ADP Run vs ClickUp
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.
ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that combines project management, docs, goals, and chat in a single tool. It is known for its extreme flexibility and customization, allowing teams to build their own workflows. ClickUp positions itself as a replacement for multiple tools with one of the most generous free plans in the market.
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
- ✓Extremely feature-rich with one of the most generous free plans available
- ✓Highly customizable to fit any workflow or team structure
- ✓Built-in docs, chat, and time tracking reduce need for other tools
- ✓Regular feature updates based on user feedback
Cons
- ✗Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of features and options
- ✗Performance can slow down with very large workspaces
- ✗Steep learning curve for new users setting up complex workflows
ADP Run vs ClickUp: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
ClickUp Features
- ✓Tasks
- ✓docs
- ✓goals
- ✓chat
- ✓whiteboards
- ✓time tracking
- ✓dashboards
- ✓automation
- ✓multiple views
- ✓integrations
- ✓AI assistant
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose ClickUp if teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor ClickUp 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 ClickUp?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. ClickUp is best for teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
Which is better, ADP Run or ClickUp?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose ClickUp if teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ClickUp cost?
ClickUp starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use ClickUp?
Teams wanting an all-in-one productivity tool to replace multiple apps