ADP RunvsPaylocity

Features Compared

ADP Run and Paylocity serve the payroll and HR space with notably different feature emphasis. ADP Run is built around comprehensive payroll processing with strong compliance at its core. It handles multi-state payroll, tax filing, new hire reporting, and garnishment processing — features essential for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. ADP Run also includes HR advisor access, giving users direct contact with compliance experts. Paylocity, by contrast, takes a broader human capital management (HCM) approach. Beyond payroll processing and benefits administration, it emphasizes employee engagement through surveys, time and scheduling, and learning management. Paylocity's modern mobile app and solid time-and-attendance module reflect investment in day-to-day user experience rather than backend compliance infrastructure.

The strategic difference is clear: ADP Run prioritizes regulatory accuracy and multi-state complexity, while Paylocity prioritizes employee experience and engagement. If your business requires sophisticated tax filing across states or complex garnishment processing, ADP Run's expertise shines. If you need to drive employee engagement, manage schedules seamlessly, or offer in-platform learning, Paylocity's feature set is more purpose-built. One critical limitation: Paylocity operates US-only with no international payroll capability, making it unsuitable for businesses with global operations. ADP Run does not list international payroll either in the provided data, so both are domestic-focused, but ADP's multi-state infrastructure suggests better scaling for expansion within the US.

Pricing & Value

Pricing models differ significantly between the two platforms. ADP Run lists a straightforward starting price of $59 per month, though that price is marked as transparent only for entry-level use — more complex configurations require a custom quote. Paylocity uses a per-employee model at $15 per employee per month, which means total cost scales directly with headcount. For a 10-person company, Paylocity would cost roughly $1,800 annually; for a 50-person company, $9,000 annually. ADP Run's flat-rate entry point appears cheaper for small teams, but as businesses grow, per-employee pricing becomes competitive. Neither platform advertises a free tier, so both require budget allocation from the start.

• ADP Run: $59/month base price; additional features and multi-state complexity require custom quote
• Paylocity: $15/employee/month; pricing scales predictably with headcount, no hidden tiers mentioned
• Best for small teams (under 15 employees): ADP Run's flat rate likely delivers better value
• Best for mid-market (50+ employees): Paylocity's per-employee model becomes more cost-effective and transparent

Ease of Use & Onboarding

User experience diverges notably between the platforms. ADP Run's interface feels dated compared to newer tools, reflecting its position as a legacy-strength payroll engine optimized for compliance over aesthetics. Setup and onboarding are likely thorough but potentially cumbersome for first-time users unfamiliar with payroll terminology. Paylocity's modern mobile app and modern design suggest a smoother onboarding experience, particularly for businesses where employees will self-service benefits, surveys, and scheduling. However, some users report that certain Paylocity modules feel "bolted-on vs. native," implying inconsistent UX across the platform. ADP Run pairs dated interface with HR advisor access, which can offset the learning curve through hands-on support. Paylocity appeals to teams prioritizing self-sufficiency and mobile-first workflows; ADP Run appeals to those who value guided compliance support even if the interface feels less modern.

Integration & Ecosystem

ADP Run boasts 300+ software integrations, making it highly flexible for businesses with existing tech stacks. This breadth of integration is a significant competitive advantage — whether you use accounting software, HRIS extensions, or niche HR tools, ADP Run likely has a pre-built connector. Paylocity's integration ecosystem is not detailed in the provided data, but the mention of learning management and employee surveys as native features suggests Paylocity prioritizes a self-contained suite over third-party connectors. For organizations with complex tool dependencies or legacy systems, ADP Run's integration depth is a major advantage. Paylocity's approach works better for companies comfortable consolidating HR functions within a single platform.

Who Should Choose ADP Run?

ADP Run is the right choice for multi-state businesses that prioritize compliance and regulatory accuracy above all else. If your company operates payroll in 3+ states, regularly processes garnishments, or needs expert tax filing support, ADP Run's industry-leading compliance expertise and HR advisor access justify the dated interface. Small to mid-market businesses with 5–100 employees who value expert support over flashy UI will feel most at home. Additionally, organizations with complex software ecosystems — accounting platforms, legacy HRIS tools, custom integrations — will benefit from ADP Run's 300+ integrations. Companies willing to pay for a custom setup and ongoing support, rather than self-service configuration, should choose ADP Run.

Who Should Choose Paylocity?

Paylocity is ideal for US-based, growth-focused companies prioritizing employee engagement and modern user experience. If your business is looking to boost retention and engagement through employee surveys, streamline scheduling with a modern app, or offer in-platform learning, Paylocity's native engagement tools deliver clear ROI. Mid-market and larger companies (50+ employees) will find the per-employee pricing predictable and transparent. Teams that operate entirely within the US with no international expansion plans should choose Paylocity. Organizations comfortable with a consolidated HCM platform — rather than integrating multiple point solutions — will appreciate Paylocity's approach. Finally, businesses where mobile-first, modern interface design matters to employee adoption will thrive with Paylocity's modern design and app-first strategy.