ADP Run vs Rippling
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.
Rippling
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance in a single system. It can provision employee devices, manage app access, run payroll, and handle benefits — all from one dashboard. Rippling is especially powerful for fast-growing companies that need automation across departments.
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
- ✓Truly all-in-one platform covering HR, IT, and finance
- ✓Powerful workflow automation reduces manual admin work
- ✓Excellent for remote and distributed teams
- ✓Deep integration library with 500+ apps
Cons
- ✗Complex setup process that requires dedicated implementation time
- ✗Can be overwhelming for small teams that only need basic HR
- ✗Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
ADP Run vs Rippling: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Rippling |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $8/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Rippling Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓device management
- ✓app provisioning
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Rippling 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 Rippling?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Rippling is best for mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
Which is better, ADP Run or Rippling?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Rippling cost?
Rippling starts at $8/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 Rippling?
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together