ADP Run vs HubSpot CRM
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.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
ADP Run vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor HubSpot CRM 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 HubSpot CRM?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, ADP Run or HubSpot CRM?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM 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 HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation