ADP Run vs Nutshell
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Nutshell is our recommended pick for most teams — small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Try Nutshell →Read our full Nutshell review →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.
Nutshell
Nutshell is a simple and affordable CRM designed for small and mid-size B2B sales teams. It combines contact management, pipeline automation, and email marketing in one easy-to-use platform. Nutshell is known for its exceptional customer support and quick setup time, making it a favorite for teams switching from spreadsheets.
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
- ✓Outstanding customer support included with every plan
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Built-in email marketing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Transparent and affordable pricing
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than HubSpot or Salesforce
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to enterprise CRMs
- ✗Limited native integrations compared to larger platforms
ADP Run vs Nutshell: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $16/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Nutshell Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Nutshell
PaidStarts at $16/user/mo
Foundation: $16/user/mo · Pro: $42/user/mo · Business: $52/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Nutshell
- →B2B sales teams wanting a simple and affordable CRM
- →Small businesses replacing spreadsheets with a proper pipeline
- →Companies wanting built-in email marketing with their CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Nutshell is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex CRM customization
- ✗Teams requiring advanced AI-powered sales features
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Nutshell
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, QuickBooks, Zapier, Intercom, HubSpot, Mailchimp
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP Run if...
- →Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Choose Nutshell if...
- →Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
- →B2B sales teams wanting a simple and affordable CRM
- →Small businesses replacing spreadsheets with a proper pipeline
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Nutshell 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 Nutshell?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Nutshell is best for small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
Which is better, ADP Run or Nutshell?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Nutshell if small b2b sales teams wanting a simple, affordable crm with great support.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Nutshell cost?
Nutshell starts at $16/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use Nutshell?
Small B2B sales teams wanting a simple, affordable CRM with great support