ADP Run vs FreeAgent
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.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a cloud accounting platform designed specifically for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses in the UK. It offers automatic bank feeds, invoicing, expense management, and self-assessment tax return preparation. FreeAgent is particularly popular with UK freelancers and contractors for its excellent handling of UK tax requirements including Self Assessment and VAT returns.
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
- ✓Excellent UK tax compliance including Self Assessment and VAT returns
- ✓Designed specifically for freelancers and contractors
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Automatic bank feeds save significant time
Cons
- ✗Primarily suited for UK market — limited value for non-UK businesses
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks for complex business needs
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than larger competitors
- ✗Not suitable for larger businesses with complex accounting needs
ADP Run vs FreeAgent: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $12/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor FreeAgent 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 FreeAgent?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Which is better, ADP Run or FreeAgent?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools