ADP Run vs Countingup
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.
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
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
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
ADP Run vs Countingup: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Countingup |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Countingup 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 Countingup?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
Which is better, ADP Run or Countingup?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app