ADP Run vs Ashby
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.
Ashby
Ashby is a modern all-in-one recruiting platform built for high-growth companies. It combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple recruiting tools. Ashby is loved by tech startups and scale-ups for its powerful analytics and modern interface that helps recruiting teams make data-driven hiring decisions.
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
- ✓All-in-one platform eliminates need for separate recruiting CRM and scheduling tools
- ✓Exceptional analytics — best-in-class reporting for recruiting teams
- ✓Modern and fast interface loved by recruiting ops teams
- ✓Strong integrations with developer tools
Cons
- ✗Expensive — pricing requires custom quote and targets growth-stage companies
- ✗Overkill for small teams making fewer than 20 hires per year
- ✗Requires dedicated recruiting ops resources to get full value
- ✗Less widely known than Greenhouse or Lever
ADP Run vs Ashby: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Ashby |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Ashby Features
- ✓ATS
- ✓CRM
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓analytics and reporting
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Ashby 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 Ashby?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Ashby is best for high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Which is better, ADP Run or Ashby?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Ashby cost?
Ashby starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use Ashby?
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics