ADP Run vs SugarCRM
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.
SugarCRM
SugarCRM is an open-source CRM platform that offers highly customizable sales, marketing, and customer service tools for mid-size and enterprise businesses. It gives companies full control over their CRM data and workflows, making it popular with businesses that have specific customization or data sovereignty requirements.
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
- ✓Highly customizable to fit complex business processes
- ✓Open-source option gives full data control
- ✓Strong sales and marketing automation
- ✓Good value for mid-market companies
Cons
- ✗Requires technical resources to implement and customize
- ✗Interface is less modern than competitors
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler CRM tools
ADP Run vs SugarCRM: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | SugarCRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $19/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
SugarCRM Features
- ✓Sales automation
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓customer service management
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓API access
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor SugarCRM 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 SugarCRM?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. SugarCRM is best for mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Which is better, ADP Run or SugarCRM?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SugarCRM cost?
SugarCRM starts at $19/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 SugarCRM?
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control