ADP Run vs Linear
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.
Linear
Linear is a modern project management tool built for high-performance software teams. It is known for its speed, keyboard-first interface, and opinionated workflows that help engineering teams move fast. Linear has become popular with startups and tech companies as a modern alternative to Jira that prioritizes developer experience.
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
- ✓Incredibly fast and responsive interface
- ✓Keyboard-first design loved by developers
- ✓Clean and modern interface with no clutter
- ✓Strong GitHub and GitLab integration for engineering workflows
Cons
- ✗Built specifically for software teams — limited use for non-technical projects
- ✗Less feature-rich than Jira for complex enterprise workflows
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established tools
- ✗Limited reporting compared to enterprise tools
ADP Run vs Linear: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Linear Features
- ✓Issue tracking
- ✓sprint cycles
- ✓roadmaps
- ✓GitHub and GitLab integration
- ✓keyboard shortcuts
- ✓API access
- ✓automations
- ✓project insights
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Linear 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 Linear?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Linear is best for high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
Which is better, ADP Run or Linear?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Linear cost?
Linear 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 Linear?
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira