ADP Run vs ActiveCampaign
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ADP Run
ADP Run is a payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses with 1-49 employees. It is powered by ADP, the world's largest payroll provider, giving small businesses access to enterprise-grade payroll processing and compliance tools. ADP Run offers multiple plan tiers from basic payroll to full HR suite depending on the business needs.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that combines email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM in one powerful tool. It is known for having the most advanced email automation capabilities in its price range. ActiveCampaign is used by over 180,000 businesses that want to deliver personalized customer experiences at scale.
Pros
- ✓Backed by ADP's decades of payroll expertise and compliance knowledge
- ✓Scalable — can grow with your business to ADP Workforce Now
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem
Cons
- ✗Pricing is not transparent and can be expensive compared to competitors
- ✗Customer service quality can be inconsistent
- ✗Upselling of additional services reported by customers
- ✗Interface is less modern than newer payroll tools
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class email marketing automation at an affordable price
- ✓Powerful segmentation and personalization capabilities
- ✓Strong CRM features integrated with marketing tools
- ✓Excellent deliverability rates
Cons
- ✗Can be complex to set up advanced automations
- ✗CRM features are less robust than dedicated CRM tools
- ✗Interface has a learning curve for new users
ADP Run vs ActiveCampaign: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $15/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
ActiveCampaign Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓CRM
- ✓lead scoring
- ✓site tracking
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓landing pages
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor ActiveCampaign is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADP Run and ActiveCampaign?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. ActiveCampaign is best for smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
Which is better, ADP Run or ActiveCampaign?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ActiveCampaign cost?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use ActiveCampaign?
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM