees): ~$79/mo base + $4-5/employee
- ADP Workforce Now (50+ employees): Custom pricing, typically $10-15/employee/month
- ADP Comprehensive Services (Enterprise): Full-service, pricing varies widely
For a 100-person company on Workforce Now: Expect around $1,200-1,500/month for payroll + HR + time tracking.
Add-ons (benefits admin, recruiting, learning) cost extra. Get a detailed quote before committing.
Support & Service
This is where ADP justifies the premium. You get:
- Dedicated account manager (on Workforce Now+)
- 24/7 phone support with U.S.-based teams
- Compliance alerts and updates
- Year-end tax services (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
When something goes wrong at 5pm on Friday before a holiday weekend, ADP picks up the phone. That peace of mind costs money, but it's worth it if payroll is mission-critical.
The Bottom Line
ADP isn't the cheapest, simplest, or sexiest payroll platform. But it's the most reliable and comprehensive.
If you're at the stage where payroll errors could sink your business—or you need features like multi-state compliance, global payroll, or enterprise HR—ADP delivers. You're not just buying software; you're buying 75 years of payroll expertise and a support team that actually answers the phone.
For smaller teams or budget-conscious startups, the juice isn't worth the squeeze. But if you're past 50 employees and growing fast, ADP is worth serious consideration.